When renovating the home, it is not always the big jobs that can transform a room, sometimes just changing or altering the detailing in the room can make a big difference. Sometimes just subtle changes can completely change a room. In the kitchen this is no different. In this room people often think about re-tiling or buying a new appliance – all big jobs and expensive ones too. One of the most effective details to change which can dramatically alter the look of the room is the hardware on the kitchen drawers. I am talking about the kitchen drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. If these look new and complement the overall design and style of the kitchen they can add that final touch that turns your kitchen from looking good to great. It is also such a simple bit of DIY to do as well. If the hardware does not match it can really alter the look of the kitchen for the worst.

Many people will repaint, re-varnish or install completely new cupboard doors but simply put their old hardware back on. All that work ruined – all it achieves is downgrading all that hard work you have done. The new, clean looking kitchen cabinet drawers and cupboard faces look simply downgraded. Installing new knobs onto your cabinets is such a quick and easy job to do.

First you need to find a source and buy them. All home depot stores contain an abundance of cabinet hardware and you’ll often be overwhelmed with what to buy. Sometime a huge choice is not a good thing. One way to help you with your choice is to look at kitchens in magazines and online to find similar kitchens and styles to what you have in yours. Then take a look at the drawer and cabinet pulls and make a note of what they look like. Also visiting furniture stores where they have kitchens set up is a good source of ideas and inspiration. Another place to find kitchen cabinet hardware is online. Going to a site like Amazon and searching for cabinet pulls will bring up a huge array of styles and finishes. One small note – the finish is important – an antique or brass look should be left for traditional kitchens and chrome or silver for more modern looking kitchens.

So, now you’ve decided on your style you need to measure the distance between the holes on your existing hardware. When you go to buy the new ones they will give you the centre to centre diameter. You will need to buy pulls with the same centre to centre distance as the ones you already have. Some pulls have only one hole and so this is no problem as all similar pulls with one hole will fit. Each pull will normally cost between 2 to 5 dollars. Make sure you order enough! If you find that you cannot get the same size pulls and you are planning on painting your cabinets, you can easily fill in the old holes with a wood putty and paint over them. It is then straight forward to drill new holes at the correct size and distance apart.

This simple idea will make your kitchen drawers and cabinets look like new and will transform the whole look of your kitchen.