Kitchen cabinet pulls are an important design element that can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. As with most home décor trends, kitchen cabinet pull styles come in and out of fashion. Knowing what’s currently popular can help you choose hardware that makes your kitchen look fresh, modern and stylish.
There are a few key kitchen cabinet pull styles that are trending right now. By understanding what’s in vogue, you can easily pick hardware that aligns with the latest trends and design aesthetics.
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Minimalist Pulls
Minimalism has been a popular home design trend for several years now, and it’s still going strong. The minimalist style focuses on clean lines, plenty of empty space, a neutral color palette and very little ornamentation. This pared-down look has definitely influenced kitchen design as well, including the choice of cabinet hardware.
Minimalist cabinet pulls are simple, streamlined and understated. Rather than being the focal point, they blend in with the overall kitchen design. You’ll find minimalist pulls in rectangular, square, oval and round shapes. They typically have a flat profile and slender dimensions. Common finishes for minimalist pulls include matte black, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and satin brass.
Benefits of Minimalist Pulls
- Integrate seamlessly into minimalist kitchen designs
- Provide a clean, uncluttered look
- Come in neutral metallic finishes
- Offer versatility to work with many kitchen styles
Industrial Style Pulls
The industrial design style has moved well beyond just warehouses and lofts to become a popular look for modern homes. Hallmarks of industrial style include exposed brick, concrete, metal finishes, Edison bulbs, plumbing pipes and mechanical details.
It’s no surprise that industrial influences have made their way to the kitchen. Industrial kitchen cabinet pulls feature materials and finishes you’d find in a factory or commercial setting:
- Black iron
- Galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
- Aged copper
- Unfinished brass
You’ll see straight bar pulls or angular designs that feel mechanical and structural. These cabinet pulls add just the right tough, rugged vibe to complement an industrial chic kitchen.
Benefits of Industrial Style Pulls
- On-trend for modern industrial designs
- Add a distressed, utilitarian aesthetic
- Feel substantial and sturdy
- Come in metal tones like copper and black iron
Bold, Dramatic Hardware
For a striking, high-contrast look, bold pulls make a dramatic style statement. These attention-grabbing pulls feature expressive shapes, oversized proportions and unique materials for max visual impact.
Some current popular options include:
- Graphic black pulls in geometric and circular shapes
- Gold, brass and chrome pulls with detailing or insets
- Colorful stained glass and lacquered pulls
- Natural wood or stone pulls in organic shapes
- Hammered metal pulls with an artisanal handcrafted look
Contemporary kitchen designs call for cabinet hardware that packs a visual punch. These bold pulls bring another layer of interest to minimalist spaces.
Benefits of Bold, Dramatic Pulls
- Make a strong style statement
- Add color, texture and interest
- Stand out against minimalist backgrounds
- Reflect unique personal style
Mixed Metals
While matching cabinet hardware finishes used to be the rule, mixing metals is now on-trend. The mixed metals look combines complementary metals in way that feels curated rather than haphazard.
Some stylish mixed metals pairings include:
- Polished chrome and brushed nickel
- Antique brass and modern brass
- Oil-rubbed bronze and stainless steel
- Satin brass and matte black
- Pewter and aged bronze
To pull this off successfully, vary the metal finishes between the pulls and other visible hardware like faucets, pendant lights, appliance handles and hooks. The pairing should feel thoughtful, not random. Stick with 2-3 metal finishes for the best effect.
Benefits of Mixed Metals
- On-trend and visually interesting
- Adds layering and depth
- Feels curated when done purposefully
- Versatile look to suit various styles
Natural Materials
Natural materials like wood, rattan, bamboo and stone are having a major moment in home décor. Using natural elements instantly warms up any space with organic texture and softer lines. Bringing in wood and stone cabinet pulls is an easy way to get this trending look.
Types of natural material pulls include:
- Solid wood in oval, square and arched shapes
- Rattan or bamboo woven pulls
- Stone and agate crystal knobs
- Concrete pulls
- Leather strap pulls with metal grommets
Opt for unfinished woods or light stains for a modern vibe. Darker stains and painted colors work for traditional kitchens. Concrete and stone pulls should complement your counters and backsplash.
Benefits of Natural Material Pulls
- Provide natural texture
- Warm up modern spaces
- Offer tactile appeal
- Tie into stone and wood elements
Hidden Hardware
For a super sleek, seamless look, hidden hardware is the way to go. Ditch the pulls and opt for cabinet doors and drawers that conceal all hardware inside.
