As a 20-something moving into her first apartment, I knew that I should not expect much in the area of aesthetics. However, luck came my way and allowed me to find a two-bedroom that was next in line to receive a fully renovated kitchen for a fabulous price. After the renovation was finished, I realized there was something else that just completed the whole feel of the kitchen aside from the new cabinetry, appliances and fixtures. It was something that may seem so small, but so impactful in its presence: the cabinetry hardware.
Pre-renovation, my kitchen looked something like the first photo. The existing cabinetry was void of any hardware, which left it feeling very bland and disinteresting. As one who enjoys cooking, walking into a space like this didn’t give me the inspiration to stay there very long.
However, post-renovation, brushed nickel knobs were installed that gave the kitchen the crispness that the slim, nickel handles add to the white cabinetry in the second photo. Instead of flat and tired, the kitchen atmosphere became more complete and on trend.
Interning with Susan has taught me that coordination and cohesiveness are two factors that are consistently applied in all areas of interior design, but especially in regards to hardware, in a kitchen or any other space. With this in mind, hardware doesn’t need to match, but it does need to coordinate.
If a full kitchen remodel with new cabinetry and appliances isn’t in the cards for you, or your landlord isn’t considering renovation, think about changing out your hardware in the interim. My realization is that the smallest things really make the biggest visual differences
Gina Ciarrocchi is on board with Susan Muschweck Interior Design, LLC, as a summer intern. A junior Integrated Marketing Communications major at Duquesne University, Gina is currently discovering new techniques and ideas to effectively contribute to the Susan Muschweck Interior Design, LLC, brand. Gina is branching off of her existing skills in graphic design and trying her hand at several new programs, such as the techy mystery that is Adobe Lightroom, which she hopes to master during this internship.
Outside of her busy life as a student, Gina strives for balance as a devoted yogi (a practitioner of yoga) and an avid chef and baker of all things delicious, much to the enjoyment of her foodie boyfriend, who lives to sample each of her delightful creations.