7 Foolproof Steps for Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware – On the House
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7 Foolproof Steps for Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

By on June 30, 2014
Berenson Cabinet Hardware

Customizing your kitchen can be a big undertaking; after planning and designing on the large scale, it might be tempting to put little thought into choosing the cabinet hardware. However, high-traffic rooms deserve detailed attention, and companies like Berenson Corp have made it easy to find the perfect hardware designs to integrate into your unique kitchen style. From selection to installation, you’ll be in control and moving towards a beautiful new space.

  1. Identify hardware that compliments your kitchen design style. By the time you are at the point of choosing cabinet hardware, more often than not you have determined your kitchen design style. You will find that many manufacturers, including Berenson Corp., categorize their hardware by design style. The Berenson catalog and website is color coded to segment transitional, traditional, contemporary, and Artisan style hardware. This allows you to easily browse and narrow down your hardware options.
  2. Hardware type: Knobs, pulls, or both? Each option has its own benefits and will give you a unique final look.
    1. Knobs only – the benefit of knobs is they are typically less expensive than pulls, and they only require one hole to be drilled into your cabinetry. A single cabinet knob can be installed on cabinet doors, but you may want to consider placing two knobs on drawers. Cabinet drawers are heavier than doors; therefore you might need that extra knob for ease of use. The minimalistic look of knobs-only cabinetry can be very appealing.
    2. Pulls only – Cabinetry that only feature pulls tend to present a more transitional or modern look. Pulls tend to be more functional on heavy drawers, and are ideal for aging hands that have limited strength and flexibility.
    3. Both – It is most common to have a mixture of knobs and pulls in the kitchen. Knobs are most commonly placed on doors, and pulls are placed on drawers. However, ultimately the decision is yours. Each kitchen and the cabinetry within it is one of a kind, therefore it is best to mix and match as you see fit.
  3. Choose a hardware finish that will add contrast to your cabinetry. For light cabinetry colors try Verona Bronze or Oil Rubbed Bronze, for dark cabinetry consider lighter finishes such as weathered or brushed nickel. Keep in mind it is common for cabinet hardware to match or compliment visible cabinet hinges as well as faucets and fixtures within the design space.
  4. Decide on the size of hardware that will function best with your cabinetry. If you have oversized cabinetry such as large drawers for pots and pans or built in appliances you may want to consider longer length pulls (such as 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” center to center) or oversized knobs with a diameter of 1-1/2” or larger. If you have standard size cabinetry, the most common pull sizes are 3”, 4”, 96mm, & 128mm center to center. If you have cabinetry that is pre-drilled make sure to measure the hole-spacing to get your CC (center-to-center) measurement. This is a key dimension when shopping for hardware. Note: Diameter and CC measurements are commonly displayed in both inches and millimeters. If you are not having success searching for specification in inches try converting to millimeters and more often than not you will be able to find more hardware options.
  5. Finding your budget: At this point you will have narrowed down your hardware choices to a specific design style, type, finish, and size. Next thing to consider is budget. A great place to start is to count how many knobs and pulls you will need for your cabinetry and determine a price range that is right for you. Many hardware manufacturers have multiple lines of varying quality and price, so you will be able to find one that fits your budget.
  6. Where to buy? Once you determine your design style, finish preference, hardware size, and budget you have all the information you will need to head to your designer, hardware store or online resellers to discover your hardware options.
    1. Specialty Showrooms:The sheer number of hardware options can be very overwhelming; that is why it helps to narrow down your options by design style, finish, size, and budget. If you start to feel overwhelmed, you may want to consider going to a specialty showroom, where you’ll find choices outside the mainstream while receiving expert assistance.
    2. Samples: The best way to determine if a hardware style is right for you is to place a sample on your cabinetry. Berenson Corp has an exclusive sample program that allows designers and dealers to request free hardware samples on your behalf. Samples can ship directly to your home free of charge. Each Berenson sample request is sent out with a complimentary sample clip. This innovative clip allows you to preview hardware on your cabinetry without the commitment of drilling holes.
  7. Place your order. After you receive your samples and confirmed your hardware selection the next step is to place your order. Make sure to order your hardware through a reputable company. It is best to find out what their return & warranty policies are to make sure that you are comfortable with these terms prior to placing your order.

Although the choices are many, and may be overwhelming at first, a little organization and planning will help you find just the right hardware to match your kitchen and personal sense of style. By following these guidelines, and working with hands-on companies such as Berenson Corp, your dreams of a perfect kitchen can be a stress-free reality.

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