Types of hidden hardware include:
- Channel grooves: vertical or horizontal grooves cut into the back of a drawer or door that allow you to open it by inserting your fingers
- Mechanical releases: spring-loaded latches installed on the inside of a drawer or door
- Touch latches: electronic releases activated by tapping on the drawer or door front
Minimalist kitchens achieve a streamlined look by concealing all hardware. Integrated appliances and handleless cabinets maintain clean sightlines. For a near invisible update, replace existing hardware with hidden mechanisms.
Benefits of Hidden Hardware
- Super streamlined, minimalist look
- Sleek, contemporary appearance
- Seamless sightlines
- Easy upgrade for a modern kitchen
Quirky Novelty Pulls
In a playful kitchen filled with bright colors and a fun vibe, quirky novelty pulls set the right mood. Whimsical pulls shaped like animals, food, flowers and more add a touch of lighthearted character.
Novelty pull options include:
- Fruit and vegetable shapes like apples, lemons and artichokes
- Animal shapes like bunnies, turtles and birds
- Food truck and dessert shaped pulls
- Flower, butterfly and dragonfly designs
- Seashell and starfish shapes
These imaginative pulls look best against colorful cabinets or a retro tile backsplash. Opt for classic white or stainless appliances to keep the playful vibe refined.
Benefits of Novelty Pulls
- Whimsical and fun
- Show off your personality
- Make kids and guests smile
- Affordable way to show creativity
Nautical Rope Pulls
For a kitchen with a coastal cottage or nautical inspired décor, rope pulls are the perfect finishing touch. Rope has a casual, beachy vibe that pairs perfectly with white shiplap walls, navy cabinets and antique bronze hardware.
Types of rope pulls include:
- Jute, hemp or sisal rope wound around wood dowels
- Twisted metal and cotton rope pulls
- Braided rope with knotted or looped ends
- Rope threaded through galvanized steel washers
Avoid shiny plastic rope that looks cheap. Natural fiber rope with visible texture looks most authentic. Use these throughout the kitchen along with ceramic knobs and bin pulls in coastal hues.
Benefits of Rope Pulls
- Casual, relaxed vibe
- Perfect for coastal, cottage and farmhouse decor
- Provide natural texture and color
- Inexpensive way to get the look
Classic Shaker Style
For a traditional kitchen with timeless style, Shaker pulls are always in fashion. Shaker cabinets are known for their simple design of a recessed center panel bordered by a frame. Shaker hardware echoes these clean lines.
Characteristic features include:
- Straight rectangular shape
- Flat or slightly contoured profile
- Unadorned design
- Sized proportionally to cabinet door
Stick to satin nickel, bronze and matte black finishes for a classic look. Polished brass also pairs well with traditional kitchen elements like arched doorways and glass cabinet fronts.
Benefits of Shaker Style Pulls
- Perfect complement to Shaker cabinets
- Timeless and versatile
- Understated traditional style
- Many finish options for style flexibility
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinet pull trends run the gamut from sleek and modern to tradition and retro. Choosing hardware that best reflects your personal style is the most important factor. But it also helps to know what’s trending in the design world.
Opt for clean-lined minimal pulls, industrial metal, or natural wood and stone for a contemporary look. Playful novelty pulls or nautical rope inserts provide a fun, relaxed vibe. Hidden hinges offer a seamless, integrated aesthetic. Or keep it classic with Shaker style rectangular pulls.
With so many options, you can easily find trendy kitchen cabinet hardware to fit your décor scheme. Just take cues from current trends while sticking to pulls that express your unique style sensibilities.
| Pull Style | Key Characteristics | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalist | Simple, streamlined shapes; slender proportions; neutral metallic finishes | Modern and contemporary kitchens |
| Industrial | Black iron, galvanized steel, stainless steel; straight bar pulls | Industrial modern lofts and apartments |
| Bold, Dramatic | Oversized; expressive materials like wood, stained glass and hammered metal | Minimalist modern and contemporary kitchens |
| Mixed Metals | Thoughtful pairings like brass and nickel; complementary finishes | Traditional to contemporary kitchens |
| Natural Materials | Solid wood, rattan, bamboo, stone; unfinished for modern | Rustic, farmhouse, cottage style kitchens |
| Hidden Hardware | Integrated channels, touch latches, spring mechanisms | Ultra-minimalist modern kitchens |
| Novelty Pulls | Whimsical fruit, animal, food shapes; colorful | Retro, eclectic cottage kitchens |
| Nautical Rope | Jute, hemp, sisal wound around dowels; knotted ends | Coastal cottage, beach house kitchens |
| Shaker Style | Simple rectangular shape; flat or curved; variety of finishes | Traditional and farmhouse kitchens |