Get a Grip on Your Options
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Having a "handle" on textures can make it easy to select the handle that's right for you. Major texture options include:
Distressed: The dented and scratched feel lends a classic look to Old World, country and farmhouse kitchens.
Hammered: This style of hardware has broad or narrow surface indentations produced or appearing to have been produced by hammering. Hammered knobs and pulls are a key element of Arts & Crafts homes.
Matte: This dull surface gives a dose of subtlety to your hardware. While matte antique brass, copper and statuary bronze knobs are perfect for period kitchens, chrome, satin brass and nickel serve contemporary spaces well.
Oil Rubbed: Typically done on bronze, oil-rubbed hardware's aged patina shows through a charcoal-colored finish.
Polished: With a mirror-like sheen, these smooth and glossy knobs literally shine. This bold look is well-suited for bar areas and bathrooms.
Satin: Resting between matte and polished options in terms of its sheen, satin hardware offers a bit more texture: expect a somewhat threaded look.
Gado Gado International Lapis Lazuli
Using a semiprecious stone like this Lapis Lazuli adds a bright punch of color to your kitchen. These blue knobs from Gado Gado International are available in round, oval, triangular, square and hexagonal shapes. $36; Gado Gado International
Sea Stones Cabinet Hardware
There's no easier way to give your kitchen a natural look than to add a bit of Mother Nature. These knobs and pulls are actual ocean-smoothed stones that have been hand-gathered from New England beaches and crafted into hardware for your cabinets. If that's not green enough for you, the owners personally "plant" a new stone (purchased from a quarry) back into the water to replace each one picked. $14; Sea Stones
Accents by Cambria
Sometimes being green means making the most of what you have, as Cambria has with its new Accents line of decorative cabinet knobs and pulls. The inlaid quartz comes from the "cut off" leftover from fabricated countertops. If you want to match the look of your quartz hardware, the line also includes switchplates, cheeseboards and more. $15-$50; Cambria
Richelieu Green Cabinet Hardware
With its rounded edges and bold straight handle, this contemporary pull masters subtle sophistication. But this hardware is more than elegant-it's eco-friendly, too. These knobs and pulls are produced from 93 percent recycled brass material and satisfy LEED recycled content credits. $22-$195; $51.69 for pictured hardware; Richelieu Hardware
Atlas Homewares Wet Bar Collection
Certain cabinets demand a little more hardware flair. For your wet bar, these beverage-themed knobs complement any cocktail hour. If wine is your thing, Chianti bottle and goblet knobs are also available. $10.40; Atlas Homewares
Gado Gado International Pisces Pull
Crafted on the island of Java, this pull's design reflects the traditions of its origin. The sleek curves of the fish balances its rough-hewn texture. Fashioned from hand-carved hardwood molds, these brass pulls are cast, then individually polished with an antique finish. $30; Gado Gado International
Richelieu Hardware Swarovski Crystal Collection
This new line of knobs and pulls from Richelieu is literally cabinet jewelry. Featuring Swarovski crystal and various finishes, this hardware's bold square motif provides a contemporary balance to its luxurious, traditional material. $20-$139; $138 for featured knob; Richelieu Hardware
Atlas Homewares Hamptons Collection
These wrapped pulls and knobs cross natural inspiration with modern design. Bound in bamboo, oil-rubbed bronze wire or silver wire, the pulls are available in a standard 5¼-inch length or a mega 10-inch size. Since the collection is handcrafted, variance in the hardware's spread makes this collection best for new applications only. Matching knobs are also available. $11.10 for standard pull; $25.40 for oversize pull; Atlas Homewares
Notting Hill, Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker
These knobs take form from the nursery rhymes that inspired the butcher, baker and candlestick maker. Available in both antique brass and antique pewter, each 1 ¾-inch knob, made by Notting Hill Decorative Hardware, features the tiny details of the artisan's trade. $23, Notting Hill Hardware