12 Trendy Cabinet Hardware Upgrades That Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive

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Changing out the hardware in your kitchen can be one of the best ways to get a subtle transformation that doesn't cost all that much. It's also a switch that can be done in a relatively short time compared to other kinds of renovations and adjustments. While cabinet hardware trends could change over the years, the abundance of options available from retailers can usually accommodate any desired style or aesthetic. Some of the best types of cabinet hardware add interest, texture, and layers that can elevate the look of your kitchen, making it look more expensive without the hefty price tag. Bringing in luxe hardware, be it in materials like brass, ceramic, or wood, in interesting designs like florals or geometric shapes, can make a huge difference in the look of your cabinets. 

Whatever your style, adding new hardware can make even the most outdated cabinets look fresh and modern. Use uniform designs in your pulls and handles, or opt for mixing and matching on different enclosures, like using wood pulls on a center island and chic brass ones on surrounding cabinetry. Or install some fun novelty animal brass knobs on a pantry or dish cabinet with other more basic hardware in the rest of the room to add unique character and charm. They work perfectly if you're looking for a small change with a big impact when dealing with boring cabinets or older, dated hardware trends. 

One of the most popular shades for hardware today, matte black finishes are perfect for both vintage and contemporary kitchen spaces, with endless options in shape and design. For a more aged look, choose drawer pulls with delicate curves, like these Asidrama Matte Black Kitchen Cabinet Handles. For a more modern look, opt for simpler hardware like these Amerdecor Matte Black Cabinet Pulls. Using black hardware with all-white or cream cabinetry creates a lovely contrast effect that makes the cabinets feel far less sterile.

Ceramic knobs, particularly those with florals or other patterns, can be a great way to add a more expensive look to basic drawers and cabinet doors. They come in a variety of styles from vividly colorful options like these Royal Craft Vintage Pull Knobs or the more subdued shades and carved details of suiwotin's Green Ceramic Knobs. For wider cabinet pulls, you could opt for ones made of multiple materials, like these DIY Decor Hub's Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls with ceramic handles. 

Brass handles and pulls shaped like animals look both luxe and whimsical, making them a great fit for a more playful vintage kitchen design. Look for detailed and sculptural knobs, like these MarktSq Metal Rabbit Head Cabinet Knobs or Brook and Birch's Antique Brass Cabinet Drawer Knobs. For a more earth-inspired vibe, check out these adorable Angoily Bee Shaped Knobs. 

Antique brass immediately gives a vintage, refined, and rustic feel to kitchens when used for hardware. Great options include simple and classic no-frills designs like the Hugolem Brass Round Antique Knobs or these more unusual egg-shaped Beileiou Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs. For more ornate and intricate designs, look to beautiful Fecraf Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs. Brass knobs look especially stunning as an accent on darker colored cabinets in dramatic shades like dark green and black.

Botanical accents can always add a touch of nature to your design scheme, so drawer and cabinet hardware are an excellent place to bring in some floral or greenery designs. They immediately give a Victorian or Art Nouveau feel to your kitchen. For a subtle botanical look, keep an eye out for dainty knobs like these Perilla Flower Handle Knobs or the Jetland Bridged Cabinet Pulls. For more dramatic accents, try these gorgeous Morobor Gingko Cupboard Knobs.

Metal cup-style drawer pulls are typically associated with farmhouse-style kitchens and a vintage feel. They are also great if you want to avoid catching pockets and fabric on knobs in tight spaces or have little ones you don't want bumping their heads on other less-rounded hardware. Great options for cup-style handles include these textured Jiasenbao Brass Cabinet Cup Pulls or classic smooth Weichuan Antique Bronze Iron Drawer Pulls.

Using wood as a material for hardware can warm up sterile and plain cabinets or allow you to stylishly mix and layer wood tones in your kitchen. They also look beautiful when used with trendy matte black kitchens to add contrast and interest. The effect can be rustic, boho, or sleekly contemporary, like these Evionlin Walnut Drawer Pulls that would work gorgeously on plain white or cream cabinets. 

Silver knobs are a classic way to bring style to any kitchen for a clean look, whether they are more ornately designed or simple silver rods and round knobs. The brushed finish is more sophisticated than shinier silver knobs and can be found in either a bright or antique finishes depending on your aesthetic. For a simple design, try these Goldenwarm Cabinet Knobs in Brushed Nickel. Or for a sleek and modern kitchen, try these cylindrical Ravinte Decor Brushed Nickel Cabinet Knobs.

Another great way to add more texture to your kitchen space, glass knobs have a charming vintage look that can add a little extra something to your cabinets. They are especially beautiful in boho-style kitchens to liven up plain cabinets and bring in some color. Look for rich shades of amber, aqua, or green. Or combine dark wood cabinets and drawers with crystal clear knobs like these lovely Perilla Crystal Knobs.

Larger bar-style pulls and handles can be easier to operate and be structurally better for drawer fronts than small knobs. They are also great if you want the metal finish to be a prominent element in your kitchen. Oversized pulls can add a large amount of interest to even plain, inexpensive builder-grade cabinets. Choose simple and streamlined modern designs like the Alpine Hardware Euro Style Pulls, or go for the more industrial-style Jasluna Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls.

Drawer pulls and handles with a unique texture can be a great way to upgrade boring cabinets. They are also easier to open and close when your hands are slippery or wet. Available in all finishes, you can find hardware that boasts textures like woven rope, hammered metal, and cross-hatching. Great options include Amazon's Goo-Ki Antique Brass Knurled Cabinet Knobs or Jetland Arched Hammered Cabinet Pulls.

For a fun alternative to basic round cabinet knobs and traditionally shaped pulls in a modern and contemporary kitchen, look to other geometric shapes as inspiration, including hexagons, octagons, and triangles. They can bring an unexpected touch to even the most minimalist kitchen design. Fun designs include Home Expert Gold Cabinet Knobs or the Askano Brushed Nickel Square Cabinet Knobs.