What does your cabinet hardware say about you?
The Hardware
What does your cabinet hardware say about you? Perhaps the most exciting part of cabinet refinishing for my clients is the hardware selection. When I first meet with clients about refinishing their kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, they pretty much know what general direction, color or finish they're going for. Once we establish a finish direction, I get to share with them, a wide array of options for hardware. This is often, the most inspiring part of the project! Think of your cabinet hardware as its jewelry. Much of what you want to say about your style in the home, can be said in its cabinet hardware. Here are some things your hardware might say or do for you.
" I'm a refined hippy. When you touch me, think of the earth and smile".
" I am sophisticated and elegant. Don't touch me unless you absolutely must".
" Hi! I'm trendy! Aren't you excited to see me? When you touch me, tell your friends"!
"Oh, hey there! I'm transitional. Don't judge me. When you touch me, just be"
Ok, so we had a little fun with those hardware quotes. Please don't take offense to any of the caricatures if you have these elements in your home. I think everything speaks and our furnishings tell stories about who we are. Sometimes a little levity is healthy, as hardware selection can be very tedious with such a wide array of choices.
If you've ever been shopping for hardware, you'll know the options are endless, which can be overwhelming for some. For others, there's a "thrill of the hunt" vibe that accompanies the journey. Some of the coolest places we've found for cabinet hardware are your local antiques stores, Hobby Lobby and if you're lucky enough to have one nearby, Anthropologie. Here are a few before and after shots of the projects we've been able to incorporate cool hardware into.
We love turning cabinetry into furniture. Here is a bathroom vanity that took on a whole new feel with the application. You can find this hardware, featured in closeup above at: www.coolknobsandpulls.com
I don't have a "before" image of this wet bar, but it was just basic cabinetry. We found these killer drop-pull medallions at Mary's Antiques in downtown Greensboro.
This boring built-in cabinet on the left found new life with an old-world feel by adding hand made, blacksmith style hardware to a glazed and distressed finish. We found this hardware at Hobby Lobby.
Another section of built-in cabinetry from the same room as above took on more of an armoire feel when we added the large medallion pulls to the center of the doors. This hardware was also found at Hobby Lobby.
This tired old built-in got the update of a lifetime. By adding the sleek, nickel pulls to a high gloss, espresso lacquer, we were able to time warp this piece from late 80s traditional to modern day professional.
To learn more about what you can do to update or repurpose your cabinetry, feel free to drop us a line. We'd love to help you turn that house into a home that's uniquely you.
