If you’re considering refacing your kitchen cabinets, congratulations—you’re making a smart choice that can transform your entire kitchen without the cost and mess of a full renovation. But while refacing gives your cabinets a new lease on life, the finish and hardware you choose can make or break the final look.
These finishing touches are more than just cosmetic—they define your kitchen’s personality, style, and even functionality. Whether you’re tackling a full kitchen refurbishment or simply refacing your cabinets, here’s how to confidently choose the right finish and hardware to complete the transformation.
1. Understand Your Kitchen’s Style
Before you dive into finishes and knobs, take a moment to consider the overall style of your kitchen. Is it modern, traditional, farmhouse, transitional, or something else entirely? Your cabinet finish and hardware should complement and enhance the existing style, not fight against it.
Modern kitchens benefit from sleek, high-gloss finishes and minimalist hardware like slim bar pulls in brushed nickel or matte black.
Farmhouse or rustic styles look great with distressed finishes and oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass hardware.
Traditional kitchens pair well with warm wood tones or painted finishes and classic knob-and-pull combinations.
2. Choosing the Right Cabinet Finish
Refacing usually involves applying a new veneer or laminate over the existing cabinet boxes and replacing the doors and drawer fronts. You have several finish options, including:
Painted Finish
Popular and versatile, painted cabinets offer a clean look and a wide range of color choices—from timeless whites and creams to bold navy or forest green. Painted finishes work well in both traditional and modern kitchens.
Wood Veneer
For those who love the natural beauty of wood, veneer finishes like oak, walnut, or maple bring warmth and texture. They can be stained in light, medium, or dark tones depending on the ambiance you want to create.
Laminate or Thermofoil
Durable and easy to maintain, laminate finishes come in many colors and styles, including wood grain, matte, or glossy options. Thermofoil gives a similar look and is often used for a clean, seamless appearance in modern kitchens.
Pro Tip: Lighter finishes can make a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter, while darker finishes add depth and drama.
3. Selecting Hardware That Complements Your Finish
Once you’ve chosen your cabinet finish, it’s time to pick hardware that ties everything together. The finish, shape, and size of your cabinet knobs and pulls play a significant role in the final look.
Match or Contrast?
- Matching hardware creates a cohesive, subtle look. For example, brushed nickel handles on cool-toned cabinets.
- Contrasting hardware adds a pop of visual interest. Matte black hardware on white cabinets is a striking and popular choice.
Popular Hardware Finishes:
- Brushed Nickel: A timeless, versatile choice that goes with most finishes.
- Matte Black: Bold and modern, great for white or wood-toned cabinets.
- Brass or Gold Tones: Warm and elegant, ideal for both modern glam and vintage-inspired kitchens.
- Chrome: Sleek and reflective, often found in modern and contemporary spaces.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Rich and rustic, perfect for farmhouse or traditional kitchens.
4. Consider Functionality and Comfort
Looks matter, but function is key. Choose hardware that feels good in your hand and works well with your daily routines.
- If you have larger hands, opt for longer pulls or bigger knobs for ease of use.
- For heavy drawers, sturdy pulls provide better grip and support.
- Consider soft-close hinges and drawer slides to elevate the functionality of your refaced cabinets even more.
5. Mixing Styles—Yes, You Can
Don’t be afraid to mix knobs and pulls. Many designers use knobs for cabinet doors and pulls for drawers. Just make sure they share a common element, such as the same finish or design style, to keep things visually cohesive.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right finish and hardware for your refaced kitchen cabinets is an important step in achieving a balanced combination of style, durability, and functionality. These details may seem small, but they can significantly influence the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Take the time to explore different options, compare samples, and consider how each element fits into your space. With careful planning, refaced cabinets can offer the appearance and appeal of custom cabinetry—often at a much lower cost. Whether you’re working with a professional or choosing solutions like those offered by Regen Kitchen, the key is making informed decisions that suit your needs and preferences.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
