When it comes to hardware, bling is back, with bold, beautiful hardware pieces and a wide array of finishes taking the kitchen by storm. From rich gold tones to sparkling crystal to glass-and-metal combinations, hardware is making a statement, with larger, longer pulls and chunkier knobs in high demand. However, with personalization more important than ever, there’s no one trend; indeed, hardware choices are spanning a wide spectrum, from statement pieces to low-profile hardware that maintains the existing clean lines of the space.
In functional hardware, it’s all about what you don’t see – seamless design, quiet operation, and concealed hinges and slides that don’t detract from the clean lines consumers covet in their kitchens. At the same time, functional hardware must work harder than ever to increase organization and efficiency, and offer greater accessibility to cabinet contents.
Below are some of the hottest trends in decorative and functional cabinet hardware right now.
–Bigger, bolder pieces are trending in decorative hardware, including longer pulls, in both traditional and non-traditional sizes. While brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are still popular favorites, new hot and happening finish trends include gold, rose gold, brass, bronze, matte black and gunmetal gray – and mixed finishes (silver and gold, chrome and matte black) and materials (glass and metal, metal and wood) are also trending.
–Personalization continues to be an important consideration in hardware, with homeowners using decorative hardware as a way to make their kitchens uniquely their own, aesthetically speaking, and functional hardware to organize their cabinets for their specific needs.
–In decorative hardware, textural interest continues to be hot, with nature-inspired patterns that incorporate these elements being a popular trend.
–While decorative hardware is all about making a statement, functional hardware is all about invisibility, with concealed hinges and slides in demand to maintain the clean lines that continue to trend in kitchen design right now.
–In functional hardware, soft-close and touch-to-open are increasingly becoming the standard, appealing to consumers for their quiet operation and seamless appearance. However, there are still some bugs to be worked out, such as children or pets bumping into cabinets and accidentally opening them.
–Organization remains a critical concern in the kitchen, with hardware that increases organization and efficiency in high demand. Additionally, hardware that adds space, capacity or accessibility – such as full-extension products and those with greater weight bearing capabilities – is also seeing growth.