Cabinet Blog
How to Choose the Right Hardware for Your Kitchen Cabinets
Why Cabinet Hardware Matters
Think of your hardware as the handshake of your kitchen. It’s what you touch daily. It affects your workflow. And it contributes to the overall aesthetic in a big way.
The right hardware can:
Tie together your kitchen’s color scheme
Add elegance or rustic charm
Improve ease of use
Reflect your personality
Poor hardware choices, on the other hand, can look dated, clash with finishes, or wear out quickly. That’s why we guide every client through a thoughtful hardware selection process as part of their custom cabinet design.
Knobs vs. Pulls—What’s the Difference?
Both knobs and pulls are functional, but they serve slightly different roles:
Knobs are smaller and typically used for cabinet doors.
Pulls are longer, more modern, and ideal for drawers and larger cabinet doors.
There’s no hard rule—you can mix both styles depending on the design. Many of our clients prefer the look of matching pulls throughout for a clean, uniform appearance.
Material and Finish: Match or Contrast?
Here are a few common finishes that pair well with popular cabinet styles:
Cabinet ColorHardware Finish IdeasWhite ShakerMatte black, satin brass, polished chromeNavy BlueBrushed gold, antique brass, matte nickelNatural WoodOil-rubbed bronze, matte black, brushed copper
You can either match the hardware to your fixtures (like your faucet and lighting), or create contrast for a designer look.
Our Favorite Hardware Brands
We proudly source from top-quality hardware brands, including:
🔗 Hardware Resources – Known for a wide variety of timeless styles and reliable construction.
🔗 Top Knobs – A designer-favorite offering luxury hardware that makes a bold statement.
We’ll guide you through finish samples, size options, and trending styles so you can choose with confidence.
What to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Hardware
Here are a few quick tips:
Comfort: Make sure it feels right in your hand
Size: Larger drawers need longer pulls for ease
Durability: Avoid thin or flimsy materials
Style Cohesion: Think of your kitchen as a whole
Not sure where to start? We offer hardware mockups during your 3D design consultation so you can see how it all ties together before installation.
Design It All With SDC
At Southern Designer Cabinetry, we don’t just stop at cabinet boxes and doors. From layout to lighting to cabinet hardware selection, we’re here to make sure every detail is perfectly planned.
Need help designing your dream kitchen? Get in touch with our design team today and let’s bring your vision to life.
Why Kitchen Cabinet Design Is the Key to a Beautiful and Functional Home
Kitchen Cabinets Are the Foundation of Every Great Kitchen
When you walk into a kitchen, the first thing you notice is the cabinetry. It shapes the layout, defines the flow, and creates the visual tone. At Southern Designer Cabinetry, we know that beautiful kitchens begin with intentional, personalized cabinet design.
Whether you're renovating an older home in Augusta or building a new lakefront property near Lake Oconee, the right cabinet design makes all the difference.
Visualize It First with 3D Kitchen Design
One of the biggest advantages of working with SDC is our use of 2020 Design software, a powerful CAD tool that allows you to see your project in full color, in 3D, before installation begins.
Preview custom cabinetry in real-time
Explore layouts, colors, finishes, and hardware
Make confident, cost-effective decisions early
Avoid guesswork and redesigns later
We believe your kitchen should look exactly how you imagine it—and we give you the tools to see it first.
Custom Cabinetry Designed for Southern Living
Kitchens in Georgia have their own charm—whether it’s open-concept living spaces, modern farmhouse appeal, or rich natural wood tones. We design cabinetry that fits your home’s architecture, lifestyle, and personality.
From frameless European-style cabinets to classic Southern wood cabinetry, our custom approach ensures a result that’s as functional as it is timeless.
Our Process: What to Expect When You Work with SDC
Consultation: We discuss your needs, vision, and space.
Design + Render: Using 2020 Design, we create a custom layout with photorealistic 3D renderings.
Selections: Choose styles, materials, finishes, and hardware.
Installation: Our trusted local team delivers high-quality craftsmanship you can count on.
We don’t just sell cabinets—we design solutions that work beautifully in your life.
Your Kitchen Is a Long-Term Investment—Start with Design
Cabinetry isn’t just another expense—it’s an investment in your home’s value, comfort, and beauty. That’s why it pays to start with design.
Let Southern Designer Cabinetry help you build the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of—crafted with care, custom-tailored for you.
Pros and Cons of Frameless Cabinets in Southern Homes
It all begins with an idea.
What Are Frameless Cabinets?
Frameless (or “European-style”) cabinets do not have a face frame on the front of the box. This design creates a sleek, full-access look where the doors attach directly to the cabinet body.
✅ Benefits of Frameless Cabinets
1. Clean, Modern Look
Perfect for minimalist or transitional kitchens popular in today’s Southern homes.
2. More Storage Space
With no face frame, you gain additional usable width in drawers and openings.
3. Seamless Appearance
Full-overlay doors cover almost the entire cabinet box, giving a custom-built feel.
4. Easy Access
Wider openings make it easier to store large dishes, pans, and appliances.
⚠️ Drawbacks to Consider
1. Slightly Less Rigid
In humid Georgia climates, frameless cabinets require quality construction and materials to prevent warping.
2. May Not Match Traditional Style Homes
If your home is colonial or farmhouse-style, framed cabinets may be a better visual match.
3. Precision Is a Must
Frameless doors must align perfectly—poor installation is obvious. (That’s why our expert team handles every project with precision.)
Frameless Cabinets & Southern Humidity
Humidity is a real factor in Augusta and the surrounding area. That’s why we recommend:
Moisture-resistant cabinet materials
Proper sealing and finish techniques
Working with a team familiar with local conditions
We take extra care to ensure your cabinets look beautiful—and stay that way for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Are Frameless Cabinets Right for You?
Frameless cabinetry offers a modern, open feel perfect for contemporary homes, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re unsure which direction to go, we’ll walk you through it with full 3D renderings using 2020 Design software.
🛠️ Let’s Build the Kitchen You’ve Always Wanted
We specialize in custom-designed cabinetry in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, and beyond. Whether you choose frameless or framed, we deliver precision-built results with beauty and function in every detail.
👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and 3D rendering of your space.
📞 Or call us at 706-231-8746