When planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, it’s easy to focus on the larger items, such as countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. However, you must also be choosing the right hardware for your home. This is an important step because it will create the balance between function and form. Learn more about it in this article!
Tips to Help You Choose the Right Hardware for Your Home
There are many styles, sizes, types, finishes, and materials of hardware available. If you’re planning a full-house renovation, it’s wise to understand what they are so that you can choose the right hardware for your home! Here are a few tips to help you:
Types of Hardware
When choosing the right hardware for your home, you must make sure you have a similar style to what’s in the rest of the house, but comfort is the main goal.
Overall, personal preference is crucial. You might want to get samples of the pulls or knobs you’re considering or even visit the local hardware store to get an idea of what’s available. If you do this, consider taking a photo of the cabinet or door to make sure they look great.
Make sure the size and shape fit your hand well, and consider other people (guests) who might use it. Likewise, you can mix and match them to create more visual interest. Just ensure that you select one style and stick with the same finish.
If you’re updating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you might also want it to look like the rest of the house. Therefore, you’ll be furnishing it with furniture, lighting, and accessories. Housing units should all be similar to create continuity throughout the property.
Size of Handles
You should consider the balance, proportion, function, and aesthetics when it is time to choose the right hardware for your home. Overall, design and drawing plans will tell you how large everything will be when it’s completed. However, you’ll have to eyeball the hardware.
For example, oversized cabinets and drawers will require larger hardware pieces for functionality. If they’re small drawers and doors, a knob or smaller pull might be appropriate.
The rule of thumb for choosing transitional or traditional pulls is that they should be roughly one-third of the full length of your cabinet drawer. If the drawer is over 18 inches wide, you might need two pulls or knobs.
If you like a contemporary design, longer pulls that are two-thirds of the full length of the cabinet door or drawer are ideal.
Position of the Handles
Usually, pulls are put horizontally on the drawers, but they’re vertical on doors. However, contemporary homes might have horizontal pulls on the doors to offer a sleeker look. Regardless of your house’s style, you should think about where you’re putting the hardware before they’re permanently attached.
Styles of Hardware
It doesn’t have to be difficult to choose the right hardware for your home, whether you’re considering room additions or garage conversions. Here are the top styles available:
- Contemporary – Usually, contemporary styles feature neutral colors, less ornamentation, and sleek lines. You should choose streamlined and simple hardware here.
- Transitional – With a transitional style, you can blend traditional and contemporary elements together. For example, inset doors offer a clean look, but the hardware could be slightly ornate.
- Traditional – Overall, traditional spaces focus on elaborate embellishments, details, and moldings. Usually, designers select ornate and fancy hardware.
- Rustic – Rustic or farmhouse styles are warm and inviting. Therefore, the hardware should also convey that feeling. Typically, black, copper, and bronze finishes are ideal.
- Eclectic – If you have a varied personality, you might consider unique hardware to spice things up. Think about seashells for handles or painted knobs for an informal space.
Material
Cabinet hardware comes in various materials, but metal alloys are the most common. Brass often features a plating or lacquer on the surface, so it’s durable in kitchens and bathrooms. Likewise, it’s antimicrobial, so you can reduce the spread of germs.
Alternatively, bronze is also antimicrobial but often looks and feels more substantial. Therefore, it might work best in conjunction with thicker wood materials. Stainless steel is another excellent choice because it’s easy to clean and highly durable.
Other materials include pewter, nickel, glass, ceramic, and crystal. Overall, you should choose something that makes you happy and looks good.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Appropriate Hardware for Your Home
Once you have completed the renovations, it’s time to be choosing the right hardware for your home. Most homeowners already have ideas in mind because they know what they love and prefer. However, you may need help selecting the best options.
Paragon Builders have home remodeling experts who help customers build custom homes and renovate any space! We also offer advice on which hardware options might be suitable based on your style and requirements. Call (858) 336-8336 to consult with our experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Scandinavian design focuses more on greenery, wood accents, modern furniture, natural lighting, and muted colors. Overall, it takes the “less is more” approach. Therefore, you’ll have a decluttered space, a spot for everything, and a simple lifestyle.
From our guide to Scandinavian style, you learned the rooms with this design have a modern and sleek feeling. It benefits from the mixture of textures and contrasts created within.
However, the Nordic style incorporates more handmade furniture, and wood is more prevalent. Therefore, you achieve a more rustic feel.
In a sense, the Scandinavian style is more fresh and bright, while Nordic homes are more woodsy and rustic.
The Scandinavian design began in the 20th century, and it’s still one of the most popular styles in America now. The focus is on coziness and simplicity, which is what many homeowners crave for their homes.
Whether you’re considering garage conversions or simply want to try the style, eco-friendliness and sustainability are the top trends. Therefore, you’ll wish to use organic and natural materials while incorporating elements to promote less waste and more energy efficiency.
