The Kitchen Hardware That Martha Stewart Swears Will Never Age

While it may be tempting to constantly give in to the next big home decor trend, one of the best things you can do for your home is create a space that stands up against the latest fads and remains timeless. Your kitchen can benefit most from this general rule, where a classic style, like the one Martha Stewart has been honing for decades, almost never fails. Her simple and sophisticated style has made a big statement over the years – particularly in her kitchen, where cooking and entertaining is at the center of what makes the Martha Stewart brand so popular.

With all the types of cabinet hardware available out there, Martha Stewart has opted for a minimalist approach to kitchen knobs and pulls in her own home, avoiding flashy trends in favor of functional design — leaving her space fresh and keeping it from feeling dated. The minimalist trend in kitchen hardware emphasizes simplicity and function over ornate or overly decorative pieces. Martha Stewart has brought this approach with her to many designs and remodels — focusing on small knobs and no-fuss hardware for drawers and cabinets , flourishes that she knows will stand the test of time. While indulging in items like crystal knobs, intricately decorative ceramic handles, or other design-heavy hardware may feel like you're making a statement, a lot of designers, even beyond Stewart, caution against it. The key is to stick to hardware that experts say will never age. 

Kitchen cabinetry is easily the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, and once you have drilled holes into your cabinets for the hardware, there is really no going back. Choosing the right size knobs or pulls for your kitchen is essential. Opting for small, slim profile knobs for doors and 2 inch pulls (or smaller) for drawers is a safe size for aim for. These smaller, discreet options are the cornerstones of a timeless approach, and they come with a number of advantages. Large, ornate hardware can easily make your space feel less contemporary, ending up as dated kitchen hardware trends that have gone out of style. 

When opting for minimalist designs, you can still swap out hardware if needed, but you aren't committing to an overly trendy industrial look or an amateur-like style with large pulls on every drawer. When it comes to finishes, you can't go wrong with brushed nickel, stainless steel, or matte black for timeless appeal that can easily complement any kitchen's design, whether it's modern, vintage, or something in between. By sticking with minimalist hardware, you can guarantee that it will easily blend into any style, from traditional to contemporary. So even when you are ready to throw on a new coat of paint, update seasonal decorations, or can't help but incorporate a passing trend, your hardware won't clash with any small changes you want to make. 

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, minimalist hardware is incredibly practical. For Stewart, this is especially important, as her kitchen designs prioritize ease of use and function. The simplicity of small knobs ensures that they are easy to grab, even when hands are full or messy. This is essential in any kitchen, but especially a busy one. Smaller knobs and pulls are also less likely to stick out and get snagged on clothing or bags, which ultimately creates a safer, less obstructed space to work in. Choosing efficient, minimal hardware also promotes a clutter-free environment. The streamlined look of these simple accessories enhances the overall feel of the kitchen, making it appear more organized and spacious.

Leaning into classic home decor is a big reason why so many people want to learn how to decorate their home like Martha Stewart's. While following trends can be fun (and some even stick around to become timeless), an understated approach shouldn't be overlooked. As our tastes evolve, flashy elements like bright gold finishes, exaggerated industrial-like handles, and even intricate carvings, can feel out of place. This can lead homeowners to have to update or replace their hardware more often than necessary, trying to keep up with the latest trends. Sticking to minimalist kitchen hardware will help you avoid the hamster wheel of current fads and create a space that will stand the test of time.