Many people struggle to choose cabinet doors, colors, and materials, so when it comes to choosing hardware, they go for whatever's easiest. But according to Gaines, hardware can really transform a kitchen, so it's important to pay attention to it. “I think hardware plays such a big role in the style of a space,” she told PureWow. Hardware can really help accentuate a theme. For example, if you want to convey a contemporary vibe, choose long, chrome, or matte black handles. But if you want a more midcentury aesthetic, opt for small brass knobs.
To recreate this in your own home, spend a few days gathering information on what hardware designers use in the type of kitchen you want to create. For example, if you want a French country-style kitchen, save photos of that space on Pinterest and Instagram. Once you have a comprehensive selection, scroll through them and take note of what types of pulls and knobs were chosen. Also, pay attention to the type of hinges on the cabinets. Are they exposed and decorative, or neatly hidden? All these little details add up to support your chosen theme. But once you choose a particular knob or pull, be sure to repeat it throughout. “Using the same cabinet hardware and cabinet pulls on all the cabinets in your kitchen will create consistency, both in the island and around the perimeter,” Gaines explains in her Magnolia post.