5 Unusual and Inspiring Color Combinations for Kitchens and Bathrooms

If a certain color combination appeals to you, don't be afraid to run with it. Color combinations that usually aren't used in home décor can make your home unforgettable, and as unique as you are. You can also use colorful pieces of cabinet hardware to add color in the most unexpected ways.

Cabinet knobs and pulls don't have to always be in metallic finishes. There is a world of color possibilities in cabinet hardware, waiting for someone to be bold enough. Here are some interesting and unusual color combos for some colorful inspiration.

Black and Orange

A sleek black bathroom or kitchen needs bright colors and white to balance it out. Usually a lot of white is included with all black walls, counters, and cabinets. Orange adds the right kind of zest to this much black, and orange cabinet knobs and pulls are easier to see!

Pink and Gray

Shades of pink along with different shades of gray and silver look stunning together. To keep it from looking flat, use a couple different shades of the gray, and a couple different shades of pink, which are only a little lighter or darker than the other. Gunmetal gray and hot pink look edgy, while light pink and light gray are more soothing.

Aqua and Yellow

Aqua and yellow or gold contrast beautifully, especially when there is a large area of aqua, with yellow accents. Usually aqua or turquoise is used as an accent color, but it can add a feeling of happy serenity to a room if used on the walls, cabinets or in tables and chairs. Pair it aqua cabinets with yellow knobs or pulls. Together, these colors make for a cheery, yet calm atmosphere,

Purple and Green

Muted, bright or dark and jewel-toned, green and purple together make a room feel lush and lively. Purple is mystical and royal, while green is down-to-earth, A purple or green accent wall, with wood cabinets and green cabinet knobs or pulls would be great for a bathroom. 

Red and Blue

Red and blue (dark blue in particular) are bold colors that many people avoid using together in large amounts, because they can be so imposing. Red and blue work best together when one is more muted than the other. Be sure to add plenty of white, black or other neutral shades or colors to balance it out. This color combination for a bathroom, kitchen or dining room is not for the faint of heart.

Cabinet Hardware Installation: How to Choose the Right Size and Placement

Installing new cabinet hardware isn't as hard as it sounds. With the right tools and a few simple preparations, you can even add hardware to brand new cabinet doors without messing up. Here are the things you should know about size and placement, as well as a tool to help you get the job done accurately.

Choosing the Right Size and Placement for Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

If you're outfitting drawers, choose one knob or pull if the drawer is less than 18 inches wide. If it's more than 18 inches wide, you'll need two. Space them about 1/6^th of the length of the drawer from each end. Make a slight adjustment with spacing until you're comfortable.

Omnia Stainless Steel Pull

You should choose knobs with a diameter no more than 1 ½ inches, and no less than 1 inch. You can ignore this rule if you plan on using wood knobs, which can be a little bigger. Always match the size and style to your drawers as well as the cabinets.

1 1/2 inch Allison Knob


Richelieu Hardware 1 7/8 Maple Knob

Always place pulls or knobs in the horizontal center of a drawer, and slightly higher than the vertical center. If they are centered vertically, they will appear slightly too low. Imagine standing in front of the drawer, looking down at it. It would appear too low, and also feel a little too low when you grab it to give it a pull.

Corner template - Image from Lowes.com.

Use a Template to Position the Knobs or Pulls

Don't be intimidated by the thought of adding new cabinet knobs or pulls to your cabinets. There are transparent templates that will help guide you for exactly where to make the holes.

These templates are sold at hardware stores. There are templates that fit around corners, or straight ones, depending on where on the cabinets you drawers you want to place the hardware.

To use a template, place it up against the edge of the cabinet, identify where you need to make the hole, in relation to the edge of the cabinet. Being able to see through this template makes it very easy. Mark through the hole in the template with a pencil. Do this so that the hole/s will be in the exact same spot on each cabinet door.  

Kids Room Decoration Inspiration from Home Hardware

A child's bedroom should be a safe and fun sanctuary for every child. The theme and decorations should reflect the child's unique personality, or a parent's imagination. When we choose a decoration theme for a child's room, or help them choose, we can let our imaginations run wild.

If you're having a hard time picking a theme, it's always helpful to look at some elements, like home hardware, that you can build on. Sometimes the colors, specific aesthetic and theme are all right there in the knobs or pulls.

A room fit for a fairy princess.

 
The great thing about choosing something like butterfly cabinet knobs or heart-shaped home hardware, is that you can also pair them with anything else that is cute and whimsical. You can also pick them out in whatever color you want, which can help you decide on a color scheme.



You could take a cabinet knob, cabinet pull, or even a decorative hook theme and use the colors and design motifs in the rest of the decorations. For example, if you like the decorative hook shown above, you could pick out flowers that look like it, as well as hearts.

