Cabinet knobs are like jewelry. They enhance, enchant, and delight the eye. While copper, silver, and gold metals are traditional hardware for wood cabinets, there are a wide variety of colors and materials available in today's market. With all these options to choose from, you can dress up your cabinets to suit any design style.

Before buying up handfuls of colored knobs, take a few moments to consider your cabinets' characteristics.

Is the wood a dark, rich tone such as cherry or oak? Or is it lighter in color like maple? Perhaps your cabinets are made of pine, giving your dcor a more rustic feel.

Stained woods show their grain, and the colors vary in shade and tone within each cabinet. For stained cabinets, choose a color that blends, rather than contrasts, with the natural color of the wood.

If you do want contrast, make it sharp. For example, dark cherry cabinets with a white porcelain knob can be striking, provided the knob isn't too small or delicate.

The inverse is true. If your cabinets are light in color, and you want dark brown hardware, try a different shape other than round. This will give the cabinets a textural effect and you'll avoid the "brown splotch on wood" look.

If your cabinets are painted wood, then a contrasting color is lots of fun. You also have options for different materials, such as porcelain, metal, wood, or even plastic.

For kitchen cabinetry, whether painted or stained, you may want to try two different colors of knobs. Create a pattern by alternating them on the doors, or use one color for upper cabinets and another for lower cabinets.

Consider, to, the size and "weight" of your cabinets. Are they small with glass fronts or tall with paneled doors, making them appear heavy, solid.

Color has size and weight as well. Bright reds will look larger and heavier than soft pinks. Choose a color that will match the weight of the cabinets. This can be more difficult than it seems at first glance. One solution is to purchase several knobs in various colors and try them with the cabinets.

Another good reason to try before committing is that lighting changes color, and it's unlikely your home has the same lighting as the store. What looks to be a cheery red in the store can turn into a purpley rose color at home. Before purchasing all the knobs you need to dress up your cabinets, select a few in the same color range in various styles to see which one actually works the best.

Color knobs, like jewelry, are the perfect accessories. The right color and style will compliment your cabinets and complete your design.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
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