Cabinetry usually assumes the centre stage when constructing a kitchen makeover or refresh. Nevertheless, another aspect of design that is not given much attention and yet influences greatly is the selection of kitchen cabinet handles. The right handles can make an immediate transformation to your kitchen giving it a new flair, a sense, and a polish without having to completely makeover your kitchen.

In Australian households, whereby kitchens can be considered as a social, as well as practical, space, it is important to choose the stylish and long-lasting cabinet hardware. We discuss below 10 cool handle options on kitchen cabinets which can immediately give your kitchen a new look, be it modern, classic, coastal or contemporary.

Brushed Brass Handles

Brushed brass has been a perennial favourite in the Australian kitchens. Its natural metallic material is balanced with white, navy, or timber cabinet body coupled with a faint touch of luxury without being too fancy.

Why they work:

• Adorns contemporary and classical kitchens.
• Brings aesthetic touch and visual contrast.
• Impervious to fingerprints when rubbed as opposed to being polished.

To keep everything together, tapware or lighting fixtures in brushed brass can be matched.

Matte Black Cabinet Handles

Matte black handles are used in modern and industrial types of kitchens. Their vivid but minimalistic look is very contrasting especially where the light cabinetry is in the backdrop.

Best suited for:

• Contemporary and Scandinavian breakfast rooms.
• Natural or white or grey timber cabinets.
• Homes which would want a smooth, architectural appearance.

Matte finishes are also convenient because they do not easily identify smudges and wear.

Bone-Smooth Stainless Steel Handles.

Stainless steel handles are a very feasible and universal item that will never go out of style. They are popular in the Australian kitchens because they are durable and can be used in residential kitchens as well as semi residential.

Key advantages:

• Easy to clean and resistant to corrosion.
• Most colour palettes are complemented with a neutral tone.
• Best used in busy family kitchens.

Satin or brushed stainless steel can be used in place of a more modern finish.

Minimalist Bar Handles

Bar handles have clean lines and streamlined look hence suited in modern and minimalistic kitchen designs. They are in various finishes, which can be customized to fit nearly any style.

Why homeowners love them:

• Simple, functional design
• Increases symmetry and balance.
• Fits in both drawers and cabinets.

Cabinetry can also be physically expanded by use of longer bar handles which make smaller kitchens look bigger.

Cup Handles in a vintage style.

Bin pulls or cup handles are typical of both traditional and Hamptons style kitchens. Their vintage quality and curved features provide style and yet usefulness.

Perfect for:

• Shaker-style cabinetry
• Heritage-based or federation houses.
• Drawers instead of cupboards on the ceiling.

To add some visual interest to the space, one can match cup handles with matching knobs.

Slim Profile Handles

Handles are slim profile, yet elegant, providing an elegant choice to the heavier hardware. Their mild presence does not ruin the design of the cabinetry.

Design benefits:

• Fits the modern and minimalistic living room.
• Produces a smooth and clean appearance.
• Modern finishes like champagne, graphite and brushed nickel available.

The handles are also effective in the kitchen where the cabinetry colouring or rough finishes are bold.

Timber Cabinet Handles

Timber handles bring a warm and natural feel, which fits perfectly into the trend of organic material and indoor-outdoor living that Australia has. They are particularly used in coastal and Scandinavian kitchens.

Why choose timber:

• Softens modern designs
• Combines very well with white or pastel cabinets.
• Gives it a feel and reality.

Oak or walnut hardwoods are durable and refined at the same time.

Integrated Handle Designs

Integrated handles also called recessed or finger-pull handle are constructed as part of the cabinetry. The design produces a smooth, non-handled appearance, which is a modern and practical design.

Ideal for:

• Minimal or ultra-modern kitchens.
• Little areas with sticking handles might not be convenient.
• Homeowners that prefer a smooth look.

Although they are minor, built-in handles need quality workmanship so that they can be comfortable and durable.

Aged Finishes or Bronze Antique Finishes.

To the people who want character and charisma, the use of antique bronze or old metal handles has a touch of history and richness. These finishes can be used in the rustic, provincial, or the heritage style kitchens.

Styling tips:

• Combine with timber or natural stone benchtops.
• Perfectly complements darker cabinets.
• Fills it out but not too ornately.

These handles are perfect to accomplish a lived in, classy kitchen atmosphere.

Knobs for Versatile Styling

Cabinet knobs can also be used as a flexible choice, either in a contemporary or a classic kitchen. They come in an overabundance of shapes, materials, and finishes, enabling creativity, but are functional.

Why knobs still matter:

• Economical method of re-furbishing cabinets.
• Easy to install or replace
• Fits best on drawers that are smaller or high cabinets.

When well considered, a combination between knobs and handles can be very interesting and can provide depth.

Final Thoughts

The easiest and the most efficient way to make your kitchen fresher is to have an upgrade of your kitchen cabinet handles. You like smooth, modern, or classic design, either way, the correct hardware is able to remodel your kitchen without requiring any significant renovations.

Through closely choosing styles that best match your cabinetry and lifestyle, this can be done to give you the finished, harmonized appearance that improves both beauty and functionality. Cabinet handles are a minor touch in Australian kitchens, which are not only designed and are practical, but make the difference.