Only want a quick change. Skip to hardware only refresh.

Process

1. Assess: Confirm box condition and hinges. Note old hole locations. For placement basics see how to place cabinet hardware.
2. Pick scope: Paint. Reface. Replace doors. Swap hardware.
3. Plan hardware: Choose style and finish. See color tips in how to choose a hardware color.
4. Prep: Label doors and drawers. Remove fronts. Clean and sand.
5. Finish: Prime and paint or install new doors. Let finishes cure.
6. Drill: Use a jig. See best cabinet hardware jigs.
7. Install: Follow how to install cabinet handles. Clean with this cleaning guide.

Next steps. Paint vs reface vs new doors. Hardware only refresh.

Process

1. Consult: Goals. Style. Storage needs. Budget cap.
2. Measure: Room sizes. Appliance specs. Ceiling height. Window and door locations.
3. Design: Door profile. Rail widths. Drawer fronts. Face frame or frameless. For box types read box types and overlays.
4. Material: Paint grade or stain grade. Wood species. Sheen level.
5. Hardware map: Knobs or pulls. Finish choice. Hole plan. Align with modern pull size chart.
6. Approve: Review drawings. Confirm lead time. Pay deposit.
7. Shop build: Fabrication and finishing in the shop.
8. Install: Set boxes. Hang doors. Fit drawers. Install hardware using this replacement guide.
9. Punch list: Adjust reveals. Touch up. Final clean with proper care.

Then decide finishes and confirm appliance pulls if panels are planned.

Process

1. Select line: Stock or semi custom. Review door styles and finishes.
2. Measure: Full wall lengths. Corners. Appliance cutouts. Ceiling height.
3. Box style: Frameless or face frame. Full overlay or inset. See box types and overlays.
4. Layout: Use catalog sizes. Add fillers where needed.
5. Finish choice: Pick from the line palette. Browse ideas in white cabinets with black hardware and black cabinets with gold hardware.
6. Hardware plan: Order undrilled fronts if you want custom spacing. See rule of thumb for pulls.
7. Order: Confirm lead time and delivery window. Stage the space.
8. Install: Hire a local installer or a listed partner.
9. Fit hardware: Drill and mount after fronts align. Follow install steps.

Next review hardware styles and sizes to lock counts.

Process

1. Discovery: Style goals. Daily flow. Storage zones. Budget bands. Review types of hardware in a kitchen.
2. Measure and survey: Full site measure. Check utilities and venting.
3. Concept: Mood board. Door styles. Finish direction. Hardware ideas. See kitchen hardware trends 2025.
4. Layout: Zone the room. Sink. Range. Prep. Trash. Tall storage.
5. Detail set: Elevations. Sections. Hole plan for hardware using size chart and the one third rule.
6. Sourcing: Cabinets. Counters. Appliances. Hardware from Hapny Home.
7. Bid and schedule: Get quotes. Pick dates. Build a buffer.
8. Install support: Site check. Adjustments. Final styling.

Move to finish choices and layout choices to finalize.

Paint vs reface vs new doors

Paint works when doors are sound. Reface swaps doors and adds veneer to boxes. New doors keep boxes and skip veneer. Any path pairs well with fresh hardware. For solid metal basics read why choose solid brass hardware.

Switching from knobs to pulls. Plan hole spacing before you drill.

Hardware only refresh

Fast change with strong impact. Map each door and drawer. Keep centerlines consistent. Use longer pulls on wide drawers.

• Pick a style and see mixing knobs and pulls.
• Pick a finish. Ideas for dark cabinets in best hardware for dark cabinets.
• Pick sizes and spacing with the size chart and pull rule of thumb.
• Install with a jig. See jig guide and how to install handles.
• Care after install. Read how to clean kitchen hardware.

Shop Hapny Home: cabinet pulls, cabinet knobs, appliance pulls.

Hardware styles that work

• Ribbed or fluted: Adds texture and grip. Good on busy drawers.
• Bar pulls: Clean lines and easy reach.
• Arched pulls: Soft shape for slab doors.
• Cup pulls: Classic for drawers. Pair with round knobs on doors.
• Appliance pulls: Unify paneled appliances. See planning.

