Hardware, Molding Turn Drab Cabinets into Decorative Elements

(ARA) - Cabinets rank with appliances and countertops as a kitchen design element that draws a lot of attention. Upgrading cabinets with cost-effective, high-impact accessories like fresh hardware and moldings can put the finishing touch of personalization on your kitchen.

"Incorporating custom-like features on stock cabinetry is an easy and affordable way to upgrade the look of a kitchen while integrating personal taste," says Connie Edwards, director of design for American Woodmark cabinetry. "With endless options of styles, sizes and finishes in decorative hardware and moldings, today's design trends lend themselves to mixing and matching, making it easy for homeowners to personalize and accessorize the hub of their home."

Knowing the importance of individual expression in design, companies like American Woodmark, sold exclusively at The Home Depot, offer decorative hardware and moldings in a variety of styles to help homeowners create unique spaces for the kitchen and beyond. If you like your home's overall design theme to be consistent, try using the same hardware and moldings in adjoining rooms. This will help create the illusion of an open floor plan. Or you can create a distinctive look for each room by using an assortment of ornamental accents in different shapes and finishes.

What's Hot in Hardware

As a cabinet accessory, hardware makes a statement on its own, but when set against cabinetry and appliances, it can give cabinets a fresh face. Today's trends call for decorative hardware that complements stylish kitchen products like oil-rubbed bronzed faucets and stainless steel appliances. Rustic finishes such as rubbed bronze, antique cream and satin nickel mesh well with the look of modern kitchen style. Bar pulls, cup pulls and twist and Tansu pulls and knobs are also trend leaders. Here are some tips from American Woodmark on how to use hardware to underscore a design theme:

Contemporary:

* Satin nickel Eclipse and Pyramid knobs on maple cabinetry
* Large and small black Parquet knobs on white cabinetry

Traditional:

* Large and small Barrel pulls and Roundel knobs in antique pewter copper on cherry cabinetry
* Rope knobs in oiled bronze on oak cabinetry

Traditional with Modern Spin:

* Twist pulls and knobs in Venetian bronze or French nickel on maple cabinetry
* Cup pulls in satin nickel on cherry cabinetry

You can even try mixing and matching styles and finishes for a truly eclectic look.

The Magic of Moldings

Moldings and accents effortlessly add a rich, fine furniture look to cabinetry. For a simple update, try a classic crown molding above your cabinetry. If you want something that will really stand out, try creating a molding buildup by adding more inserts. This combination of several inserts will create a sophisticated stack. You can take the ornamentation even further by adding decorative accents such as fillers and blocks underneath the sink or around wall cabinets, or corbels and overlays on an island or above the range.

Since there are so many different styles, combinations, finishes and prices for moldings, accents and hardware, you'll want to work with a Home Depot designer to help the process run smoothly -- from decision-making to installation. For additional design ideas and information, visit www.woodmark-homedepot.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent