When it comes to freshening up your kitchen, oftentimes people assume that they need to plan a big remodel, replace countertops or purchase new kitchen cabinet doors. This isn’t the case at all. There are a number of smaller fixes that are much less complicated, cost effective, and are projects that you can do yourself than can help add new life and style to the most important room in your house.

An often over-looked detail that can change the entire look of a kitchen without investing much time or money is kitchen cabinet hardware. Refinishing kitchen cabinets with all new latches, handles and knobs is a simple and inexpensive way to refresh your kitchen décor.

Here are a few guidelines to consider when installing new hardware to your kitchen cabinet doors.

Make sure to match your new cabinet hardware to the overall look or vibe of your already existing kitchen style and décor. For example, if your kitchen is mostly modern you wouldn’t want to purchase knobs with country-style flowers on them. Or if you have a sunny, country kitchen steer clear of bold, artistic pulls. Stick with something that goes well with the theme that you’re trying to convey.

If you’re not sure about mixing and matching, you may want to try to match or coordinate your knobs and pulls with the materials already used in your kitchen. If you have granite countertop, purchase granite knobs, if you have a marble backsplash purchase marble knobs. If you have stainless steel countertops or a bronze-finished ceiling, try steel or bronzed pulls or knobs.

When refinishing kitchen cabinets with new hardware, don’t forget about the hinges, be sure to replace the old hinges with new hinges that match the new hardware. For example, if you just replaced your old brass knobs, with new sleeker-looking silver pulls, it’s imperative that you also purchase new steel hinges to match your new pulls. You can also purchase new hinges that are designed to be completely concealed if you don’t want your hinges and hardware to be too matchy-matchy.

You can visit a local home improvement or hardware store to check out their selection of hardware for kitchen cabinet doors, or you can also do your shopping online. There is a huge variety of styles, shapes, and materials of cabinet hardware online. You may also find better prices when shopping online. Just make sure you accurately measure cabinets and hardware to make sure you order the right sizes.

Keeping these style tips in mind, refinishing kitchen cabinets with brand new knobs and pulls is as easy as 1-2-3!