I can perfectly picture the cherry wood cabinets with the ugly white knobs in my childhood apartment in my mind's eye. These cabinets made my kitchen look shabby for years—and we couldn't figure out why. I didn't realize what a difference the cabinet hardware could make until I replaced mine.
My kitchen felt tired – it didn't need a complete renovation (at least not that I could do that in my rental apartment), but it wasn't a space that really sparked inspiration either. I had been looking for new paint colors and removable tiles for my floor before I finally started with something smaller: the white knobs.
The effect was noticeable immediately. Suddenly my cabinets looked intentional and brand new – and I really didn't have to do much. That's when I realized why designers always talk about hardware: it's the jewelry of a room, the detail that holds everything together. And after speaking to some experts, they confirmed that this small change actually has a big impact.
Choosing durable hardware
My new apartment's cabinet handles are metal, but I still hate them, so I did some window shopping online the right ones. If you are a renter like me, finding hardware that I can take with me to the next location is important.
“Rectangular handles and classic round knobs will never go out of style,” says Brittney Leudecke, designer and founder of Signature Styles by Britt. “They’re like the little black dress of hardware – simple and clean, they fit into almost any kitchen design.”
Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, adds that minimalist handles and simple round buttons remain classics “because they adapt to evolving trends.”
While replacing hardware is as easy as possible, I wanted to steer clear of trends that I'll probably want to change again in a few months.
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Mix and personalize
Of course, buying hardware isn't just about finding the most versatile piece to fit every type of cabinet—it's also about adding a little more personality to your kitchen. I've always been drawn to a mix of styles, so I asked the designers if it would be a mistake to combine styles and mix metals. Turns out it doesn't have to be that way.
“I love mixing metals when it feels intentional,” Leudecke says, telling me about her first kitchen, where she combined hand-painted knobs she collected while traveling with a giant amethyst knob on a cabinet. “It was completely over the top, but it fit my rustic, eclectic space and always sparked conversation.”
Kelly has a slightly more structured approach, but is equally open to mixes.
“The key is balance – repeating each finish at least twice creates intention,” says Kelly. “For example, combining matte black handles with brass faucets and lighting makes a room appear layered rather than chaotic.
Choosing hardware isn't about following a set of rules – it's about deciding how your kitchen suits you.
High-end look, cost-effective replacement
When I replaced my knobs in my last apartment, I probably spent less than $50 total and purchased my knobs on Amazon – making this one of the easiest and most affordable DIY jobs I've ever done. The designers agree: You don't have to spend a lot of money to make the hardware look classy.
“You could spend a hundred dollars per handle, and if it doesn't fit in your kitchen, it'll look shabby,” says Leudecke. “Even a five-dollar piece can look high-end if it fits the room.”
Kelly points out that you can achieve maximum impact with little effort with a few thoughtful choices, such as adding oversized handles to your space.
“They draw the eye, add a touch of drama, and immediately convey a custom, high-end feel—even with standard cabinets,” she says.
Sometimes the smallest changes really are the smartest. If your kitchen is feeling tired, it doesn't necessarily need a complete renovation – something as simple as new knobs can make your kitchen feel fresh.