Selecting Hardware
When designing cabinetry—whether in a kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, or nursery—hardware is often one of the most underestimated yet impactful decisions. As a designer with a foundation in custom cabinetry, I view hardware as more than just a decorative detail. It’s a functional design element that adds character, influences the overall tone of a space, and, when chosen well, elevates the cabinetry to something truly special.
Form and Function Go Hand in Hand
The first step in selecting hardware is always identifying the functionality of the space. A high-traffic kitchen requires sturdy, well-placed pulls that are easy to grip and comfortable to use daily. In contrast, a guest bath or styled built-in may allow for more delicate, decorative hardware that makes a statement without heavy wear.
Think about scale. Long, linear pulls work beautifully on wide drawers, while knobs or petite finger pulls are ideal for small cabinets or accent pieces. The goal is always balance—function first, but with design intention behind every choice.
Material, Finish, and Feel
Hardware is tactile. It’s one of the few design elements you physically interact with multiple times a day, so quality and hand-feel matter. Whether you lean toward unlacquered brass, aged iron, matte black, or brushed nickel, the finish should feel cohesive with your overall material palette—tying into plumbing fixtures, lighting, or even natural textures in the cabinetry itself.
At House of Hattie, I often recommend mixing finishes strategically in a space. For example, warm brass hardware on oak cabinetry offers a timeless softness, while aged bronze against painted shaker cabinets can introduce grounding contrast.
When to Go Custom (and When Not To)
In some projects, especially where cabinetry is fully custom, we’ll select or even design bespoke hardware. This is where cabinetry design and interior detailing intersect—hardware becomes an extension of the millwork and reinforces the architectural language of the space.
That said, not every project calls for custom fabrication. There are beautiful, well-made lines that offer timeless silhouettes and designer finishes without the lead times or cost. The key is knowing how to source the right pieces and where to invest in the details that matter most.
Cabinetry Design as a Whole
Selecting hardware is never done in a vacuum. It’s one part of a larger story that includes cabinet layout, panel design, finish choices, and how the cabinetry connects to the flow of the home. A great hardware plan supports the overall function of the cabinetry and helps tell a cohesive design story.
Whether you’re designing a high-use family kitchen or a serene primary bath, hardware selection deserves time, intention, and expertise. It's the final layer—the jewelry of the cabinetry—that completes the design.
Need help pulling it all together? Let’s talk cabinetry.