See style ideas in white with black hardware and black with gold hardware. Browse trends in kitchen hardware trends 2025.

Finish choices

• Brushed brass: Pairs well with white or oak.
• Graphite or black: Strong contrast on light paint. See white with black.
• Polished nickel: Bright tone that works with marble.
• Mixed finishes: Repeat with intent. Example. Brass on uppers. Graphite on lowers. Brass on appliances.

Read how to choose a color and why solid brass. Order samples. Request samples.

Sizing and hole spacing

• Drawer 12 to 18 in: pull 96 to 128 mm center to center or a 1.25 to 1.5 in knob.
• Drawer 18 to 30 in: pull 160 to 224 mm center to center.
• Drawer 30 to 36 in: pull 288 to 320 mm or two knobs.
• Doors: one knob or pull 96 to 128 mm. Tall pantry can take 224 mm.
• Appliance panels: 12 to 18 in pulls. Match across appliances.

Use the modern pull size chart, the one third rule, and how to measure drawer pulls. For drawers read placing pulls on drawers.

Layout choices

• Trash pull out by sink to save steps.
• Spice pull out by range to clear counters.
• Deep drawers for pots to reduce bending.
• Tall pantry with roll outs to use height well.
• Glass uppers need tidy contents. Plan lighting.

Review the kitchen hardware guide when mapping doors and drawers to knobs and pulls.

Box types and overlays

• Frameless: Tight gaps and a modern line.
• Face frame: Classic look and easy alignment.
• Full overlay: Hides frames. Clean face.
• Inset: Shows frames. Needs precise hinges.

Inset works with smaller knobs or slim pulls. Frameless can take longer pulls. See examples in white with black hardware.

Plan appliance pulls

Use sturdy bars with set screw mounts. Match lengths for a calm line.

• Fridge and freezer. 18 in.
• Dishwasher. 12 to 15 in. Read dishwasher pull sizes.
• Warming drawer. 12 in.

Confirm panel thickness and screw type with your appliance specs before ordering.

Budget and timeline

• Hardware only: one to two days.
• Paint: one to two weeks with cure time.
• Reface or new doors: two to six weeks lead time plus two to four days install.
• New cabinets: six to twelve weeks lead time plus install.

Add a buffer for surprises. Order hardware early to keep dates.

Measurement checklist

• Door and drawer sizes.
• Panel thickness at mount points.
• Old hole size and centerlines.
• Edge clearances and adjacent door swing.
• Appliance panel specs and screw type.

Use a jig for repeatable holes. See jig guide and how to measure drawer pulls.

Install steps

1. Plan holes on paper. One line per door or drawer. Use the size chart.
2. Use a jig or drill guide. Check the first piece. See jig guide.
3. Drill the set. Keep pressure even. Avoid tear out.
4. Mount screws. Hand tighten at the end. Follow install guide.
5. Wipe with a soft cloth. Follow cleaning basics.

Quick checklists

Planning

• Pick path. DIY. Cabinet maker. Manufacturer. Designer.
• Set scope. Paint. Reface. New doors. New boxes.
• Pick door style and finish palette. Read color guide.
• Choose hardware style, finish, and sizes. Use the pull size chart.
• Confirm counts. Lead times. Dates.

Ordering

• Line item list by cabinet. If you need a source list read where to buy.
• Add spare pulls and extra screws.
• Order finish samples. Request samples.

FAQ

Can I mix finishes

Yes. Pick one main metal. Repeat it in at least three places. See real rooms in white with black hardware.

Knobs or pulls on doors

Both work. Pulls feel firm on tall doors. Knobs are simple and easy to place. Get ideas in best cabinet hardware of 2025.

One pull or two on wide drawers

One long pull gives a clean line. Two knobs give a classic look. Use the pull rule of thumb and the one third rule.

Next steps

1. Pick a path above.
2. Download the spec list and the measurement checklist.
3. Order hardware samples and confirm sizes with the size chart.
4. Book your installer.

Shop Hapny Home:

• Cabinet knobs
• Cabinet pulls
• Appliance pulls