
A straightforward approach to start is by combining and pairing knobs with pulls. Consult the details provided below to ascertain the appropriate placement for each one.
Being aware of what sometimes makes a gorgeous knob doesn’t necessarily mean it translates well to vice versa or design. If it coordinates well with the coordinating pull or knob, then you may find that you love pulling or using a knob.
Even slight variations will be noticeable. But make sure to choose the same finish to perfectly match. You can coordinate pulls and knobs from different collections by choosing the same finish. If you don’t have matching options or coordinating hardware, you don’t have to worry about it.
When trying to match finishes, it is easiest to buy from the same retailer or brand because their label will be consistent in the way they label their finishes. You will need to compare and find samples of two different finishes if you are buying from different retailers or brands.

When planning our kitchen, I ordered a few samples of single knobs from different brands to decide which polished nickel finish would best match all the hardware from CB2. Although they were all polished nickel, none of them matched each other.
The alternative choice is to utilize contrasting coatings. In order for this kind of combination to be effective, you must employ opposites.
Studio McGee offers valuable advice on combining different metal finishes on hardware and other fixtures, such as lights and faucets.
Deciding Where to Put Knobs vs Pulls
If you are on a tight budget, mostly knobs are used to plan. Designer pulls are usually less expensive than pulls that are longer. Let’s first talk about the budget.
When it comes to the drawers in my kitchen, I find that using knobs or two smaller handles is not as effective as using a long drawer pull on the extra-wide ones. However, I believe it is worth investing in pulls in cases where they offer greater functionality.

I couldn’t stomach buying 18 drawer pulls. There are 18 drawers in our kitchen. I was afraid it would cost a fortune. I needed 49 hardware pieces in my kitchen.
Melissa from The Inspired Room created the hardware guidelines for her kitchen, and I really admire them. She carefully determined where to use each type of hardware, resulting in a cohesive and sensible look.
Therefore, I created hardware guidelines for my kitchen to streamline the hardware selection process and to cut costs.
As an example, I’m sharing my rules here. You should also check out Melissa’s hardware tips. Then, create some rules that make sense for your kitchen.
Rule #1: All cabinet doors get knobs
Great cost saver and simpler to install.

Rule #2: Knobs only on sidewalls
I need to pull down seven drawers to cut the number on this rule. Additionally, the knobs in the kitchen feel less intrusive, so they’re part of the walkways. The reasoning behind this is that those spaces aren’t part of the kitchen work triangle. I used knobs instead of handles for all the drawers and doors on the wall oven and wall fridge. This rule alone saved my budget.

Rule #3: Knobs on the island, except the trash pullout
Behind the island, unless you’re really seeing the hardware, I couldn’t justify splurging on a pretty drawer that hides behind the island. The exception is the pullout trash. In our kitchen, a pullout drawer is the most functional one used for the “drawer”.

Rule #4: Splurge on long pulls for the extra-wide drawers on the main wall
You can see the side drawers’ knobs, even though they are not noticeable. The main reason for having long pulls here in the kitchen is because they make sense aesthetically. However, there are also functional reasons for needing long pulls. The drawers around the range, whether they are 36″ or 30″ wide, all require long pulls for aesthetic purposes.

Our Cabinet Hardware Selections and Total Cost
I spent $318 on polished nickel cabinet hardware, and by following the mentioned guidelines, I managed to equip our kitchen with a greater amount of hardware compared to the typical kitchen. Moreover, I am confident that it was necessary.