A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Handles
When it comes to kitchen design, even the smallest details can make a significant impact. One such detail is the choice of kitchen cabinet handles.
While sometimes overlooked, these small fixtures play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen.
At Bayside Luxe, we understand the importance of selecting the right cabinet handles, and we've put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Consider Your Kitchen Style
Before you start shopping for cabinet handles, take a moment to assess the overall style of your kitchen. Whether your kitchen leans towards Modern, Traditional, Hamptons, Coastal, Modern Farmhouse or something in between, your cabinet handles should complement this style.
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Modern Kitchens: Modern kitchens often provide an opportunity for a sleek style of handle. We see our clients choose finishes such as gunmetal, white and matte black. Or alternatively, a deep bronze or antique brass finish may also complement a modern kitchen. Our Toorak, Camberwell, Sorrento, Longueville, Newcastle and Kooyong styles come in a range of colours and complement modern styles are are often chosen by interior designers, architects and our clients for their modern kitchens.
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Traditional Kitchens: Traditional kitchens often call for a more classic design, and materials such as satin and antique brass are quite popular. We also see our clients choose handles with a leather stitched feature for a Traditional Kitchen. Our Floreat, Anglesea, Hawthorn, Claremont and Flemington handles will bring a touch of class to your traditional kitchen.
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Hamptons Style: There is often some overlap between traditional and Hamptons styles, so many of the handles mentioned above are also highly suited to a Hamptons style kitchen. Shaker style cabinetry is extremely popular in this category and our Brighton and Albert Park handles (which come in a range of finishes) are a perfect fit for this profile.
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Coastal Style Kitchens: Coastal style kitchens can be similar to Hamptons style however, often have a more relaxed/informal feel. Handles in brushed nickel, white or satin brass, or pulls in leather are an ideal match.
- Modern Farmhouse: Our cross knurled Scarborough handles in matte black and satin brass are the perfect addition to rustic yet Modern farmhouse style kitchens.
Material Matters
The materiality of your cabinet handles not only affects the look of your kitchen but also its durability and ease of maintenance. Here are some popular options:
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Solid Brass: Brass handles add a touch of elegance and warmth to your kitchen. We carefully manufacture our solid brass handles so that they have a warmer undertone rather than a very bright yellow brass colour. Most of our handles have been lacquer coated so that the colour that you purchase will be the colour that they remain for many years into the future.
We also do have a small range of solid brass handles that are made from 'live brass' so that they will develop a unique patina over time, adding character to your space. These are noted clearly on our website.
Our solid brass handles come in a range of styles, sizes and colours including satin and antique brass, matte black and white.
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Nickel: We are seeing a resurgence of interest in the Nickel finish. It provides a beautiful cooler tone to your kitchen, and to add a touch of luxury, many of our nickel handles have a touch of knurling which provides a beautiful light reflecting property to your handles.
Our brushed nickel handles are versatile and can fit into various kitchen styles. They are resistant to tarnishing and wear, with a brushed silver look that will add a classic look to your kitchen.
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Acrylic: Clear acrylic handles are curious creatures! They have a wonderful ability to take on the background colour of a fixture or fitting. So if you are looking for a handle which tunes in beautifully with your existing cabinetry, the acrylic may be the right choice for you!
A durable finish that will complement modern kitchens, our acrylic handles come with featured handle legs in black, brushed brass and a glossy gold.
Functionality is Key
Whilst we wholeheartedly believe that aesthetics are important, we believe that functionality should not be compromised.
When selecting your cabinetry handles, please consider how you will use your cabinetry handles. Will they be used by small hands (children) as well as larger hands (adults)? Are they going to used on appliances? Will they need regular cleaning due to exposure to food remnants and liquids?
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Ease of Grip: Make sure the handles are easy to grip and use, especially in a busy kitchen. Some of our clients preferred a knurling feature on the grip portion of the handle as this allows ease of use, whilst other clients prefer a smooth handle grip. Likewise, some clients prefer a thinner handle to grip onto, whilst others prefer a much larger diametre for ease of grip. At Bayside Luxe, we have a range of options to suit all requirements.
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Size and Proportion: The size of your handles should be proportional to your cabinets. Oversized handles on small cabinets may look out of place, while too-small handles on large drawers may be impractical.
At Bayside Luxe, as a general guide, we recommend that horizontal handles are approximately one-third the length of the overall horizontal size of a cabinetry drawer. However, there are many exceptions to this guide, so if you are not sure, either have a chat to your cabinetry maker/joiner, or you are also welcome to speak to one of our inhouse experts at Bayside Luxe.
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Placement: Think about the placement of your handles. Horizontal bar pulls can give a contemporary look, while vertical pulls or knobs are more traditional. In some kitchen layouts, you will find a mixture of the two - which can meet both an aesthetic requirement as well as a functional requirement.
Matching with Other Hardware
Consistency is key when it comes to kitchen hardware. Your cabinet handles should coordinate with other fixtures and fittings in your kitchen, such as taps, light fixtures, and appliances.
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Finish Coordination: Try to match the finish of your handles with other metal elements in your kitchen. For example, if you have a stainless-steel tap, our handles in brushed nickel will create a cohesive look.
- Mixing Metals: While it’s common to match finishes, mixing metals can also create a stylish contrast. For example, pairing brass handles with stainless steel appliances can add visual interest.
Budget Considerations
At Bayside Luxe, we believe in providing cabinetry handles which will last for the long term. This is not only more friendly on your hip pocket, but also is more environmentally friendly.
To note, we are pleased to be able to offer a Trade Program for pre-qualified Interior Designers, Architects and those in the building industry.
For large or bulk purchases, we may also be able to provide you with a discount. Contact our team for further information regarding our bulk discounts, and you are welcome to apply for our Trade Program via our website.
Consider the Environment
If sustainability is important to you, consider eco-friendly options for your cabinet handles.
Most of our handles at Bayside Luxe are made from solid brass, which is considered sustainable for several reasons, primarily due to its recyclability, durability, and the way it is produced.
Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. Both these metals are highly recyclable, and brass can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality.
This reduces the need for new raw material extraction and minimizes environmental impact. The production of brass often involves the recycling of old brass materials, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and conserves resources.
And for those (most significant) reasons, we believe it to be a superior choice when considering the materiality of your kitchen cabinetry handles.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen cabinet handles is a blend of style, functionality, and personal preference.
By considering your kitchen's style, the material and finish of the handles, functionality, coordination with other hardware, budget, and environmental impact, you can select handles that will enhance both the look and usability of your kitchen.
At Bayside Luxe, we offer a wide range of cabinet handles to suit every taste and style. Browse our collection today to find the perfect finishing touch for your kitchen.