Picking the right knobs, handles, brackets and lighting can make a huge difference to the overall effect in any room. Getting the right finish to tie in with your overall design is a good start point. Chrome is good in a more modern kitchen but Nickel is probably more popular for painted cabinets. Brass is definitely making a comeback – polished for a warm and modern look, antique or aged for a more traditional setting. Black and bronze are also worthy of consideration but avoid a big contrast with the cabinet colour. There are numerous designs – try to pick something with lasting appeal that won’t appear dated in future years.

 

It’s worth spending time looking at options – perhaps getting inspiration from some of the premium suppliers and then sourcing similar items based on your budget. Here are our top picks for websites to explore.

 

Knobs and handles

 

If you are prepared to pay high prices for the best hardware, I would recommend Armac Martin, DeVol or Dowsing & Reynolds. The designs are fabulous and the quality is excellent.

 

If you are working on a tighter budget, look at Suffolk Latch, Corston Architectural, Hendel &Hendel or Yester Home for a variety of styles at more accessible price points.

 

The best website for a broad range of hardware is More Handles where you will see products from most of the major manufacturers. They stock Carlisle Brass and Alexander & Wilks who make great products at sensible price points.

 

Be careful with sizing. The standard size for cabinet knobs is 38mm but 32mm is also popular if you want something more understated. Handles for standard cabinets and drawers are typically 100mm to 140mm long. You will want something longer for wardrobe doors. Cup handles for a traditional kitchen drawer are normally between 90mm and 110mm depending on style.

 

Brackets

 

Open shelving is becoming more popular. You may want floating shelves which we are asked to make regularly. Not a problem in an alcove but trickier on a flat wall. Wooden brackets, painted to match the shelving is also in demand; we can make these in any design and style. If you want metal brackets, choosing the right style and finish will make or break the look.

 

At the premium end of the market, Armac Martin,  DeVol and From The Anvil are good suppliers but at a very high price point. Look at Corston Architectural, SDS London or Yester Home for better value.

 

Lighting

 

Beyond standard down-lighters, most rooms will benefit from wall or pendant lights to add atmosphere and to concentrate light where it is needed. My pick of the best companies to look at are: Jim Lawrence, Dowsing & Reynolds, Soho Lighting and Nkuku at the mid to higher end. Pooky, John Lewis and Cox & Cox offer a good range in the mid market.

 

If you are buying your cabinets from us, we can show you plenty of samples and organise the sourcing and buying for you – sometimes at trade prices which we will pass on. Spend time looking at room settings on Pinterest, Houzz or some of the national cabinet maker websites to see what appeals to you.

 

Good luck!