Should Cabinet Hardware Match Stainless Steel Appliances?
The decision to match cabinet hardware with stainless steel appliances depends largely on your personal design preferences and the overall style of your kitchen.
Cohesive Look
Matching cabinet hardware with stainless steel appliances can create a cohesive and unified look in your kitchen. This often gives a modern and sleek appearance. When you choose hardware in brushed nickel, finished copper, or matte black, it seamlessly blends with the stainless finish, providing a harmonious aesthetic.
Contrast
If you prefer a more eclectic or personalized style, you might opt for contrasting hardware. For example, black or brass hardware can add visual interest and warmth against the cool, metallic surfaces of stainless steel. This contrast can bring personality and warmth into your space, making your kitchen more inviting and unique.
Style of the Kitchen
The overall style of your kitchen can significantly influence your choice. In a contemporary kitchen, where minimalism might be a defining feature, matching hardware often fits well. On the other hand, traditional or farmhouse styles might benefit from integrated cabinet hardware that complements the overall craftsmanship and texture. Mixing metals, like gold with stainless, can create a dynamic and layered look that adds depth and texture to your kitchen.
Color Scheme
Consider the color palette of your kitchen. If your cabinets are a bold color, using contrasting hardware can help balance the design. For instance, black or bronze hardware might be perfect for a vibrant red or blue kitchen, bringing a sophisticated touch.
Trends
In recent years, mixing metals has become popular, allowing for a more dynamic and layered look. This approach can make your kitchen feel more modern and unique. However, the trend is not a strict rule. You have the freedom to choose whatever best suits your taste and the atmosphere you want to create.
A Personal Experience
As a cabinetmaker with extensive experience, I often match the cabinet hardware to the finish style of the cabinets. For example, Shaker fronts might get simple hardware in color tones appropriate to the wood stain, while knotty white pine might use hammered bronze hardware for a 1950s vintage look. Modern and slick fronts, however, would use concealed hinges and a black or stainless pull designed to look like a spaceship hatch handle.
However, it's important to put on whatever hardware the client wants, not what I personally prefer. For instance, I once built cabinets for myself with wooden hinges, wooden hinge pins, and wooden pulls. Even then, I went a bit over the top: the fronts were ash with walnut as the hinges and pulls.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. There are no hard and fast rules. Your kitchen is your space, so you should make the call based on your personal taste and the atmosphere you want to create.