How to Update Your Kitchen Hardware for a Fresh New Look

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White drawer bank featuring ornate gold and crystal cabinet pulls for an elegant hardware update.

If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen, looked around, and thought, “Something feels… tired,” you’re not alone. Kitchens work hard — feeding families, hosting holidays, hiding the occasional burnt-something — and over time, even the prettiest ones start to lose a bit of sparkle.

Here’s the good news:
You don’t need a full renovation to perk things up.
Sometimes all it takes is a small, simple update that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Enter: new kitchen hardware.
Knobs, pulls, handles — the unsung heroes of the kitchen world.

Updating your hardware is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to refresh your space without committing to a renovation. And yes, it’s absolutely a DIY project you can complete in an afternoon without sacrificing your sanity.

Below is your guide to choosing, measuring, installing, and enjoying your brand-new kitchen hardware — with a few pro tips to make it look like you hired a professional to do it.

Why Update Your Kitchen Hardware?

Because it works.
And because small changes can make you fall back in love with your kitchen.

Here’s what hardware updates do:

  • Instant facelift: It’s amazing how a modern pull or a classic knob can change the entire personality of a kitchen.

  • Budget-friendly upgrade: No demolition. No dust. No calling your plumber at 7 a.m.

  • Quick turnaround: You can start and finish this project before dinner.

  • High impact, low effort: It’s the renovation equivalent of a great haircut — small change, big “wow.”

What You’ll Need

Nothing fancy — just a few basics:

  • Screwdriver or drill

  • Measuring tape

  • New knobs/pulls/handles

  • Screws (usually included)

  • Wood filler (only needed if you’re changing hole placement)

  • Sandpaper (for smoothing filled holes)

  • Pencil

  • Hardware template or ruler

  • Level (optional — but helpful if you don’t trust your eyeballing skills)

Step 1: Choose the Right Hardware

Think of hardware like jewellery for your kitchen — it needs to match your style, fit properly, and make you smile when you see it.

Here’s what to consider:

Style

Are you going modern? Traditional? Farmhouse? Something bold?

  • Sleek matte-black pulls = modern

  • Brushed brass = warm and luxurious

  • Classic round knobs = timeless

  • Cup pulls = vintage charm

Choose what makes your space feel elevated, not overwhelmed.

Finish

Your hardware doesn’t have to perfectly match your faucet and appliances — but it should get along with them.

Popular finishes:

Close-up of maple kitchen cabinets featuring long stainless steel handles for a modern hardware update.

  • Matte black

  • Brushed nickel

  • Brass

  • Chrome

  • Oil-rubbed bronze

Mixed metals are totally on trend — just keep it intentional.

Size

Large cabinets can handle long, elegant pulls. Small drawers? Not so much. Aim for hardware that feels proportional and comfortable in your hand.

Comfort

You’re going to use this hardware daily. Make sure it feels good, opens smoothly, and doesn’t snag your sweater (yes, it happens).

Step 2: Measure Before You Buy

(or risk crying later)

If you’re swapping handles for handles, measure the centre-to-centre distance between screw holes. Common sizes include:

  • 3" (76 mm)

  • 4" (102 mm)

  • 5" (128 mm)

If your new hardware doesn’t match the old holes, don’t panic. You’ll just fill the old ones and drill new ones. More on that in a moment.

Mark all drill points with a pencil before touching a drill. Templates from Amazon or Home Depot can make this much easier (and more consistent).

If updating your kitchen hardware feels a bit overwhelming — or you simply don’t have the time or tools — remember that we take care of small jobs too. Click the button below to connect with us, and we’ll happily handle the installation so you can enjoy a fresh new look without the stress.

Update My Hardware

Step 3: Remove the Old Hardware

This is the easy part:

  • Grab a screwdriver or drill

  • Unscrew knobs/pulls

  • Set them aside (you may repurpose them or donate them)

Now’s also a great time to wipe down your cabinets. Kitchens collect fingerprints, cooking residue, and mystery smudges. A quick clean makes the final look even better.

Step 4: Install the New Hardware

This is where the magic happens.

If using the same holes:

Simply line up and screw in the new hardware. Easy.

If drilling new holes:

White shaker-style upper cabinets with black birdcage knobs, showcasing an updated traditional hardware style.

  • Drill pilot holes first

  • Make sure your drill is straight

  • Use your template for consistent placement

  • Don’t overtighten

A crooked pull will drive you crazy every time you walk in the kitchen — ask me how I know.

Step 5: Filling Old Holes (If Needed)

Not always necessary — but easy to do:

  1. Fill the old holes with wood filler

  2. Let it dry

  3. Sand smooth

  4. Touch up paint or stain if needed

Once done properly, nobody will ever know those holes were there.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Now step back and admire your handiwork.
You just gave your kitchen a makeover — without the renovation price tag or the dust.

A few final tips:

  • Clean hardware regularly to avoid fingerprints

  • Tighten screws every couple of months if needed

  • Consider updating your faucet or pendant lights later to match your new look

Small updates like this can make a big difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To save yourself frustration:

White shaker cabinets with sleek black modern bar handles, showcasing a contemporary kitchen hardware update.

  • Don’t eyeball hole placement — measure everything twice

  • Don’t skip filling old holes — it ruins the look

  • Don’t choose oversized pulls for tiny drawers — size matters

  • Don’t overtighten screws — it can crack cabinet fronts

It’s worth taking your time. Your kitchen will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Updating your kitchen hardware is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home and bring new life to a space you use every single day.

It’s fast.
It’s affordable.
It’s surprisingly fun.
And it gives you that “look at me, being handy!” feeling.

Whether you love sleek black pulls, warm brass knobs, or something totally unique, this simple change can transform your kitchen from “fine” to “fabulous” — without lifting a sledgehammer.

And if a small update like this sparks your excitement for a bigger kitchen transformation down the road… you know who to call. 😉

Thinking about planning a bigger kitchen refresh? We’d love to help bring your vision to life. Reach out anytime — we’re here when you’re ready.

Contact Us Today