What your Hardware Says about You (and why it matters more than you think) AKA: The Secret Sauce to Make your Home more Beautiful: Knobs & Pulls
- Kristina Browning
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
You know how people say “it’s the little things that matter most”? They’re right. And when it comes to creating a dream home, those little things often come in the form of knobs, pulls, and handles. Yup—hardware. The jewelry of your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, and basically anywhere with a cabinet or drawer.
You’re touching them every single day, multiple times a day. Unlike your couch, which might see a Netflix binge once a week (or let’s be real, once a day if you’re me), your hardware is one of the few elements of your home that engages your sense of touch, daily. So, let's not leave to an afterthought.
Come down the rabbit hole with me—a beautiful, functional, Pinterest-worthy rabbit hole—and let's think about your space and your reason.
First, a Quick Note on Functionality of Knobs & Pulls
If you're asking, "How to make my home more functional?"—you're already on the right path. The difference between a kitchen that makes your life easier and one that makes you mutter curse words during the dinner rush might just be the cabinet pull.
Knobs vs. Pulls:
Knobs use one screw, require more grip. Not ideal if you have arthritis or slippery post-dinner hands.
Pulls use two screws, easier to grab. They win the functionality race and make aging-in-place (hello, long-term thinking!) more stylish.
This matters especially in Pacific Northwest homes where rain (and dirty hands from repotting that monstera) are basically a love language.
Let’s Talk Style: What Does Your Hardware Say About You?
If you’ve ever worn a statement necklace, carried a bold tote bag, or picked the chunky Birks over the strappy flats—you’re already making style choices. Hardware is no different.
Ask yourself:
Do you wear delicate gold chains or love a chunky statement piece?
Are you more boho (hello, turquoise knobs) or modern minimalist (sleek matte black pulls)?
Does the idea of brass aging and patina-ing give you chills (in a good way)? You may love a living finish—like those from A & H Brass or E.R. Butler & Co.
Do you want to feel like Julia Child in your own culinary masterpiece? Rejuvenation has knobs and pulls that will make your inner chef swoon.
📝 Pro Tip: Go rewatch Julie & Julia and pause on the kitchen scenes. Yes, pause the movie. Take a screenshot of those pulls and start a “Hardware That Sparks Joy” photo album.
Durable AND Drool-Worthy: Yes, You Can Have Both
In Christiane Lemieux’s book The Finer Things, she wisely asks:
“Do you like the way this looks? Is it going to last? Is it going to function the way it should?”
That’s your hardware checklist right there. It’s also your life checklist, but we’ll stick with hardware for now.
Here’s the thing: good quality hardware doesn’t just look better, it feels better. Cheap knobs feel hollow, light, and sad. Quality knobs feel like the handshake of a confident woman wearing a structured blazer.
Want some luxe options that won’t feel like a fast fashion decision? Check out:
Eleek Inc – bonus: they’re focused on sustainability, which we LOVE in Oregon City
And in case you're wondering if there's a definitive list... why yes, Food & Wine did round one up for us right here.
A Few Real-Life Examples
Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn has chef’s kiss taste. She chose cast brass hardware from A & H Brass in London—and had it shipped across the pond. Why? Because it matched the unlacquered original brass hardware in her 1920s home. It’s that level of detail that makes you stop mid-tour and whisper, “They nailed it.”
Also? Unlacquered brass ages beautifully. It’s a living finish, meaning it changes with time and use—like a fine wine, or your favorite leather boots. If you're someone who obsessively wipes fingerprints off your fridge, maybe skip this. (Me!) But if you adore the charm of patina and character? Dive in, my friend.
Want to Add Glam? Sparkle Strategically
I didn’t want my bathroom hardware to match my kitchen. Why? Because I love a little sparkle and a little surprise. I used subtle crystal knobs (hello, House of Antique Hardware!) in my bathroom drawers and let them shine like tiny crown jewels. You can add glam without going full Vegas.
Want color but fear painting cabinets? Choose colorful pulls instead. For example, Signature Hardware has a Menotti Porcelain Knob in teal, rosewood, or indigo. With crackled glaze and gold trim? It’s basically vintage ceramic meets fine jewelry.
Placement Matters
Cabinet hardware placement isn’t just about looks—it’s about feel. Traditional placement centers the knob on the frame. More modern installs are slightly higher or lower to keep visual lines clean. Ask yourself: Do I want a classic feel or a clean, modern look?
TL;DR — It’s Not “Just Hardware”
It’s something you touch every day.
It’s a way to express your aesthetic without remodeling.
It’s the final step in space planning for families—because even little hands (or arthritic ones) benefit from the right choice.
It’s one more way to say “yes, we considered everything.”
If you’re wondering how to make your home more beautiful and functional, this is it.
Now go touch every knob and pull in your house. If it makes you wince, replace it. If it makes you smile, post a pic to Instagram and tag @SpaceAndReason so we can geek out together.
Bonus: My Favorite Hardware Sources for the Curious, Discerning, and Slightly Obsessed
Maybe you enjoy listening more than reading; Listen to Episode 24 of the Home Space and Reason Podcast on Knobs and Pulls linked below; let’s get nerdy together.
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