Design solutions: Victorian decor and condo kitchen questions

Q Help! I've been living without handles on my kitchen cabinets for two years. What's the rule of thumb for choosing hardware? We have stainless-steel appliances, tan cabinets and black marbled countertops. Myriam Poirier, Rockland, Ont.

A Follow these three steps for selecting the appropriate cabinet hardware.

1 Style Your kitchen hardware should work stylistically with your cabinets. Is your kitchen contemporary or country, traditional or modern? Look for kitchens with a door style similar to yours in STYLE AT HOME, in books or at kitchen showrooms. Once you've identified the style, note the hardware shapes the pros have used.

2 Finish The metal finish and colour should harmonize with at least one other element in the room. For example, iron or oil-rubbed bronze hardware will work with your dark countertop. Brushed or satin nickel or chrome will work with your appliances. Polished chrome or nickel, glass or crystal hardware add sparkle and a touch of formality, so if your kitchen is open to the dining or living room, you may want to go with one of those options. Polished hardware also looks great with shiny chrome countertop appliances like a kettle and toaster.

3 Feel Perhaps the most important consideration is how the hardware feels in your hand. Can you grip it easily? Is it smooth? Does your hand fit through the pulls?

Margot's favourite sources Lee Valley Tools, Restoration Hardware and Rejuvenation. When you find the style you want, mix two or three different pieces from the line. For example, install knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. Or all knobs on the uppers, one size of pull for the lowers and another size for any pantry units.