Decorative hardware is such a simple fix to update a look. We used different hardware as much as we could during our renovation. Our louvre closet doors came with the standard round knobs, so we added some silver starfish. Some of the bedroom windows in our home have simple linen gauze curtains with decorative window tie-backs. All of our new bathroom vanities came with hardware, but, of course, I changed each one to something more beachy. Our new kitchen cabinets did not come with any preset hardware, so I was free to choose whatever I wanted. I love the way the kitchen cabinets came out . . . on the drawers we used simple nickel finish contemporary handles . . . but on the drawers . . . different sealife decorative hardware all in the same finish. This style may not be for everyone, but it suits me!
When we purchased our beach house 10 years ago, the last thing I was thinking about was how I would be able to cook in our somewhat small, outdated kitchen. I was so ecstatic about having a beach home, as long as the stove worked (not sure why I cared about this) and the refrigerator kept things cold (not always to be counted on we soon found out) we were happy! I did not care about the old formica 80's vintage cabinets (or lack thereof). We always knew that someday we would expand our space.When we did finally expand this year, we took advantage of an outside deck space and pushed the kitchen out to cover this. Our kitchen is now more functional, updated and well, more my style. Our cabinets are now a honey maple color . . . and there are lots of them. I used two different kind of cabinet hardware: one simple polished nickel contemporary door handles that I purchased at Lowe's and for the cabinet drawers, I used all different coastal patterns from the coastal decor hardware we carry on our website. I love the way everything coordinates, but is so interesting because nothing is actually a "set". If you have read any of my previous postings, I do like to mix things up.Our countertops are simple tile in shades of sand, but the backsplash behind our stove is done in bits of seaglass in all soft shades. It looks wonderful! I added a few artwork pieces in the Retro Diver wooden plaque and the black shell studies. As I have mentioned, I am my own best customer!Now our kitchen is larger, more functional and easier to move around in. Does not mean I am cooking more, though! Especially when my young adult children bring down their young adult friends, dinner is usually 20 or more, so it's outside to the barbeque grill. But the kitchen still looks nice!