A jungle safari.

What child doesn't love animals? You can mix the different animal pulls together on a dresser for great jungle safari or wild theme. Maybe your child wants to focus on just one type of animal? There are turtles, bears, monkeys, deer, elephants and much more -- even dinosaurs!

The Old West

Depending on your child's age and tastes, elements from Western-themed home hardware might be right up their alley. The knobs and pulls, as well as hooks come in rustic-looking finishes and detailed shapes. Choose a running horse, a bull's or cow's head or even just home hardware that looks like its made from old leather or wood.

Out in Space/Futuristic

Whimsical space decorations are perfect for the future space explorer. Many kids love celestial designs, so these moon and star cabinet knobs would be a lot of fun adorning a dresser or any organizer. 

Confused? Cabinet Hardware Types Explained

You have a lot of different options in cabinet hardware. Not only are there a huge selection of cabinet knobs to choose from, but many different kinds of cabinet pulls. It all depends on how you want your kitchen or bathroom to look, and the general function of the cabinets and drawers.

There are so many different kinds, that many people have questions about the differences between them. What is a cup pull, and why should I get that instead of drop bail pulls? Much of it has to do with your personal preferences. Here are some helpful descriptions and images of the different types of cabinet hardware.

Cup Pulls

 

Cup pulls lay flush with the surface of the cabinet door or drawer on the top edge, as well as the left and right edges. The rest of it is raised up so that you can "cup" your fingers under the bottom and pull. Some people find this to be a comfortable way to open cabinets and drawers, while others don't. Some are rounded, but they can be virtually in any shape.

Drop Bail Pulls

Drop bail pulls have a "bail" that hangs from the base of the pull. You would just grab the hanging bail and pull. These are a nice alternative to regular pulls and knobs, as long as you don't mind grabbing onto the bail before you can open the drawer or cabinet. They can have a nice vintage or antique vibe, and can come in many different shapes and styles.

Ring Pulls

Ring pulls always come in a complete ring shape, but can be different shapes that deviate from a circle or oval. They can hang from the base of the pull like a drop bail, or stick out straight. They also come in all different styles, so you can find one that will go great with the rest of your kitchen or bathroom.

Euro Bar Pulls

These pulls are always long and sleek and stay true to the sturdy bar shape. Euro bars often double as towel bars on the cabinets of many kitchens, and can be installed horizontal or vertical depending on your needs and taste. Sometimes it's necessary to combine euro bars with matching knobs. For example, euro bars on the cabinets and matching knobs from the same collection on shorter drawers.

Backplates

Backplates are often used as the base of the cabinet knob for added decoration. When using one, choose them from the same collection as the knobs you'll be using them with. They are very versatile and come in many different styles and finishes.

Escutcheon Plates

These are used to cover key holes and the bases of knobs, so the unattractive inner workings of a lock and door knob aren't showing. These come in many different styles and finishes, from plain and modern, to whimsical and classic. The name comes from the French word "scutum", which means "shield".

Rosettes

A "rosette" usually refers to a round, flat design that radiates from the middle, much like the petals of a rose. The rosettes we're talking about here are used as backplates, but are in a category of their own because of their shape and design. Match the rosettes with the knobs in the same collection, if you choose to use rosettes.

How to Clean Home Hardware Finishes

Home hardware adds style, color and luster to our homes, and just like the hardwood floors and the upholstery, we have to take care of them and keep them clean. The best thing about cleaning home hardware, is the materials that work for each type of finish are probably already in your kitchen cabinets!

Not all metals and finishes can be treated the same way, so we've broken down the different common finishes for cabinet knobs, pulls, hooks, faucets and everything else, so you can keep your home hardware looking beautiful for many years to come.

Here is a list of the things you will need:

• Lint-free cloths.
• Vinegar
• Dawn dish soap, or another similar soap.
• Glass cleaner
• Ketchup

Bronze

Bronze cabinet knobs and pulls can be wiped free of grime weekly or every few weeks with a damp, lint-free cloth. As for sink faucets and other things that come in contact a lot with water and corrosive substances like tooth paste, bleach and other chemicals, you will need to wipe them down every couple of days. This will help them retain their original finish.

Chrome

Chrome will last for many years, but it will start to look dull and dirty after a while due to corrosion. First, try gently scrubbing it with a dish soap like Dawn and a soft wash cloth. If that doesn't do the trick, vinegar will. You want to start as mild as possible because you want to stay shiny and free of scratches. Dry and polish with a micro fiber cloth .

