If you’ve decided to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets, don’t shortchange yourself on hardware. Actually, I like looking at hardware just to see what’s new in terms of materials, colors, shapes, and styles. It’s almost overwhelming to narrow down your choices. Do you want bar pulls, granite inlay handles, art glass, or even the knobs of a favorite sports team? They’re available.
If you feel a cash pinch, remember that most major manufacturers and retailers carry a budget line of hardware products that are still attractive and made for durable wear. I discovered antique brass knobs for 60 cents and rustic pewter pulls for $3 that would suit a historical design to perfection.
Starting Your Cabinet Plans
Obviously, your first step is to set a ceiling on the amount you want to spend on new kitchen cabinets. If you can’t afford all the bells and whistles, remember that there are unfinished or pre-made cabinets that come ready to hang at discount prices. On the other hand, you might get by just having your existing cabinets refinished with new veneers.
If you decide on having your cabinets repainted, you have to remove existing hinges, pulls, knobs, and other hardware anyway. That gives you the perfect opportunity to visit home improvement stores, cabinet shops, or spin around on the Internet for hardware retailers. Sales come and go all the time.
I spent a few hours just surfing websites hawking bright colored ceramic knobs and pulls. If you do some digital window shopping before you finalize your plans, you might find yourself changing your entire theme after discovering exciting ways to dress up your kitchen.
