Choosing San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a big part of transforming your kitchen. Warmer cabinet colors pair well with bronze or gold hardware, while cooler cabinets may look best with black or silver finishes. Keep in mind that knobs tend to work better on upper cabinet doors, while pulls are more suitable for lower and drawer cabinets.
Two-Toned Cabinets
Two-toned cabinets have been a popular kitchen trend for years. It allows homeowners to add some personality to their kitchen without needing to commit to a full remodel. Whether you prefer black lowers and white uppers or light wood accents on the island, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors and hardware for your new two-toned kitchen.
Start with a Neutral Base
While color trends come and go, neutral tones will always be in style. Choosing a neutral base for your cabinets allows you to add pops of color through other design elements like your backsplash, countertops, and appliances. It also makes it easier to switch up your kitchen colors down the line if you tire of them.
Pick a Darker Shade for the Lowers
A darker shade on the lower cabinets creates an instant focal point that draws the eye and helps make your kitchen feel balanced. While it may seem counterintuitive to paint the lowers a different color than the uppers, this technique works well for larger kitchen spaces.
If you’re going to go with a darker shade for your lowers, keep in mind that they will need to be painted with latex paint to avoid yellowing over time. If you’re considering a dark color for your cabinetry, consult with a professional to ensure your choice is compatible with your lighting, flooring, and home design.
Select the Perfect Cabinet Hardware
Changing the hardware in your kitchen is a quick and affordable way to update your entire space. Choosing hardware that complements the color and finish of your refinished cabinets will ensure that your updated kitchen looks seamless and professionally designed.
For example, brushed nickel hardware works best with modern kitchens while bronze, antique brass, and pewter hardware pairs beautifully with traditional aesthetics. Keeping the shape of your cabinet pulls consistent across the whole kitchen (knobs on doors and handles on drawers) is also important for a cohesive look.
While two-toned cabinets are certainly a design trend, they can be a timeless and beautiful choice for any kitchen. With so many design options available, it’s easy to find the right combination to fit your unique aesthetic and complement your refinished cabinets.
Modern Cabinets
Cabinet hardware is not just about function; it also offers a chance to create a unique design style. In fact, there are countless creative options for knobs, pulls, and handles that can transform your kitchen from builder-grade basic to a show-stopping space you’ll love.
Whether you’ve opted for painted or stained cabinets, the color and finish of your new cabinet hardware will make an enormous difference in how your new kitchen looks. Choosing a neutral shade like white or cream can brighten your entire room while blending into the surrounding decor. Or, choose a bold shade that adds color and personality. You can even combine a traditional cabinet color with modern or vintage hardware for an eclectic look that combines old and new.
While a paint or lacquer finish is more versatile, stained cabinets can be more durable and hold up to everyday use. Wood finishes, like cherry or walnut, are especially beautiful and work well with both modern and traditional styles. The natural grain of the wood adds texture to your new kitchen while creating a classic aesthetic.
A refinishing company can help you determine the best finish for your cabinets. The choice will depend on your budget and the level of durability you desire. If you want your cabinets to be as durable as possible, consider a high-density wood that is up to 100% thicker than standard plywood.
The next step is deciding on a style for your cabinet hardware. The most common style is a simple knob with minimal detail, but you can opt for a more ornate style to add visual interest. Mixing different types of knobs and pulls can be fun, but keep in mind that it’s best to stick with the same style throughout the room.
For a modern kitchen, you can’t go wrong with metal finishes such as satin nickel or matte black. These versatile finishes complement a variety of kitchen colors and are also easy to clean. To add a hint of warmth and contrast, you can also opt for bronze or antique brass hardware.
Traditional Cabinets
Cabinet hardware isn’t just functional- it’s a defining element in the overall look of your kitchen. With a little creativity, the right selections can enhance your refinished cabinets and transform the space into something entirely new. The wrong choices, on the other hand, can leave you feeling like your newly refaced cabinets are flat and lifeless. Let the team at N-Hance help you navigate trends, materials and styles to find the ideal hardware for your refinished cabinets.
First, choose your material and finish. Timeless materials like solid wood and matte finishes are highly durable and unlikely to go out of style. For a more modern look, you can also opt for lacquer or polyurethane finishes. Ultimately, it’s all about choosing what suits your personal taste best.
Then, you can decide whether to use knobs or pulls for your cabinet doors and drawers. Knobs are typically used on upper cabinet doors and smaller drawers, while pulls are often reserved for larger lower cabinets and appliances. Generally speaking, it’s good to keep the size and shape of the cabinet hardware consistent throughout your kitchen. This helps ensure that the design looks unified and cohesive.
When it comes to color, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are classic options for any home. These enduring metals are versatile enough to blend with both traditional and contemporary styles, while still providing a subtle, refined look. It’s also a good idea to stick with a consistent finish across the room, whether you’re using knobs or pulls, in order to maintain a unified look.
Lastly, consider using decorative or artisanal hardware to add an extra level of flair to your cabinets. Decorative elements like ceramic knobs or hand-forged iron pulls can provide an elegant, rustic, or vintage touch that’s perfect for traditional or farmhouse cabinets. Incorporating family heirlooms and vintage finds can also be a great way to add personal touches to your home decor and infuse your space with a sense of history and personality.
Transitional Cabinets
Cabinet hardware is the final element to tie your kitchen together. It’s important to choose the right style and color to ensure your refinished cabinets look their best. While there are many options to choose from, a few simple tips can help make the process less confusing.
First, consider the overall temperature of your cabinets. Warmer colors pair well with bronze or gold hardware, while cooler shades can be complemented by black, silver, and matte nickel finishes. It’s also a good idea to match the finish of your faucet and light fixtures, so you don’t end up with an overwhelming mix of metals.
Next, consider the shape of your cabinet door and drawer fronts. For example, flat panel doors and shaker-style cabinetry tend to work well with sleek, minimal hardware. In general, knobs are more suited to upper cabinets and lower drawers, while pulls look great on taller doors and hutches. It’s also a good idea not to overdo the design with too much detail, since transitional cabinetry is all about balance and simplicity.
The transitional design style combines traditional and modern influences, allowing for a flexible look that works in homes of all styles. It’s ideal for older houses with classic details that need a fresh update, as well as newer homes that want to avoid over-the-top trends. It’s easy to see why so many homeowners choose this versatile cabinet option.
In terms of color, clean whites and neutrals are the most popular choices for transitional kitchens. These cabinet colors are paired with natural elements like wood flooring or stone countertops to create a balanced, timeless kitchen that’s still comfortable and familiar.
If you’re going with a clean, bright white cabinet shade, opt for classic brass or antique brass hardware. These finishes complement the warm, earthy tone of white while avoiding a clash with any other metals in your kitchen, such as stainless steel appliances and chrome plumbing fixtures. For a slightly more ornate look, try satin nickel or muted gold hardware with curved lines to add contrast without going over the top.
