Is your kitchen layout feeling out of place? If the answer is yes, it's worth checking to see if outdated kitchen hardware trends are ruining the look of your kitchen. While hardware may be a small detail in your space, it has a big impact on the overall look and feel of your design.
Recent kitchen trends favor timeless design, but that wasn't always the case. There's a reason why long-time favorite styles quickly fell out of favor, especially when it comes to kitchen hardware ideas. From style and design to finish and size, there's a lot to consider when choosing the right kitchen hardware and knowing which kitchen trends to avoid.
To find out if your hardware is causing the problem, we asked interior designers and kitchen experts what old kitchen hardware trends could be disrupting your design scheme, and what they should be replaced with.
5 Outdated Kitchen Hardware Trends to Avoid
Designing a kitchen is about creating a space you love that reflects your personal tastes, but there are some features you should avoid. Interior designers say these hardware trends and styles can make a space feel outdated. Here are some alternatives.
1. Cup handles
(Image courtesy of Naked Kitchens)
Sometimes a style of hardware may look appropriate in one scheme but feel outdated in another. The key is choosing the right combination, and in some kitchen designs, cup handles can leave spaces in need of updating.
“Kitchen cabinet hardware is a very important design consideration and can make or break the final look of your kitchen. Handles shouldn't be too ornate or large so as not to distract from the sleek design. Cup handles were the classic handle for Shaker kitchens but can sometimes look dated. Cup handles don't always lend themselves to a design, especially when used vertically,” says Jane Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens.
“T-bars look much more trendy and modern. If you use cup handles, the finish is key to making them look good. Warm, aged brass works well, but cup handles should be paired with knobs for base or wall cabinets, or with more practical bar handles for taller cabinets,” she adds.
2. Ultra-modern design
(Image courtesy of Dmar Interiors/Shelby Bourne Photography)
The trend this year is to incorporate more personality into your decor, from traditional to contemporary, and hardware is no exception. Choose something that's too sleek and modern, as that can make your space feel dated and lacking in character, so go for something more interesting.
“Choosing the right hardware for your kitchen cabinets shows that you pay attention to every detail. Perfect hardware shows that you care about more than just the practical function of the space. Great hardware is like jewelry; it can be fun and elevate the entire room,” says Molly Lanidze, founder and principal designer at Dmar Interiors.
“While there is a time and place for most designs, ultra-modern, linear hardware generally looks very dated. Now, it's time for thoughtfully shaped hardware to add a bit of detail and appeal. You can still opt for modern hardware, but playing a bit with scale, finish, texture, or shape is a must,” she adds.
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3. Use only one hardware size
(Image courtesy of Naked Kitchens)
Gone are the days when every drawer and cabinet had the same sized handles and knobs. Scale is very important in interior design, but especially when it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware.
“Small, elegant cabinet knobs may look lost against wide drawer fronts, while long, chunky appliance handles may feel intimidating in a small space, so the size of your hardware also needs to be considered,” says managing director Paul Clifford. Croft.
For example, consider a kitchen with drawers, standard-sized cabinets, and a large cupboard for pantry storage. Using tiny knobs on all the doors would not only look a little odd, but it would also be impractical. Instead, size the hardware to fit the size of the doors or draw the door openings.
4. Industrial-style hardware
(Image courtesy of Davonport)
Just like very sleek and modern designs can make your kitchen look dated, dark industrial style kitchen hardware can also look outdated and make you feel as though your kitchen design is in need of a major dated update.
“Overly industrial hardware is going out of style and can quickly make a kitchen look dated. Around 10 years ago, cup handles in particular were a classic choice as they were different and added an edgy feel to a kitchen, but that's no longer the case,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
“Other options offer a more modern feel if you want a dark metal alternative or cup handles, while on-trend textured and ribbed designs are also available to ensure these types of handles will never look outdated in your kitchen,” he adds. Opt for a textured design or go for a timeless style like brushed chrome or antique brass.
5. A bold style that doesn’t match the aesthetic of your kitchen
(Image courtesy of Industville)
For years, kitchen hardware has seen a rise in bright colors and playful designs, and while a mix of knobs and handles with different patterns was popular at one time, it can look out of place and a bit cluttered if it doesn't match the feel and aesthetic of your kitchen.
“In today's world, hardware comes in all different shapes, sizes and finishes, so considering the style of your hardware – whether it will suit a modern kitchen or a traditional farmhouse kitchen – can make a big difference in whether it ties together seamlessly with your overall design,” says Paul.
Instead, lean towards texture and tactile styles as a way to add interest to your space: “Opting for quality when selecting items you'll touch often is key to longevity, so choose cabinet pulls and handles with interesting patterns and designs for a different, luxurious finish,” he adds.
To keep this playful design style chic, it's important to choose a consistent finish even when mixing hardware shapes. “Warm finishes like dark bronze and satin brass add warmth to cool-toned cabinetry and pair beautifully with wood, while clients who prefer ultra-modern kitchen designs tend to opt for black finishes. Using the same finish across your kitchen hardware creates a harmonious flow and elevates the overall design scheme.”
Choosing the right hardware is key to creating an impactful small kitchen, and that starts with avoiding outdated trends.
