Antique Brass Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
WE USED ANTIQUE BRASS KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE THAT BLENDS CLASSIC STYLE WITH MODERN FUNCTION FOR A WARM LOOK IN OUR KITCHEN RENOVATION.
When it came time to design our new kitchen, I quickly realized that the smallest choices often have the biggest impact.
Cabinet hardware, in particular, can completely change the look and feel of a space. I wanted something that felt timeless but still had personality, which led me to antique brass.
In this post, I’ll share why I chose antique brass kitchen cabinet hardware, how it shapes the overall design, and why I believe it’s a classic choice that will never go out of style!
cabinet hardware – a small detail that transforms a kitchen
If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I always talk about small details with a big impact. Just like paint can instantly transform a room, often small details like kitchen cabinet hardware can do the same.
In kitchen design, cabinet hardware may seem minor compared to countertops or cabinets, but the little details work together to create a cohesive style. When chosen thoughtfully, details like antique brass pulls and knobs have a compound effect, subtly tying the whole design together.
Why We Chose Antique Brass Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
I spent a lot of time debating whether to use brass fixtures throughout our new home. While brass is definitely popular right now, I kept wondering, Am I going to love this look years from now, or will it feel dated once the trend passes?”
The timeless appeal of brass
The thing about antique brass is that it doesn’t feel trendy to me; it feels timeless.
Unlike the bright, shiny gold that was everywhere in the ’80s, antique brass has a softer, aged finish that instantly adds warmth and character. It pairs just as easily with modern cabinets as it does with vintage pieces, which makes it a versatile choice that won’t fall out of style.
Instead of looking “new and now,” it has that lived-in, classic quality that only gets better over time.
How antique brass complements a country-style kitchen
In our new kitchen, I was going for a decidedly country style. I felt antique brass finishes have a lived-in, classic look that complements the old style I was looking for. Additionally, that lived-in look will only get better over time.
Though I prefer lighter, neutral colors, I wanted to add as much warmth throughout this house as possible. Brass knobs and pulls paired with warm wood accents helped to add that warmth in our light and bright kitchen.
balancing vintage charm with modern function
Mixing old and new can be tricky. I wanted all the vintage charm but with the luxury of modern function. Vintage cabinet hardware on modern cabinets was one way to blend the two.
Other ways I added vintage style to our kitchen without sacrificing function were using a new drainboard sink that is reminiscent of older sinks, as well as blue and white tile over the range that mimics antique Delft tiles.
Deciding between classic cabinet hardware finishes
I can appreciate each of the different finishes when it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware. Everything from polished chrome to oil rubbed bronze are beautiful options. They’re all classic cabinet hardware finishes.
Having an overall theme in mind for our house really helped me hone in and select finishes that would give me that consistent look. Antique brass felt like the perfect choice for the look I envisioned.
Of course, once you decide on the finish, you then have to consider durability, style, and cost. I chose these knobs and pulls from Nostalgic Warehouse because I know their quality is outstanding. Our country kitchen hardware also perfectly matches the doorknobs I selected.
Again, small details compounding together for a big impact!
mixing metals in the kitchen
Can you mix metals in a kitchen? Yes.
Honestly, I spent a lot of time agonizing over that question. We already had a stainless steel refrigerator that we were keeping, so I had to work with that.
Had I not already had the stainless fridge, I likely would’ve gone with all white appliances. Now I had to decide what to do about the range, whether to match the fridge or contrast it.
antique brass kitchen cabinet hardware with stainless steel appliances
After much searching and creating many moodboards, I opted for this range. It came in stainless steel with brass knobs. This was the perfect solution to tie the appliances in with my brass cabinet hardware. This helped me to keep things cohesive with our existing stainless steel fridge.
If you already have a stainless steel stove, you can find a set of brass range knobs with the pull and replace them. (You can also get just the knobs.) Recently, I discovered they have similar handle kits for refrigerators as well. That’s how I would have approached this had I not found this range.
coordinating with faucets and lighting
In our kitchen, I opted not to have any pendant lights. When we eventually get a kitchen island, I plan to hang a pot rack above it instead. Plus, we have plenty of natural light in addition to the recessed lights, so pendants weren’t necessary.
Our faucets are also brass, although not an exact match. I really fell in love with this antique-style bridge faucet for the kitchen and knew it would pair perfectly with the style of our sink.
This faucet did come in a brass finish, so although not exact, it’s close, and it still blends seamlessly. For our dishwasher, I contrasted the other appliances with a wood panel. I explained more about that in our country kitchen reveal post.
Installation and Practical Tips
Installing kitchen cabinet hardware is a relatively easy DIY project if you are handy with a drill. Be sure to check your measurements for correct placement.
Our kitchen cabinets have several different-sized drawers, so I ordered the pulls in different sizes so the scale for each drawer would look right.
The Finished Look
Overall, I am beyond happy with how the kitchen turned out. The antique brass kitchen cabinet hardware paired with the doorknobs throughout the house really adds an element of cohesiveness and charm that I appreciate every day.
Swapping out kitchen cabinet hardware is an easy way to update any kitchen. Don’t underestimate those small details in design!
Decorating kitchen walls?How to hang a gallery wall of plates in your kitchen or dining room.
Here is a how-to install cabinet hardware post we did from our old house.
