Helpful Hardware Tips

Getting a handle on choosing the right hardware

Choosing the right hardware for your freshly painted cabinets can seem like an intimidating endeavor, but it significantly enhances the overall appearance of your space. In this blog, we’ll explore what we call the three F's of hardware selection: Form, Function, and Finish.

Form: At its core, this refers to the shape of your hardware. Pulls and knobs come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, making it crucial to select the right look and fit for your doors and drawers as the first step in hardware selection. A useful tip for determining the appropriate sized pull is to use painter's tape to outline your options. This temporary visual guide will help you evaluate size and placement effectively. If you prefer knobs, consider utilizing circular or dot labels, or even felt chair pads as alternatives to tape. Choosing circular shapes can lend a sense of softness and evoke a more traditional aesthetic, while straight lines and squares often convey a modern feel. The shape of pulls also holds importance from a functional standpoint. For instance, a closed-ended pull may be more suitable for lower cabinets or drawers, as it can prevent clothing from snagging while still being visually appealing.

Function: Think about how you typically open a door or drawer and what feels most practical. A lot of function is driven by personal preference, and it ultimately comes down to your preferred method for accessing your items. A common and budget-friendly choice is to install knobs on doors for easier opening. Conversely, knobs can sometimes lead to increased wear and tear on the cabinet surfaces surrounding the hardware due to hand oils. Pulls, on the other hand, are a favored choice throughout a space, offering a better grip compared to knobs and proving to be more effective for heavier drawers. Often, the best strategy is to mix and match hardware. Selecting the right type of hardware for each individual door or drawer based on its location, size, and purpose can guide you toward making the most informed choice.

Finish: After determining the type of hardware—whether it's a pull, knob, or combination—as well as the size and shape, the next step is to select your desired finish. With a plethora of options available, ranging from champagne bronze to brushed nickel and matte black, finding the perfect color and sheen can feel a bit daunting. However, now that you've completed the initial steps to refine the form and function, you may find your choices are more manageable than anticipated! When selecting a finish, consider the larger design elements in your space, such as countertops, backsplashes, faucets, and appliances. Choosing a color that complements these key components will help guide your decision in selecting the ideal finish. Don’t hesitate to play around with different finishes. Until recently, opting for a single finish throughout an entire space was the typical and straightforward approach. However, contemporary cabinets often showcase a blend of finishes, typically not exceeding two. It's common to see a mix that enhances visual interest without becoming the main focal point of the area. The best advice is to have fun and don't be afraid to experiment!

During your complimentary color consultation with A La Carte Cabinet Painting, feel free to seek our expert advise on hardware selection. We're happy to provide you with practical guidance as you consider your many options on your newly painted cabinets.

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Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2025

By Heather Perkins • February 11, 2025

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.