Personality, it’s in the Details - 01

Let's talk about handles.

We used to see them everywhere, on kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, drawers and interior doors. So where have they gone?

Handleless kitchens, smooth cabinetry and push-to-open drawers are everywhere now. And while I appreciate a clean, simple look, I sometimes wonder if we've taken minimalism a little too far. When every surface is flat and every detail disappears, a room can lose some of its personality.

Handles are a small detail that can make a surprisingly big difference.

Let's start with the kitchen.

Handles can completely change the look of cabinetry. Think aged brass, antique bronze, dark iron, timber or ceramic. From simple, understated pulls to beautifully shaped traditional handles, the options are endless.

But how do you choose?

Start by looking at the cabinetry itself and the overall feel you want to create. A simple, modern kitchen can look fantastic with a traditional cup pull or an aged metal knob. Timber cabinetry might call for something darker and more understated, while a painted vanity could be the perfect place for a little decorative detail.

Don't feel you have to choose the most contemporary option just because your kitchen is new. Sometimes, the contrast between old and new is what makes a space interesting, it’s what adds personality.

And think about practicality, too. Handles should feel comfortable in your hand, be easy to grip and work well with the size and weight of your drawers and doors.

TIP: If you're replacing existing handles, check the fixing holes before you fall in love with a new style. Choosing handles with the same hole spacing can make an update much simpler.

Take the same thinking into your bathroom and wardrobes.

You don't necessarily need a different handle in every room. Using the same style across kitchen and bathroom cabinetry can create a lovely sense of continuity throughout your home.

That doesn't mean everything has to match exactly. You might use a simple knob on a bathroom vanity and a longer pull on kitchen drawers, keeping the finishes similar so the spaces feel connected.

And don't forget your doors.

Interior door handles and knobs are often overlooked, yet they're something we see and use every day. Replacing dated hardware can give a home a subtle but noticeable lift.

Your door furniture doesn't have to be identical to your cabinet handles. A different shape or style can work beautifully, but consider keeping the finishes related, perhaps aged brass throughout, or dark metal repeated in a few key places.

TIP: Before replacing door hardware, check that the new handles are compatible with the existing locks and latches, particularly in older homes.

So before you embark on a new build or renovation project, don’t just settle on another handleless kitchen, take a moment to consider the handles. And while you're at it, take a look at your doors, too. It's a small detail that can make a big impact!