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If you’re updating your kitchen, add a little pizazz. One of the simplest, most cost-effective updates is swapping out the hardware. New knobs and pulls instantly personalize a new or first home without a big budget.
Examples and tutorials have inspired many DIYers to refresh cabinet hardware with paint, Mod Podge, templates and simple swaps.
When my husband and I bought our first house, we were excited to make it feel like our own. We didn’t have a big renovation budget, but changing the cabinet knobs was affordable, easy, and felt like a real upgrade.
Want a laugh? Here’s a before and after of my very first kitchen. All we did was change the hardware from red to white and paint a pot rack that was originally a wagon wheel. It was simple, inexpensive, and made the space feel much more like ours.
Yes, that goose with a bow and the animal head on the wall reflect trends of the past—20 years ago. It feels nostalgic now, but the small changes we made, like swapping hardware, were big wins at the time.
That kitchen was several houses ago, but I’ve updated cabinet hardware in every kitchen since. It’s always on my “can’t wait to change” list.
More inspiration for updating kitchen hardware
Here are four ideas to add personality and style to your kitchen through hardware.
1. Paint knobs
Spray painting or hand-painting knobs is a quick way to change the look without buying new pieces.
DIY painting tip: Stick screws end-down into a foam block so you can paint without touching the knobs.
2. Think creatively
Nontraditional pulls—like nautical rope knots—can be installed in existing holes and swapped out easily for a playful, unexpected look.
Creative idea: Use materials with character for a unique touch that’s also practical and removable.
3. Modernize
Sleek, modern pulls transform plain cabinet fronts into a contemporary statement.
From drab to fab: A streamlined pull across flat cabinet faces creates a clean, updated look with minimal effort.
4. Mix and match finishes
Combining different styles and finishes can produce an eclectic, layered appearance while still feeling cohesive.
Mixing tip: If you’re unsure about mixing metal finishes, create interest by varying shapes and textures while keeping most pieces in a single finish.
Have you updated your kitchen knobs and pulls? I’d love to see photos or hear what worked for you.
Tips for new or first-time homeowners updating a kitchen
- Start with hardware: it’s inexpensive, reversible, and instantly impactful.
- Choose a unifying detail—finish, shape, or color—to maintain cohesion if you mix styles.
- Consider temporary options (painted knobs, rope pulls) if you plan to sell or renovate later.
- Measure existing hole spacing before buying new pulls to avoid drilling new holes unnecessarily.
Related posts:
My Kitchen Remodel (example of a larger, completed renovation)
My Kitchen Sources and Details
