Bold stainless steel rods. Ornate brass pulls. Delicate porcelain knobs.

If you are looking to add some personality to your cabinets, the options in hardware are endless.

Decisions...Decisions...Decisions...

The first step is to look for styles and patterns you like. Look through home improvement stores, kitchen, bathroom and plumbing supply stores and specialty web sites.

Then decide how to blend it all together. Think about the overall style of the room and the other materials you will be using.

A few suggestions:

·         Stainless steel and nickel hardware go well with stainless steel appliances and light wood cabinets. A satin nickel handle, for example, has a matte, brushed finish and warm color tone. It blends well with light colored cabinets, such as ash or maple.

·         Consider the type of appliances, countertop and floor are you selecting.

·         Also consider your sink. Brushed chrome hardware will coordinate with a stainless steel sink, as the textures are similar. White ceramic hardware will tie into a white cast iron sink.

Finishes...Finishes...Finishes

Hardware is made from a variety of metals and materials -- brass, chrome, nickel, pewter, plastic, porcelain, copper and stainless steel. There also are several finishes, such as "antique," which has a dull finish and "distressed," which looks cracked or otherwise worn from age.

Hardware also is made by combining materials. Some handles have brass near the two ends that are secured to the cabinet and porcelain on the main section used to pull open the door or drawer. This style allows you to soften the look of metal or blend the porcelain with the other kitchen finishes.

The cost?

Prices range from $2 each for more traditional styles found at home improvement and hardware stores to $22 each for hand made decorative styles.

What if you just can’t decide?

Confused by all the options? Forego hardware all together or wait until you have lived with the cabinets for a few months. Many cabinet styles are designed to be opened without hardware. A few words of caution:

·         Think about the wear and tear on the doors from fingernail scratches, fingerprints and food particles.

·         If you plan to add hardware later, consider having the contractor add the holes. This will force you to decide whether you want knobs or handles, however.