How do I choose a cabinet handle to buy? Cabinet handles should go with the decor of the room. During a kitchen remodeling project Jason Flippo, who is the owner and president of Signature Home Improvement...
During a kitchen remodeling project Jason Flippo, who is the owner and president of Signature Home Improvement Inc, which is a business that concentrates on remodeling kitchens and living areas, often faces the question of "How do I choose a cabinet handle to buy?" Often an after-thought with all of the larger decisions that need to made, homeowners lose steam when it comes to the small details. But the small details can often make or break an entire home improvement project. Beyond the obvious, "Pick something that goes with the décor of the room," Jason says, "There are a lot of choices out there. (And) They range anywhere from $1 per handle and all the way up to over $100 per handle." Now, being at the end of their budget, many homeowners are tempted to skimp in this area but as Jason suggests, "Some of the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the finish, and that's what I would go with. Some of the cheap ones that are a dollar each go bad after three to four years."
Also, cabinet and drawer handles are one of the most important aspects of the "finishing touches" to any kitchen remodel. They are a chance to incorporate a touch of whimsy or simply conclude a sleek design. You are not only limited to the choices found at your local home improvement or hardware store but you can also shop for these in antique shops and online auction sites for something truly unique.
Almost any object, if it is the right scale for your particular cabinet or drawer design, can be made into handles as well - something as simple as attached bent silver spoons for a country look to something as elaborate as polished stones with holes drilled in the backside of them for the screws.
If you are limited on money, you can purchase the cheaper flat type cabinet handles and attach your own embellishments, such as decorative buttons or jewel beads, to add some extra flair. These will not last forever, but if you have to buy handles that will need to be replaced in the future anyways, this will offer you some additional style in the mean time.
For a sleek, modern kitchen, there are handles available in both chrome and copper colors in addition to almost any color you can think of. You can use this as an opportunity to either seamlessly blend them in or add a surprising contrast for interest.
If you just can't decide on the right cabinet handle, take a few samples home, attach them in different areas of your kitchen and sleep on it for the night. This way, you can see what they look like in the various light that the afternoon, nighttime and morning provides.
Since this decision will not greatly effect the actual functioning of your kitchen, it should be looked upon as fun, rather then be dreaded. This is your chance to even take your kitchen in a whole new direction, if you so please or to finish off your design with finesse. It is one of the easiest to update in the future, so don't be afraid of making mistakes or experimenting with ideas.