Brass

The hot soapy water and cloth should also work to get rid of regular old grime build up. For tougher dirt, the gentle acid found in ketchup or tomato paste with a micro fiber cloth and some elbow grease will get the job done. Don't forget to dry and polish.

Nickel

Try wiping off dirt with a dry soft cloth. If that doesn't work, use the soap and hot water and scrub in circular motions. For a quick cleaning, spray your nickel cabinet knobs with a regular glass cleaner, and polish it off to make sure no spots or streaks are left behind. As a general rule, don't use any harsh cleaners such as oven cleaners.

Stainless Steel

Use a wash cloth and vinegar water to scrub it clean. Vinegar is effective in getting rid of dirt as well as bacteria and molds. Don't scrub across the grain of the steel, always scrub along with it. Polish it dry with a clean dry lint-free cloth.

Make Your Home Look Like a Rustic Cabin with Home Hardware

The rustic look isn't something you see everyday, especially not when it comes to home hardware. Rustic is natural and weathered, looking like it was crafted by a blacksmith a century or two ago. Of course, that isn't really the case, but many brands can create cabinet pulls and cabinet knobs, as well as decorative hooks and others that look as good as old.

1. These Twig Pulls from Schaub & Company add some natural-looking charm to your kitchen. Use these if you have other pieces of decor that feature natural-looking pieces of wood. For example, a shelf that includes a piece of a tree branch left to its original shape would echo this style nicely.

2. Old fashioned and simple shapes are part of the rustic charm, along with the weathered finish, such as this bronze cabinet pull from Hawk Hill Hardware.

3. Sometimes echoing the rustic style calls for using a more subtle approach. The rustic copper finish of this Berenson knob will go along with a subtly rustic decor style.

4. The spiral motif is simple, yet has a nice old world vibe. It's the "olde iron" finish of this Schaub & Company knob that really makes it rustic.

5. This Schaub & Company Knob in Dark Pewter looks like its seen "better days", or that it's been seen a few long hard centuries of wear and tear. Of course, that's how it's supposed to look! These would look great with a set of natural wood cabinets.

6. Use these spiral weathered pewter cabinet pulls by Schaub & Company with dark natural wood cabinets that will contrast the lighter color. Using them with a smooth marble or otherwise solid and polished cabinets would work, but wouldn't drive home the rustic look.

7. Michigan Naturals Forest Floor brown mix Stone Knob, Medium Smooth and natural river rocks as cabinet knobs is very unexpected and interesting in any home. Not necessarily rustic -- it just depends on the rest of the decor in your kitchen or bathroom.

8. The natural wood look would go perfectly in a home with a rustic beach-style theme. These Hawk Hill Hardware Driftwood Appliance Pulls would fit right in with sea shell, river rock and other sea or river motifs.

The Best and Most Popular in Brass Home Hardware

Brass is a very popular finish when it comes to cabinet pulls, cabinet knobs, backplates and hinges. This is because it's a very versatile finish, which means it will look good in almost any home with any style. It can come in a beautiful golden color that gives a feeling of decadence, or be made to look like it's one hundred years old.

If you're searching for the perfect finish and style for your home, check out these popular options for brass home hardware. Just a warning: you'll see so many great versatile brass finishes, that you still might have a very hard time deciding! Don't worry, I'll try to help you narrow down your decision with some style suggestions.

Weathered Brass

The “shabby chic” trend and style is keeping the weathered brass finish a hot look in home hardware. It can come in all different degrees of weathered, and one brand's version of weathered brass can vary greatly to another brand's weathered brass. You have a lot of style options, as well. You can go full country-cottage with a very roughed up weathered brass that looks as if it really has seen a century of wear. There's also the lightly weathered, and everything in between.

Antique Brass

Antique brass finish looks different from weathered brass, in the way that it still looks polished but has some dark tarnishing around the edges and in patches. It creates a beautiful duo-toned look of warm goldish and brown colors that contrast nicely, and look genuinely antique and fancy. The look gives an old Victorian manor feel, and goes beautifully with other antiques and antique-looking home décor.

Polished Brass

Want some shiny, pristine and bright gold-colored home hardware? Do you want your home to look like it's dripping with gold like a palace? Polished brass is not for the faint of heart when it comes to use in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet pulls, hinges and backplates. It will catch the eye, but catching ones eye with cabinet hardware is unexpected. Unexpected can be very interesting and a very good thing.

Burnished Brass

Burnishing is traditionally a polishing technique with a heating tool, which not only polishes but hardens the surface and gives it a darker look. Burnished brass finishes aren't always burned when it comes to home hardware, but they are just made to mimic the look of old fashioned burnished brass. This is a very traditional look that is also very versatile, it all depends on the shape and style of the hardware pieces themselves to determine where you put them.