How to choose the right hardware & handles for your home
What comes to hand when opening and closing doors and cabinetry is a vital final layer of design. Plus, shop Momo Handles’ latest collection.
In partnership with MOMO HANDLES • Words ELIZABETH CLARKE
Selecting the right architectural door handles and hardware for your home is much like choosing exquisite earrings to complement a cocktail dress.
“Beautiful hardware is the final layer of design that transforms an ordinary space into something special,” agrees Andrea Martinez, principal interior designer at Rietveld Architects. “It elevates a front door, makes a basic cabinetry design into a design feature, and the simple swap of handles on a generic furniture item can make it look custom and unique.”
As one of the most tactile parts of your home, and with endless options to choose from, deciding on the right fittings is both essential and overwhelming – handles, knobs, or pulls? Brass, colour, timber or chrome? Playful, highly decorative, discreet or oversized?
“Door hardware should reflect the style of architecture and interior design elements in the home,” says Andrea. “The finish, shape and style should be an extension of other design elements.”
When choosing hardware, Andrea says consistency is key. “Choosing the same styles for your doors and cabinets throughout the home always works, however if you feel the need to mix it up room to room, look for complementary shapes, finishes or themes to carry the language room to room subtly,” she says. “Architectural door and cabinet hardware from Momo Handles is always my first choice because the quality is consistently impressive. They have a wide range of sizes and styles, allowing for design flexibility and the ability to tie in with any aesthetic direction. The variety of finish choices means you can find the perfect match for any space.”
Door handles: first impressions
A beautiful entryway creates a lasting impression, and selecting an eye-catching architectural door handle is one of the simplest ways to enhance your home. Consider options like the knurled texture and brushed clasp detailing of Momo Handles’ Belgravia Lever, an Aspen entry pull defined by its modern aesthetics, or the elegant form of the Bellevue door pull. Each handle is designed to elevate your entryway with timeless elegance and durability.
“Beautiful door furniture provides a visual enhancement that makes a lasting impression as the first point of physical contact for anyone entering,” says Andrea. “The tactile experience sets the tone for the space, and when you pair it with matching hinges, it truly reflects a high level of attention to detail and sophistication.”
Cabinetry: three ways
When choosing cabinetry hardware, there are three key types to consider: knobs, d-handles and edge pulls. Knobs, with a single fixing point, are compact, making them ideal for small cabinet doors or drawers. “Knobs are great decorative elements on smaller cabinetry items or tall, lightweight cabinetry doors,” she says. “They beautifully enhance the design, especially on profiled faces like Shaker-style doors.”
D-handles offer flexible sizing from 190mm to 900mm and come in various thicknesses, shapes and styles, making them perfect for integrated appliances. Edge pulls, with their sleek and minimal aesthetic, are best suited to lighter, tall doors such as those on wardrobes and under-bench alfresco doors.
Scale & proportion: avoid the clash
Achieving the right scale and proportion of door or drawer handles is crucial to prevent them from overpowering the look of your cabinetry. The handle's profile should be carefully considered to avoid clashes with adjacent walls or cabinetry when doors or drawers are opened.
“A good rule of thumb when selecting handles for drawers is for the handle length to be about half the width of the drawer face," suggests Andrea. "For instance, if your drawer is 800mm wide, a 400mm handle works well. It’s also common to use the same handle style in different lengths within a room; for example, long vertical handles on tall doors can pair with shorter handles on under-bench cabinets and drawers."
Placement: symmetry is key
When it comes to perfect placement, Andrea centres d-handles horizontally and vertically on drawers and positions edge pulls at the top of the panel for perfect symmetry. "On tall cabinet doors, I position the handle centre at about 1050mm from the floor, which works well ergonomically for most clients, though adjustments may be needed based on handle style," she says. "In kitchens, I align handles across the room, considering the placement of wall ovens and integrated fridge handles. For under-bench cabinets, I install handles horizontally to match adjacent drawers, but for integrated bar fridges I place the pull handle vertically to avoid stress on the hinges."
Finish: take cues from metal fittings
Unsure how to match the finish of your hardware with your cabinetry? Aim for a cohesive look, taking cues from other metallic elements in the home, such as your plumbing and light fixtures. “For dark stained timber cabinetry, I like gunmetal or matte black handles, while for lighter woods, brushed nickel works well,” says Andrea. “Often, I custom design handles in the same material as the cabinetry for a bespoke finish. Overall, I tend to stick to one finish throughout the home; it is not uncommon for there to be one or two, sometimes three complementary metals used throughout a home on other interior elements.”
Ergonomics: durable comfort
Handles and hardware are used constantly every day, so a reassuring weightiness and solidity are important for durability and a feeling of quality. So, too, is how it feels in your hand. “The ergonomics of handles and hardware is so important for everyday use, especially for handles mounted on integrated appliances, integrated pantry units or heavy drawers where you need a good solid grip and are pulling on the handle to open the door or drawer,” Andrea says. “I look for tubular handles with a decent 20-25mm radius and at least two or three fixing points. Momo offers matching cabinetry handle and appliance handle ranges so you can put the heavier appliance pulls on the appliances and something matching but a little sleeker on other cabinetry.”
If you’re looking for a flat slimline handle, select one with a curved surface on the back of the handle where your fingers touch for maximum comfort and stop the edges from cutting into your hand.
Andrea’s Momo Edit
BELGRAVIA
The Belgravia beautifully blends traditional elegance with modern touches, creating a timeless design that complements various interiors. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, especially in the rich bronze finish, highlighting the striking contrast between the smooth accents and the textured knurled body.
BELLEVUE
The Bellevue is a true chameleon that effortlessly adapts to any design aesthetic. With options for lined, knurled or plain finishes in a variety of stunning colours, it is incredibly versatile. This lever not only enhances functionality but also elevates the entire space, adding a touch of sophistication that makes a big impact.
ASPEN ENTRY PULL & DOOR LEVER
The Aspen Entry Pull & Door Lever are perfect for those who appreciate classic design with a modern twist. I love the shape of the entry pull – it complements projects with strong linear architectural elements while introducing a touch of softness through its subtle curves and rounded corners. The matching door lever enhances this aesthetic beautifully, offering a comfortable grip that suits both large and small hands.
ARPA HANDLE
The Arpa Handle is a favourite because it offers long lengths, providing a modern, streamlined look while enhancing functionality with a comfortable grip. The matching t-pulls, d-pulls and knobs allow for a cohesive design throughout the space, ensuring that every element harmonises beautifully.
BRAVE BOW HANDLE
The Brave Bow Handle stands out for its sleek design. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic make it perfect for contemporary spaces, adding sophistication without overwhelming the overall look. With its long lengths, Brave enhances both usability and modern appeal, making it an excellent choice for a polished cabinetry finish.
BRIGHTON HANDLE
The Brighton Handle is a modern take on a traditional style. This balance of classic and contemporary elements makes it versatile for various design settings. The knurled finish adds visual interest and provides a reliable grip, making it functional and stylish.
"Beautiful hardware is the final layer of design that transforms an ordinary space into something special."
—ANDREA MARTINEZ, Interior Designer
Follow @momohandlesaus
Momo Handles found at Home Base
55 Salvado Road, Subiaco
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