Don't underestimate the power of your kitchen. I believe it's the most important space in my home. The kitchen is the space where I create the foods that nourish my family; this, however, is second to the fact that this is our gathering place, our point of convergence, the heart and soul of our home. So, when it was time to redecorate this noble room in my own home, I wanted to ensure that my design ideas would set the tone for the rest of my house. With this in mind, I want to let you in on a little secret - decorative cabinet hardware. Doesn't sound exciting? Well, it is.

After replacing the flooring (terra cotta) and the counters (granite), I was disappointed to find that I had almost exhausted my budget. Yet, my cabinets remained uninspiring. After appraising my neighbor's kitchens, studying interior decorating magazines and surfing the net, I struck pay dirt. I found fashionable, well designed decorative cabinet hardware to provide that special touch and I ended up pulling my whole kitchen together.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of beautifully crafted kitchen cabinet knobs and handles on the market that can actually transform the look of an otherwise ordinary kitchen cabinet. However, buyers beware; before choosing your look or theme, ensure that the cabinet hardware you purchase is dependable and meets high industry standards; a stylish looking kitchen will be meaningless if your cabinets are coming off their hinges or your knobs are falling off. It may be worth investing in some durable hardware to make certain your cabinet functions effectively. There are a variety of cabinet hinges that are both sturdy and attractive and can add some class to your kitchen. Although hidden inside the cabinet, a durable latch is equally important, as it ensures that the cabinet door will close securely. There is a range of options here too; magnets, rollers and touch latches are amongst the most popular.

Liberty Pewter Knob

By far, the most sought after piece of decorative cabinet hardware is the knob, handle and back plate. These items come in a huge range of materials from solid brass and Swedish iron, to brushed nickel, ceramic and wood. Each textile produces its own unique expression. Design styles are equally vast. From traditional to ultra modern, antique to contemporary, the options are endless. I like to experiment a little with my environment and I find that mixing styles works for me. In fact, I chose two styles of decorative kitchen cabinet knobs to accent my cabinets. First, I chose a simple, solid brass knob for the vast majority of my cabinets. However for all my drawers and my center cabinets, I chose a more elegant, antique looking birdcage knob in brass. These small touches were affordable, fun and completed the look of my kitchen.

Whatever decorative cabinet hardware you choose in determining the look of your kitchen, consider thinking outside of the box and having fun experimenting; you will surely find the look that will make your kitchen the heart of your home.

Decorite Cabinet Pull