The Old-School Hardware Combo That Gives Kitchen Cabinets A Timeless Look

Designing a kitchen requires a lot of thought, especially when it comes to the small details, such as hardware, that will impact the overall feel of the kitchen. You could choose trendy cabinet hardware upgrades that make your kitchen look more expensive, but there is always the risk of your kitchen quickly looking dated if you follow trends too closely. For a timeless kitchen, it is better to look at traditional hardware elements to add to your space rather than more modern ones. In the case of kitchen cabinet hardware, this means opting for classic shapes and combinations, such as cup handles and knobs.

Cup handles were popularized during the Victorian era, which gives them a very traditional and classic air. They have a simple shape but are more substantial than many thin cabinet pulls that are popular in modern kitchens. This weight makes them stand out more, especially if you choose a nice finish for them, but it can also seem overwhelming in certain situations. 

This is where the knobs come into play. With their smaller profiles, knobs perfectly balance the size of hefty cup pulls while still keeping a very timeless feel due to their even longer history. After all, knobs have been used on cabinets for centuries, thanks to their functionality. When combined, cup handles and knobs are a classic combination that balances the showiness and functionality of hardware in a way that works in nearly any kitchen and won't go out of style. Of course, you will want to make sure you choose the right finishes and sizes for your space to make them work.

Balance and harmony are two major elements of timeless design, and when done right, combining cup handles and knobs achieves this. It is important to choose the right finish and placement for a cohesive look. To choose the right finish, consider other hardware in the kitchen and nearby rooms. Matching the lighting, plumbing fixtures, or other metallic accents is an easy way to make the home feel harmonious. Matte black, brushed nickel, and brass are all classic options that work well in today's kitchens without feeling overly trendy. If you like a more whimsical approach, you might even try colored hardware on cabinets in a timeless color scheme, which often involves earthy tones. Many types of finishes can work on cup handles and knobs, so the important part is ensuring that they work with your kitchen's other colors.

After selecting a finish, you need to find the right placement. For a combination of cup handles and knobs, a good rule of thumb is to put the knobs in the corners of cabinet doors and the cup handles in the center of drawers. Cup handles can also work on the doors, but be sure you know the right way to mount cup pulls on your cabinets. Also, check the size of your cabinetry, as drawers larger than 30 inches may require one larger pull or two pieces of hardware to look balanced. Although following old-school recommendations for kitchen hardware may sound like a recipe for a highly traditional kitchen, the inevitable modern elements, such as appliances, countertops, and other details, will help create an overall timeless style.