Kitchen cabinet handles are an important design element that can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen. As with most home decor trends, kitchen hardware styles come in and out of fashion. By updating your cabinet knobs and pulls, you can easily transform your kitchen’s aesthetic. So what are the latest trends for kitchen cabinet handles in 2023?
Page Contents
- 1 Minimalist Handles
- 2 Textured Finishes
- 3 Two-Tone Finishes
- 4 Colored Handles
- 5 Organic Shapes
- 6 Vintage Inspired Handles
- 7 Mixed Metals
- 8 Oversized Statement Handles
- 9 Unique Materials
- 10 Interior Design Trends Influencing Hardware
- 11 Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles
- 12 Cost to Update Handles
- 13 Trending Handle Styles
- 14 Conclusion
Minimalist Handles
Clean, minimalist hardware is in. Homeowners are moving away from ornate, oversized handles and opting for simple, subtler styles. Minimalist cabinet pulls tend to have straight, geometric shapes with little to no ornamentation.
Popular finishes for minimalist hardware include matte black, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte white. The simplicity of these finishes complements the pared-down style of minimalist handles. Some of the most popular shapes include rectangular bar pulls, flat square or round knobs, and U-shaped handles.
Minimalist kitchen cabinet handles work well in modern and contemporary kitchens. They have a sleek, streamlined look that matches the aesthetic of these styles. Minimalist hardware also helps keep the focus on other decorative elements like tile backsplashes, countertops, or high-end appliances.
Textured Finishes
While clean-lined minimalism is in, so are textured finishes that lend visual interest and depth. Coming into popularity are kitchen cabinet handles made from materials like wrought iron, natural stone, leather, wood, and woven fabrics. Textured handles pair nicely with distressed and eclectic kitchen designs.
Wrought iron pulls and knobs have a rugged, handcrafted look. Stone hardware made from materials like marble, granite, and quartz add organic texture. Leather straps or acrylic pulls with woven fabric accents provide both texture and softness. Lastly, wooden handles complement rustic, farmhouse, or craftsman style kitchens.
Textured handles are great statement pieces. They command attention and become focal points, especially on neutral cabinetry. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures either. For example, pair marble knobs with woven pulls for an eclectic look.
Two-Tone Finishes
Two-tone kitchen cabinet handles are surging in popularity. These handles combine two complementary metallic finishes for extra visual punch. For example, a handle may have a brass base with nickel or pewter highlights. Other popular color combinations include black and brass or silver and gold.
Two-tone finishes allow you to enjoy the best aspects of each material. For instance, brass provides warmth while nickel has a cooler, sleeker appearance. Using both finishes together results in hardware that’s elegant, eye-catching, and versatile enough to match a range of decor styles.
In addition to two metals, some handles may mix metal with other materials like wood or acrylic for accent details. The eclectic mix of textures and colors in two-tone handles makes them a fun statement piece.
Colored Handles
While most kitchen cabinet hardware comes in metallic finishes, colored handles are growing in popularity. Painted handles and pulls offer a quick and affordable way to inject personality into your kitchen. They also allow you to add a splash of color without overwhelming the space.
Some of the most popular colors for cabinet handles include navy, black, white, gray, and metallic shades of gold and bronze. You can opt for subtle, muted tones or go bold with bright, saturated hues. Just be sure your colored hardware ties in with your kitchen’s overall color palette.
Colorful handles pair well with both light and dark cabinets. On white cabinets, vibrant hardware pops. On wood or painted cabinets, colorful pulls provide eye-catching contrast. Just swap out your dated brass or chrome hardware for fresh, colorful options.
Organic Shapes
Sleek and geometric hardware suites remain popular, but organic shapes are also having a moment. Nature-inspired handles with irregular shapes, including ovals, crescent moons, and asymmetrical silhouettes, provide free-flowing contrast to rigid cabinetry and countertops.
Organic handles made from materials like wood, clay, or concrete add natural texture. Curving metal handles with plant or animal motifs also fit the organic trend. The irregular shapes and natural impressions add a sense of motion and elegance to kitchen hardware.
Organic cabinet pulls work especially well in rustic or farmhouse style kitchens. They also complement eclectic spaces with a mix of linear and curved elements. Blend organic hardware with geometric pieces for a purposefully asymmetrical look.
Vintage Inspired Handles
Vintage style hardware offers an easy way to give your kitchen a dash of retro charm and uniqueness. Inspired by past design eras like the 1920s to the 1970s, vintage handles feature distinctive shapes, patterns, and details.
Look for porcelain knobs with floral motifs, curved handles with art deco flair, or round wood knobs with Colonial charm. Other vintage details to keep an eye out for include chrome bands, ceramic inlays, crystal accents, and enameled finishes.
Vintage hardware styles inject personality and nostalgia into kitchens. They work especially well in old home renovations and provide an easy way to pay homage to a home’s original era. Vintage-inspired handles also suit retro and farmhouse design themes.
Mixed Metals
Once a design no-no, combining metals is now very on-trend. The mixed metals look throws conformity to the wind by blending complementary metals like bronze, silver, gold, pewter, and copper. The eclectic look immediately gives kitchen hardware extra polish.
To pull off the mixed metals trend:
- Choose metals close in color so they have visual harmony. For example, pair bronze with gold or silver with pewter.
- Use metals sparingly so the look is purposeful, not haphazard. Limit yourself to 2 or 3 complementary metals.
- Repeat metals throughout the kitchen. Use one on handles, another on fixtures, and another on decor items.
Mixed metal handles allow you to enjoy the benefits of different finishes. For instance, unlacquered brass provides warmth while stainless steel has cool modern appeal. Blending metals results in hardware that feels curated and luxe.
