The Secret Jewel of the Kitchen: Why Handles Deserve More Attention

When people think about kitchen design, their minds usually jump straight to cabinetry, worktops, or colour schemes. But a small detail can have a surprisingly big impact on your space’s overall look and feel - the humble kitchen handle.

As designers, we often think of handles as the jewellery of the kitchen. They might be small, but they can shift a kitchen’s vibe by adding a dash of personality, giving a classic twist, or even modernising a traditional space.

Let’s say you’ve chosen a timeless shaker door. Now comes the fun part: deciding on your handles. Opt for traditional cup handles and round knobs in brushed brass for a warm, heritage look. Or, go for sleek T-bar pulls in matte black to instantly add a more contemporary edge. The beauty of shaker kitchens is how versatile they are - handles let you push the look in whichever direction suits your style.  

And don’t feel like you have to commit to just one type. Mixing knobs, bars, and cups can add texture and variety. Use knobs on wall units, bars on drawers, and cups on pan drawers. It’s a subtle design trick that brings a custom feel to your kitchen.

Handles aren’t just about shape - finish and colour make a huge impact too. Whether you’re drawn to cool metals like brushed nickel or polished chrome, or something bolder like powder-coated blue or crisp white, your handle choice can tie into your kitchen’s colour palette,  or boldly contrast it.

Matching the handle to your door finish can create a sleek, cohesive look, while a bold contrast can become a design statement in its own right. And for those who love a natural touch, wooden handles offer warmth and charm, especially in Scandi or cottage-style kitchens.

Don’t overlook texture. Knurled, fluted, ridged, or perfectly smooth - the tactile feel of your handles adds another layer of interest. These small details not only look beautiful but also enhance the way your kitchen feels in daily use.

At The Pentland Kitchen Company, we love helping customers choose the perfect finishing touches. Whether you want to keep it classic or create something completely unique, your handle choice is where personal style really shines through.

Let’s create a kitchen that looks and feels just right, down to the very last detail.