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If you are updating your kitchen, add a touch of pizazz! One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to refresh a kitchen is to change the hardware. New knobs and pulls are an easy way to make a new or first home feel uniquely yours.
The Painted Hive: Mod Podge Cabinet Pull
Downloadable Compass Template
When my husband and I bought our first house, we were eager to make it feel like ours. We couldn’t afford a major renovation, but replacing cabinet knobs was affordable and made a big difference. Swapping hardware was one of the first things we did to personalize the space.
Want a laugh-worthy before and after of my first kitchen? I dug up the photos we took before buying the house and the “after” shots. We didn’t do much—just replaced the red hardware with white and painted an odd pot rack (it started as a wagon wheel!). It’s a fun reminder of how small changes can refresh a space.
Yes, some of the décor choices might make you smile—this was two decades ago. Trends evolve, but the point is small, affordable updates like hardware can dramatically change how a room feels. Even then I was experimenting with personality and texture in the kitchen.
That first kitchen is long behind me, but I’ve continued to change hardware in every kitchen since. In my current home it’s high on the list of updates I can’t wait to make.
Want more ideas for updating your kitchen hardware?
Here are four approachable ideas from bloggers and DIYers to bring personality and flair to your kitchen:
1. Paint knobs.
Before & After: Transform Kitchen Knobs with Spray Paint
DIY tip: Stick knobs screw-end down into a piece of Styrofoam while painting to avoid touching wet paint.
2. Think creatively.
Use unexpected materials—rope knots, fabric loops, or other unconventional pulls—to add charm and individuality.
Inspiring idea: Nontraditional pulls like rope knots are easy to install in existing holes, simple to replace if they wear out, and they add a playful, tactile element to your cabinets.
3. Modernize.
Before & After: Sleek modern cabinet pulls can update a tired kitchen instantly.
Tip: Smooth, contemporary pulls create a clean, modern look—plain-front cabinets become a perfect canvas for a bold hardware choice.
4. Mix and match finishes.
Combining different styles and finishes can create an eclectic, curated look when done thoughtfully.
Mixing tip: If mixing finishes feels risky, keep one finish dominant and introduce variety through shapes and textures to achieve an interesting, cohesive result.
Have you updated the knobs and pulls in your kitchen? I’d love to see your photos or hear what worked for you.
What are your best tips for new homeowners updating a kitchen?
Related Posts:
My Kitchen Remodel (my kitchen from 2013 to present)
My Kitchen Sources and Details
