Cabinet Handles: Trends to Watch
Tuesday 14 November, 2017

The kitchen, along with the bathroom, is one of the most frequently renovated spaces in our homes. Before diving into paint buckets for a drastic change, consider smaller updates like replacing your cabinet handles. Though small, they bring a refreshing touch that doesn’t go unnoticed and can completely transform the look of a room at a fraction of the price.

Metallic Finishes

Metal handles are everywhere right now. This strong trend shows no signs of slowing down. While brass and silver remain timeless classics, black stainless steel, rose gold, and copper finishes are increasingly popular. Contrasts are key—think matte black metal handles in a bathroom with white ceramic tiles.

Technology and Subtle Details

Sometimes handles highlight design details, but the opposite is also true. A discreet wooden insert, a slim metal strip, or a simple tone-on-tone handle can be just as effective. The height of subtlety comes with technology: cabinets that open with just a press. This type of system is especially useful in kitchens to conceal less aesthetic elements like trash bins.

Another creative tip is moving handles to the wall, where they act as both design elements and functional hooks. This works particularly well with round, doorknob-style handles arranged in mosaic-like clusters. They can serve as towel hooks in the bathroom or as handy kitchen accessories.

Geometry and Minimalism

In recent years, Scandinavian influence has been strong in interior design. Neutral yet bold colors, geometric shapes, and functional, streamlined spaces are everywhere. Kitchens and bathrooms are no exception. Hexagonal, square, round, or octagonal handles subtly echo this aesthetic. Some designs even feature a leather loop fastened with a metal rivet—a stylish way to combine materials.

Pops of Color

Color trends also extend to handles. Blue, a shade symbolizing water and nature, was a defining hue in recent years and is still making its mark. Painted handles are becoming common, sometimes matching the cabinet’s tone or featuring wood accents and other natural materials. Velvet-like finishes bring a luxurious and calming feel.

Open Shelving

Finally, another trend is simply removing cabinet doors altogether, leaving contents on display. This look works best when dishware is neatly arranged and not overly cluttered.

Whether minimalist, geometric, golden, chrome, painted, or colorful, one thing is certain: there’s no shortage of options when it comes to updating your cabinet handles!