New cabinets, a fresh coat of paint, and shiny new appliances are all ways to transform your kitchen and make it a space you love spending time in—but these upgrades can be time-consuming or expensive. So what’s a quick and cost-effective way to change up the look of a space you probably spend hours a week in? Switch out your kitchen cabinet hardware! But not with just any old hardware—we’ve started to see some of our favorite designers integrating statement-making knobs and pulls into kitchens, and we’re totally inspired.
“Hardware is one of the easiest ways to elevate a kitchen,” explain Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of L.A.-based House of Rolison. “It’s the jewelry of the home. We love choosing knobs and pulls that feel sculptural or textural, so even minimal cabinetry feels custom.” Want some inspo? We’ve got it! Check out how even simple swaps can elevate your cabinets.
Mix Scale and Finishes
Why not get a little funky and mix and match your hardware, like in this kitchen by House of Rolison? “Our go-to brands are Emtek, Lo & Co, and Plank Hardware, say Leigh and Hahn. “They each strike that perfect balance between refined and approachable. We tend to mix finishes and scales for added rhythm—pairing smaller knobs with elongated pulls or using aged brass against moody wood tones.”
Use Recessed Pulls
Image by Joao Canziani, Design by Arterberry Cooke
A cool way to do statement “hardware” is to skip the hardware altogether. That is to say, recessed pulls! “Integrated pulls help modern kitchens feel sleek and intentionally appointed,” says Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke. “For this kitchen, we used a combination of recessed circular pulls and push latch hardware to achieve a contemporary and sleek look.” Cool!
Go Oversized
Photo by Crotty Photo, Design by KLH Homes
“We have never shied away from statement knobs in a kitchen,” says Liz Hoekzema of KLH Homes. “They instantly make a space feel personal. Our studio loves to surprise through scale, material selection, and interesting hardware placements to delight the eye in a primarily functional space,” she explains.
“Case in point: donut-like white oak knobs ordered through a maker in Slovenia and stained to match the custom cabinetry, installed as separate halves on pairs of doors, and together to form circles on the drawers and single doors, tricking the eye and creating more impact.” Obsessed!
Try Unlacquered Metals
Photo by Nils Timm, Design by House of Rolison
“We like pieces that develop character over time,” say Leigh and Hahn. “Unlacquered metals that patina, or hardware with a tactile, handmade feel. A good piece of hardware doesn’t just function—it invites touch, adds soul, and ties the entire palette together.” We also love this mix of on-trend wavy pulls and marble knobs. Neutrals, but made interesting!
Make a Subtle Change
Photo by Lam Photography, Design by Camden Grace Interiors
If going big with your hardware isn’t your style, start with a switch that’s a little more traditional. “If you’re looking to incorporate statement hardware into your kitchen cabinets, try sprinkling in some latch-style pieces alongside more traditional pulls and knobs,” says Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors. “The latch detail adds a layer of character and charm, making even the simplest cabinetry feel special.”
