The "Jewellery" of Your Kitchen: Pairing Handles for Traditional, Transitional, & Modern Styles

Join freelance kitchen designer Faye Newman as she reveals how to choose the perfect kitchen handles and hardware to elevate your traditional, transitional, or modern space.In this episode, filmed on location at the beautiful Hendel & Hendel studio in London, Faye tackles one of the most underestimated decisions in kitchen design: hardware. Often left to the very last minute, handles act as the "jewellery" of your kitchen and can completely make or break the final look of your renovation. Faye breaks down the three essential rules for choosing handles—proportion, ergonomics, and material finishes—and answers your most-asked questions, including the big debate on whether you can mix metal finishes. Whether you are designing a classic shaker or a sleek, modern space, this masterclass will help you nail those vital finishing touches.Key Takeaways: How to Master Kitchen HardwareAmount and Proportion is a regularly asked question! Learn when to use a single statement bar handle versus two cup handles, and why matching your handle length (like a 320mm bar) to your drawer width makes the whole design look professionally considered.Handles are the most touched part of your kitchen. A handle must be practical! Discover why heavy integrated appliances (like fridges and dishwashers) need a substantial grip, and how Blum's electronic servo drives can save you from battling with handleless freezer doors.Can you mix satin brass with matte black? Faye explains her "rules" for layering different material finishes, cooler vs. warmer tones, and textures cohesively without it looking messy.Pairing Handles by Kitchen Style:Traditional: Discover why cup handles, oval knobs, and detailed backplates perfectly complement the beading on classic in-frame shaker cabinetry.Transitional: Learn how to use statement hardware, like hammered or knurled finishes, to bridge the gap between classic and contemporary styles.Modern: The best choices for minimal slab doors, from sleek edge pulls to textured T-bars that add subtle interest without interrupting seamless lines.Why you should never choose a handle just from a picture. Faye explains the importance of testing the weight, grip, and finish in person.Best Moments:"This is what we call the jewellery of your kitchen. It's where you can really add a lot of personality within your space.""If you've got a big fridge, freezer, or dishwasher, those are the absolute must-haves to make sure you've got a decent handle on them. You want to get your fingers right behind it, pull it open, and not have to battle with it.""Make sure that you feel the handle you'll be working with... order a sample so you can feel the weight of them and see if they feel like a good quality handle.""Even though there's not much going on with modern handles from a detail perspective, I promise you from a design perspective, there's been lots of thought going on ergonomically.""Every time you walk into that kitchen, you look at that small detail and think, 'I've nailed this and I'm super happy.'"Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Hendel & Hendel for hosting this episode in their London studio and showcasing their stunning hardware collections. This episode is proudly sponsored by Blum.About the Host: Faye is an Independent Kitchen Designer and founder of Faye Newman Design with over nine years of experience in the kitchen industry. She specializes in bridging the gap between technical "rules" and personal "flair," ensuring every kitchen she designs is as functional as it is beautiful.Want More Expert Kitchen Inspiration & Advice?Download your FREE Kitchen Guide here: FREE Kitchen Guide Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to @Loveyourkitchenpodcast for the full visual experience of the Hendel & Hendel studio.Follow on TikTok: @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for extra kitchen tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.