Here at Fresh Design, we know never to underestimate the importance of finishing touches. If you can’t afford or don’t want to put in an entire new kitchen, then painting your cupboard doors and changing the handles is an instant makeover. Found a nice vintage chest of drawers in a junk shop? Turn it into a focal point with a bright coat of paint and new drawer handles. From front doors to wardrobes, handles are so much more than just an opening mechanism – they can enhance, complement, draw the eye or blend in.
We’ve picked out 10 of our favourites, from the sharp and contemporary to the unusual.
1. Leather braided handle, Cox & Cox
We like these leather handles, which are a bit quirky and would work well on kitchen cabinets or a chunky piece of wooden furniture. They feature a black braid and iron mounts on a tan leather base, and cost £6.50 each from Cox & Cox.
2. Hive handle, Dowsing & Reynolds
These beautiful handles take inspiration from one of nature’s very own geometric shapes – the honeycomb. It’s available in four sizes and four finishes: raw brass, tin silver, antique black and black – so there’s something to suit every decor. There’s also a smaller version available if you want to carry the look onto smaller pieces of furniture. Prices start at £24.99 each, available from Dowsing & Reynolds.
3. Dakota the snake handle, Doing Goods
Install these striking door handles, and it’ll be the first thing everyone notices. Handmade from 100% recycled brass using traditional casting methods, this snake door handle has plenty of character, resembling an Indian cobra with lots of intricate details in its hood. £30 each, available from Hurn & Hurn.
4. Bumblebee drawer knob, Melody Maison
This pretty little bumblebee drawer knob is ideal for smaller, daintier pieces of furniture. Made from metal and painted in a vintage gold finish, it fixes easily to the drawer or cupboard with screws for a sturdy finish. £5.95 each, available from Melody Maison.
5. Cup handle in antique brass, Cox & Cox
The metallics trend is still in full swing, so this makes a strong finishing touch to your interior look. Called a ‘cup handle’ for its shape, this will give a new lease of life to cabinets, drawers and cupboards. Made from antique finished solid brass, this would suit practically any interior from the traditional to the contemporary. £8.50 each from Cox & Cox.
6. Thor leather handle, Dowsing & Reynolds
Leather is a tactile material for handles, adding contrast to flat painted surfaces. These beautifully made leather straps have two solid metal studs for fixing, and they’re available in three colours and two sizes. Prices start at £16.99, available from Dowsing & Reynolds.
7. Nobilia knob, The Taylor
Here’s another really unusual choice, this time made of agate and iron. This makes a functional knob for drawers or cupboards, but would also work as a hook for hanging scarves or jewellery. £15.75 each, available from The Taylor.
8. Globe drawer knob, Gisela Graham
Made from tin, this globe drawer knob is a cheap and cheerful option, ideal for updating furniture in children’s rooms. £2.50 each, availabel from The Contemporary Home.
9. Glass cupboard knobs, L’Atelier Natalia Wilmott
These pretty glass knobs are available in two designs, with a blue floral design or a dragonfly. Ideal for smaller pieces of furniture such as chests of drawers, or the drawer on console tables. £6, available from L’Atelier Wilmott.
10. Set of two brass hand knobs, Audenza
Here’s something you’ll either love or hate – these door knobs are handmade from brass in the shape of a miniature hand. As they’re handmade, each one is very slightly different which adds to the individual charm. £14.95 for two, available from Audenza.
If you enjoy giving new life to old furniture, check out our guide to upcycling furniture.
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