The art of choosing kitchen cabinet hardware for your kitchen style

Written by

20 November 2023

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4 min read

When it comes to kitchen design, every detail matters. From the colour of your cabinets to the flooring beneath your feet, creating a cohesive and stylish space is an art form. Family-owned kitchen and bathroom supplier, Wilson & Bradley share their insights into the often underestimated yet important decision of hardware.

For over four decades, Wilson & Bradley have been assisting clients with unique fittings for their kitchen and bathroom designs, ranging from large-scale manufacturers to individual homeowners.

“Our uniqueness in the market is connected to our family values, which prioritise personal attention, reliability and a deep understanding of our customers' needs,” says Tom Page, Product Development Manager at Wilson & Bradley.

“We're not just responsive to market changes; we anticipate them, ensuring our offerings remain relevant and sought-after.”

Enhance a country style kitchen with distressed hardware.

Choosing hardware based on kitchen cabinet style

Hamptons: Often featuring bright and airy spaces, choose hardware with a polished brass or nickel finish to complement this beach-meets-country aesthetic.

Coastal: More rustic than Hamptons styling, opt for hardware made from natural materials like timber or weathered brass to give a laid-back touch.

Country: increasing in popularity alongside the desire for a homestead lifestyle. Choose hardware with distressed or antiqued finishes, such as brushed nickel, weathered brass or oil-rubbed bronze, to create a rustic and charming finish.

Modern/contemporary: select hardware with sleek, minimalist designs that feature clean lines and simple shapes for a timeless appeal.

Moody minimalism: A darker take on the popular minimalist design, this style calls for hardware with simple shapes and matte black or dark bronze finishes. These finishes add depth and sophistication without overwhelming the space.

High contrast hardware draws the eye to the detail.

The importance of the right kitchen hardware

A cabinet's hardware should complement the kitchen's overall design and colour, helping to create a unified and stylish space in the house.

“Hardware can be used to accentuate the style of your cabinets. For example, if you have modern kitchen cabinets, you can choose hardware with a sleek and contemporary finish. If you have traditional kitchen cabinets, choose hardware with a more ornate finish,” says Page. “It’s a great way to add personality to your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it.”

Hardware can also upgrade the functionality and style of your cabinets, from adding Scandi-style timber handles to modern push-open cabinets to selecting hardware that is more comfortable to open and close the cabinets.

A textured finish adds interest.

Hardware to accentuate the style of your cabinets.

The texture of wood with the contrast of matte black adds intrigue to this modern kitchen.

The latest kitchen design trends

1. Wood

“We’ve seen a rise and sudden trend in wooden finishes in the past year or two, notably in the field of wooden handles as a part of our Furnipart timber handle range. These timber handles act as a statement piece and the finishing touch on your cabinetry and contrast well with white, dark or even wood cabinets,” says Page.

2. Black Finishes

“For a sleek and modern aesthetic, black hardware, available in various finishes including cast iron, complements contemporary and traditional kitchens with white or dark cabinets,” says Page.

3. Lighting

“Lighting conveys emotion in cabinetry,” says Page. “LED strip lighting can easily be incorporated into the design of an existing kitchen. Our L&S LED strip lighting can be used for accent lighting of kitchens, shelving, stairs and other locations throughout the home.”

4. Waste separation

“Our clients are becoming more eco-conscious, and we are seeing an increased trend in them wanting more flexibility in dividing their waste into general waste, recyclables, glass and food scraps,” says Page.

“Our Wesco Pullboy range provides this flexibility, offering options with two or four buckets in one bin configuration.”

The versatility of timeless design

When asked about the most versatile and timeless hardware design and colour, Page explicitly recommends sleek and minimalist designs. This design, characterised by clean lines and simple shapes, effortlessly blends modern and traditional kitchens.

“Their timeless elegance allows the overall kitchen design to take centre stage, creating a space that stands the test of time,” says Page.

Choosing the right cabinet hardware and kitchen accessories is no longer merely a functional decision but an artistic one. With Wilson & Bradley's extensive expertise, designers and homeowners can embark on a journey to transform the kitchen with confidence, ensuring that every detail reflects one’s personal style while elevating life’s culinary and family experiences.

View the extensive Wilson & Bradley range on ArchiPro.

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