Thinking about installing new kitchen hardware? Learn how I elevated my kitchen with Signature Hardware’s brass knobs and pulls and get expert tips on how to install your own new kitchen hardware.
Installing new kitchen hardware is one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your kitchen’s look without undergoing a full renovation. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern feel or a touch of timeless elegance, hardware plays a huge role in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
In my own kitchen, I chose a combination of polished brass cabinet knobs and drawer pulls from Signature Hardware. Here’s how I transformed my space with this beautiful hardware, along with tips for installing new kitchen hardware that can help you upgrade your own.
Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Hardware
Hardware comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes, and prices can range from budget-friendly options to high-end splurges. In my case, I decided it was worth investing in solid brass knobs and pulls. While brass hardware tends to be more expensive, the quality, craftsmanship, and durability make it well worth the cost, especially for a kitchen that sees daily use. The pieces I selected, the Strasbourg Brass Cabinet Knob and the Avignon Brass Cabinet Pull with Backplate, are polished brass and absolutely stunning.
The polished brass finish adds a rich, sophisticated touch, and I especially love the backplate detail on the pulls. The combination of knobs and pulls also creates visual interest. I used knobs for my cabinets and pulls for the drawers, which not only added dimension but gave my kitchen a more custom, designer feel.
Why I Love a Combination of Knobs and Pulls
One of the simplest ways to elevate your kitchen hardware is by using a combination of cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Knobs are perfect for cabinet doors, while pulls tend to be more functional for drawers. The mix of the two also helps soften the lines in your kitchen, avoiding an overwhelming grid of straight vertical and horizontal lines that can occur when using only pulls. By alternating between knobs and pulls, you add texture and interest to the cabinetry, making the overall design more custom and dynamic and less “builder-grade.”
Tips for Installing New Kitchen Hardware
While changing out hardware is a fairly easy DIY project, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother and ensure a professional-looking result. Here’s what I recommend when it comes to installing new kitchen hardware:
Use a Hardware Jig for Consistency
A jig is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to installing kitchen hardware. This tool allows you to drill your pilot holes in the same exact spot on every cabinet and drawer, ensuring consistency across the entire kitchen. A jig has measurements and holes that guide your drill, so you don’t have to eyeball anything. Trust me, this tool is worth the investment if you want to avoid mistakes and save time.
Always Drill Pilot Holes
Before installing your hardware, it’s essential to drill pilot holes. Pilot holes help prevent the wood from splitting, ensuring a smooth and clean installation. Be sure to drill from the front of the cabinet or drawer to the back. That way, if there’s any splitting, it will happen on the inside where it won’t be visible.
Take your time when drilling the holes, and make sure you’re using the correct drill bit size for the hardware screws. Going too fast or using the wrong size drill bit can damage your cabinets or drawers, so precision is key.
Play with Hardware Placement
One of the best things about installing new hardware is that you have creative control over where it goes. For cabinet knobs, you can center them from the corner, align them with the top of the cabinet, or try other positions to see what looks best. Take some time to play around with the placement and find a layout that complements the style of your kitchen.
Choosing the Right Hardware Finish
The finish of your hardware is an important decision because it should complement the rest of your kitchen’s design. In my kitchen, I opted for polished brass, which adds a timeless, classic feel and coordinates beautifully with my other design elements. If you’re not sure which finish to choose, consider how it will work with your countertops, backsplash, appliances, and lighting.
It’s also worth thinking about mixing metals. While I went with an all-brass look in this kitchen, I’ve experimented with mixed metals in the past, and it’s a trend that’s becoming increasingly popular. For instance, brass and black create a chic contrast, while brass and polished nickel offer a softer, more understated pairing. If you decide to mix metals, make sure you use at least two pieces of hardware in each finish to make it look intentional rather than accidental.
Final Thoughts on Installing New Kitchen Hardware
If you’re looking for a quick way to transform your kitchen, installing new kitchen hardware is a fantastic project to take on. With a combination of high-quality knobs and pulls, you can elevate your kitchen’s style without a major renovation. I highly recommend considering Signature Hardware’s beautiful selection of brass hardware if you want a lasting, luxurious feel. And by following these tips, you can achieve a polished and professional installation that will make your kitchen shine.
Happy hardware installation!
Looking to plan a kitchen renovation and feeling overwhelmed? I put together a few planning tips to help get you started!
