No pull: New cabinet hardware can really change the look of your kitchen. (Getty)
A few months ago, I started renovating my home. But with a limited budget, I had to be choosy about what I upgraded. The bathroom, with its '80s shell-shaped sink and beige vinyl walls? A definite goner. In the kitchen, the counters were chipped and falling apart, so they had to go, but the rest of the space? Solid wood cabinets, a U-shaped layout ... it wasn't so bad!
It still needed a style boost, though — and that's where my home-editor brain kicked into gear. Throughout my 20-year career, I've interviewed countless designers about easy ways to update a space. And without fail, whenever the conversation turns to the kitchen, they recommend one thing: Change out your cabinet hardware.
Though knobs and pulls are small, they can transform the look of cabinets and drawers. Sleek matte black knobs add a modern vibe; brass cup pulls give a space a historic feel. Unlike light fixtures and appliances, hardware is simple to swap out — usually, all you need is a screwdriver — and it won't destroy your budget. Many of my favorite knobs and pulls start at just a buck apiece, meaning you can make over your kitchen for less than the cost of dinner out. Worth it!
These are the exact knobs I used, so I'm definitely biased, but I think they're the perfect combination of funky and traditional. The shape feels great in my hand, and the matte finish is a fun departure from traditional shiny/metallic hardware.
They also work just as well on cabinets as they do on drawers. Not into green? You can grab them in eight other colors, including black, blue and white.
Want to make your kitchen look rich? Cup pulls (aka bin pulls or half-moon pulls) are the answer. These unique pulls were popularized in the Victorian era and have serious historic charm. They work well in traditional and farmhouse kitchens, but you can also find simpler, narrower styles that feel modern if you love the look but have a more contemporary space.
Ceramic knobs deliver instant vintage vibes, and they're an easy way to add a pop of color to an all-white or wood kitchen. These come in a veritable rainbow of colors: 22 in total, ranging from antique white to deep teal.
For less than $9, this pull gives you two great trends in one. I recently went to a big kitchen and bath trade show, and hardware with mixed finishes was everywhere. Brass with black, marble with chrome, polished nickel with gunmetal ... the combos are endless!
And see that diamond pattern etched into the handle? That's called knurling, another design element that's getting more popular. Not only does it look luxe, but it makes the handle grippier.
Bring on the boho vibes! Made from wood and rattan, these knobs would look right at home in a beach house ... or the house you wish was a beach house.
Interior designers often call hardware "jewelry for cabinets" and this set makes it easy to see why. The hooped design looks just like a pair of chic earrings! But it's made from cast iron, so it'll hold up to lots of wear and tear. Anthropologie is the source for one-of-a-kind pulls and knobs, and they're often on sale.
If you're gonna go for the gold, you might as well reach for something as unique as these faceted knobs. The design reminds me of a sunburst, and the brushed finish is just the right amount of glitzy without looking over the top.
Marble countertops are a major investment, but we can get a taste of the luxurious stone for less with these Carrara knobs. Each one has unique veining and is perched on a solid brass base.
If you like the look of matte black hardware, this classic pull is the way to go. Before redoing my kitchen, this is what I used, and I loved how it took my wood cabinets from ho-hum to cool!
Pardon the pun, but I've got to hand it to the designer who dreamed up this whimsical pull. A set of these would add so much personality to your silverware drawer.
