Too Hot to Handle - how to upgrade your cabinets without spending a fortune

Have you ever looked at the cabinets in your home whether in the bedroom, living room, kitchen or bathroom and wondered how to make them ooze class and sing 'expensive' without spending too much money? If you have, but don't want to go for a full colour transformation, then a simple, but effective way to do this is to change the door or cabinet handles.

Changing the handles on your cabinets is the quickest and easiest way to transform a basic unit and make it look expensive and bespoke. Whether you want to go for something traditional or modern there are so many handles on the market right now that you will be spoilt for choice.

The beauty of handles is that they come in all shapes and sizes so you can be as loud or subtle as you like.

If you are interested in making a room look playful go for a handle that is a bit different, that reflects your personality or interests. Alternatively, if you are looking to make a room look more contemporary and sophisticated think about using a handle that is more structured and textured. For bigger bolder rooms, be daring and use colour or ornate designs that become a statement piece.

Recently one of our clients at Mallorn was looking to re-vamp the units in her open plan kitchen which doubled up as a music room, she wanted a change but had spent the majority of her budget elsewhere. She was prepared to go for something different and was delighted when we sourced a number of round retro handles that had music notes on them - they went perfectly with the function of the room but also added a little humour.

Handles are also a great way to add continuity and flow around a home by matching the design from room to room. Whether door handles or cupboard handles you can match or contrast the material used with other fixtures and fittings such as light switches, light fittings, power sockets, taps and shower heads to provide a sense of flow. For example, if you have a room with a comfortable relaxed leather sofa think about changing the handle on your draws or cupboard to leather straps. Alternatively if you have a bathroom with brushed brass taps and shower head, then add handles that have brushed brass details.