Changing the hardware around your place is a great way to add personality to a room, and is a quick and inexpensive way to be creative with furnishings.
A classic and simple white kitchen can date itself with 1970s brass handles, while a curlicue victorian dresser can look a bit fussy with cut crystal knobs.
Why not add some “new jewelry to that old suit”? Changing the hardware offers an instant update to your furnishings.
In the kitchen
Renters rejoice; updating the look of your kitchen is easy by investing in some new hardware for the cupboard doors and drawers.
Brushed stainless steel or shiny nickel knobs and pulls are the most popular.
It’s also one of those upgrades you can take with you when you move (just keep the old hardware to replace when you are gone).
As most kitchens require quite a few, purchase your knobs and pulls at the big-box or DIY stores; the prices are usually better than specialty shops and they will have the quantity you need in stock.
Want to to add a custom look? Put knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. Match the style and finish.
Old furniture gets dazzled
Got an old dresser or cabinet that feels a bit dull? Re-staining it very dark or painting it a bright colour can change the look, but adding some fun knobs will add some interest and update your relic for a few more years.
Handmade or painted knobs allow you to be creative and customize a boring piece of furniture.
Look in lifestyle stores that sell home and clothing for some unique hardware.
Woman’s clothing store Anthropologie and home decor store Pier One are favourites of mine.
Bathroom pizzazz
Replacing standard towel bars and cabinet knobs in the bathroom can add a real punch of personality to a small space.
I like to buy four-five matching towels bars and install them above one another, about 12-18 inches apart.
The vertically stacked bars give a vertical element to a small bath and offer up valuable hanging space as if a ladder were leaning against the wall.
Check out the big box stores for multiple towel bars on sale.
In family bathrooms try installing several hooks at various heights to hold multiple family towels.
Choose a different brightly coloured towel for each family member and the wall will take on a fun, playful look.
