Home Improvement with Home Hardware
Home Improvement with Home
Hardware
Home
improvement projects usually are
associated with fatigue, chaos, dust and huge expenses. But believe it
or not,
all of these associations can be avoided. One of the easiest home
improvement
projects is to replace your home hardware – including your kitchen
cabinet hardware. Replacing these smaller accessories can accent
your home décor and
design and polish the look in any room. Your attention to these small
details
will pay off largely in the end of your home improvement project when
the rooms
you have renovated contribute to your home’s overall décor and style.
Here’s a
few pointers on how to get started.
Size
It Up
When
replacing your door hardware,
evaluate the size of your cabinets, drawers and other areas that you
will need
replacing. Take a look around your kitchen, living room and bathroom
and look
for crooked hanging cabinets, broken hinges, missing dummy knobs and
loose
screws. These areas should be addressed and replaced promptly. However,
not all
rooms, cabinets and accessories are alike. Some areas will require
larger knobs
for easier access, whereas other areas, smaller hardware will softly
accent
your décor without competing with it.
Choose
a Different Style
Traditional
door handles are classical door
knobs. However, why not mix it up and try something new? Lever door
handles
make for easier opening. This handle design is especially ideal for
families
with small children or those with disabilities; their easy, sleek
design also
helps prevent doors from slamming—which everyone can appreciate. Do not
forget
dummy door knobs which are great for cabinets in bathrooms,
kitchens—virtually
anywhere.
Mix
and Match Materials
Instead
of redecorating and installing
the same old, plain materials for cabinet drawer pulls, levers and
knobs. Consider
upgrading or simply changing your materials. Mix and matching
materials; in
addition to chrome, nickel, copper and iron, consider also stainless
steel,
colored glass or even plastic cabinet hardware. For the brave and bold,
consider
mixing a combination of different materials in each room of your home
to keep
your style unique and bold.
Get
Creative
If
you are replacing hardware in your
bedroom or living room, try to show off your unique style with an
interesting color
or different shape. Cabinet accessories are available in interesting
shapes and
designs that can reflect your personal habits and hobbies. Sports
aficionados,
artists or sailors can show off their habits by installing miniature
reminders
as drawer knobs and cabinet
pulls. This is a great way to get your children
involved, too. By allowing them to help decide the colors, styles or
shapes for
this project, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride if
their
ability to help participate in this home renovation project; not only
will they
be proud of their hobbies but also of their creative way to show off
their extracurricular
activities.
Maximize
Your Safety and Security
We all have one of ‘those’ doors, drawers or cabinets – something that is technically locked but can be opened if enough force is applied. Be sure to check your kitchen, living room, bedroom and especially bathrooms for any loose or dysfunctional locking mechanisms in your home. To test, lock any questionable drawers, cabinets and doors and attempt to open them. Obviously, if you can open them, their locks need to be replaced.
If you do not want to purchase a metal lock set, consider purchasing plastic slip on covers that adults can grip and twist to open, while younger children cannot. This form of “lock” is only recommended for infants; with age, your children will learn how to open the door. For young kids, drop-down latches on the tops of doors can also function as a locking mechanism. Unless children are usually tall, the lock will remain secure. Determine the level of security you want for each room and then purchase the appropriate form of locks.