Oversized Statement Handles
Increasingly popular are oversized kitchen cabinet hardware styles that command attention. These substantial handles make a dramatic style statement with their larger-than-life proportions.
From robust metal bars to carved wood pieces, statement handles look custom-made for palatial spaces. Stainless steel and iron are popular materials for achieving these industrial statement pieces. Ornate glass and crystal knobs also provide striking punctuation.
Oversized hardware choices like these make high visual impact and convey lavishness. They work best on large kitchen cabinets located away from high traffic zones. Use them sparingly to maximize their statement appeal.
Unique Materials
Kitchen cabinet pulls are now available in a wider-than-ever range of materials. Homeowners looking for uncommon hardware options can now shop pulls and knobs made from materials like the following:
- Leather
- Acrylic
- Glass
- Crystal
- Marble
- Concrete
- Wood
- Ceramic
- Rubber
- Woven fabrics
Hardware crafted from unique, non-traditional materials instantly becomes an eye-catching focal point, especially when paired with ordinary cabinets. For an artistic, bespoke look, choose pulls that mimic materials found elsewhere in the kitchen, like marble backsplashes or concrete countertops.
Interior Design Trends Influencing Hardware
Kitchen hardware trends don’t develop in isolation. They reflect and complement the latest interior design trends transforming kitchen spaces. Here are some of the biggest kitchen design trends driving hardware choices:
Brass Accents
Brass finishes are red-hot in home decor and kitchen cabinet hardware is no exception. The warm, golden tones of brass brilliantly contrast cool stainless steel and white cabinetry. Brass pulls and handles lend a hint of glamour and timelessness to modern and traditional kitchens alike.
Blacked-Out Kitchens
Moody, all-black kitchens have reached peak popularity. What better way to complement the dramatic look than with matte black hardware? From cup pulls to drop handles, black cabinet hardware strengthens the cohesive, sultry vibe.
Two-Tone Kitchens
Two-tone kitchen cabinets are a top trend, and complementary two-tone hardware is the ideal finishing touch. Match cabinet hardware metals to accent colors in cabinetry for a cohesive, custom look.
Industrial Design
Industrial kitchen style isn’t going away anytime soon. Its characteristic simple lines, strong materials, and utilitarian elements pair perfectly with minimalist, stainless steel hardware.
Vintage Design
Inspired by past eras, vintage kitchen style is also rising. Retro hardware, like porcelain knobs and curved handles, perfectly complement the timeless look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles
With so many stylish kitchen hardware options, how do you thoughtfully choose the perfect handles? Consider the following factors:
Cabinet Style
Match handle style to cabinet style for a cohesive look. For example, beaded knobs suit Shaker cabinets,while minimal pulls fit frameless cabinets.
Kitchen Style
Complement your kitchen’s overall style. Vintage hardware enhances farmhouse kitchens and industrial pulls fit modern spaces.
Finish
Choose handle metals, colors, and textures that coordinate with sink and faucet finishes.
Placement
Opt for larger handles on cabinets placed higher up. Smaller scaled handles suit lower cabinets.
Grip
Consider grip and comfort. Textured handles are easier to grip than smooth metal.
Nearby Materials
Match or complement nearby materials like quartz counters or tile backsplashes.
Handles Per Door
Decide between one larger handle or two smaller ones per cabinet door.
Cost to Update Handles
The cost to replace your kitchen cabinet hardware varies depending on factors like:
- Number of handles/knobs needed
- Handle style – basic, premium, or high-end
- Handle materials – zinc alloy, iron, brass, etc.
- DIY vs. professional installation
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, the average minor kitchen remodel costs around $2,300 and up. A minor remodel includes tasks like replacing hardware and adding new backsplash tile and an average recoups about 80% of project costs.
For DIY replacement, you can easily spruce up standard sized cabinetry with 20 new handles and knobs for around $200 to $300. Opt for premium hardware, larger cabinets, or custom work and you could spend $500 to $1,000. Professional installation typically starts around $200.
Trending Handle Styles
Now that you know what’s driving today’s kitchen hardware trends, here are some of the most stylish and popular handle options:
Flat Bar Handles
Flat bar handles offer a streamlined look, work with any style, and come in minimalist, vintage, or ornate designs.
Architectural Pulls
These dramatic arched pulls complement traditional cabinet doors and add elegance.
Woven Leather Straps
The woven texture of these leather handles contrasts nicely with flat cabinet fronts.
Blackened Bronze
Blackened bronze finishes work with any color scheme for subtle contrast.
Brass Knobs
Brass knobs lend a glamorous touch and stand out against any cabinet color.
Cut Crystal
Faceted crystal knobs sparkle elegantly against dark cabinets and stone surfaces.
Marble
Marble hardware adds organic texture and an elevated look.
Stainless Steel Bar
Sleek stainless handles complement modern and industrial style kitchens.
Conclusion
When it comes to today’s most stylish kitchen cabinet hardware, the options are more varied than ever. Clean-lined minimalism remains popular, but unique materials like leather, marble, and crystal are also trending. Vintage appeal, two-tone metals, oversized statement pieces, and mixing metals provide other creative contemporary options.
Kitchen hardware trends closely follow broader interior design trends transforming today’s kitchen spaces. Blackened bronze handles reinforce the trend for moody, dark kitchens. Brass finishes complement the brass accents gracing contemporary spaces. Vintage cabinet pulls pay homage to retro charm.
No matter your kitchen’s style, you can find trendy hardware to match or make a statement. Just keep factors like cabinet style, kitchen aesthetic, grip, and nearby materials in mind. With an endless array of shapes, finishes, and details to pick from, you’re sure to find kitchen cabinet handles that are fresh, fashionable, and uniquely you.