kitchen handles – The Interiors Addict

Kaboodle get a handle on jewellery for your cabinetry

Sponsored by Kaboodle

I’ve often said that elements like handles, knobs and tapware are the jewellery for your kitchen; the finishing touches where you add a bit of personality and show your style. While we might play it safer with our cabinetry choices, handles don’t have as much real estate in a kitchen but they do have the ability to make a real impact. Which is why flatpack experts Kaboodle’s latest handles are so exciting!

Cabo handle, Vela handle and Cabo knob in brushed amber gold

Based on trends from Europe, the 12 new handles, knobs and cup handles come in an array of lovely finishes with designs to suit traditional kitchens and laundries through to the most modern.

Casco cup, Cabo knob and Pasto handle in brushed nickel

While I’m a big fan of flatpack as a way to save on your renovations and have a flatpack kitchen myself, before now, the range of handles available from flatpack brands has often been limited, leading people like me to look elsewhere for these finishing touches. But there are certainly several I’d be happy to pick from this range!

You used to be lucky if you got a matt black option as well as the standard chrome but these new Kaboodle handles include those two as well as brushed bronze, brushed stainless steel, brushed amber gold, brushed nickel, polished stainless steel and worn gold, with various sizes on offer. Impressive, no?!

Cali handle, Plaza and Iza knob in matt black

Kaboodle have identified cabinetry handles as a real trend for 2021 too. European-inspired handles and knobs in stylish finishes are being used to introduce colour, contrast and materiality into the kitchen, working as tactile accents.

Salento
Smooth and streamlined in its form, the Salento handle is an elegant choice if you are looking for a handle that combines both contemporary and classic design. Available in both matt black and worn gold, in various sizes.

Cali
Clearly identified by its straight-edged and geometric form, the Cali handle will bring a modern edge to your space. Available in matt black and brushed nickel, in various sizes.

Bolivar
Organic in nature, the Bolivar handle boasts a soft, circular structure, creating an ergonomic design that doesn’t compromise on style. Available in matt black, in various sizes.

Vela
Vela’s classic, arch-shaped design makes it the perfect choice if you’re after a subtle and elegant handle, suited to almost every interior style. Available in brushed nickel and brushed amber gold, in various sizes.

Pasto
Featuring an elongated bar and straight, sophisticated edges, the Pasto handle was designed with longevity in mind – this handle will stand the test of time. Available in matt black, chrome and brushed nickel and in various sizes.

Plaza
Modern and on-trend, the Plaza handle is sleek and streamlined in its form, making it the perfect accessory for a contemporary kitchen, looking to achieve an effortlessly chic design. Available in matt black and brass, in various sizes.

Iza knob
Boasting decadent, geometric details, Iza takes inspiration from Art Deco design. Its soft, round edges make it the perfect choice if you’re hoping to add some understated luxury to your space. Available in matt black and brushed nickel.

Cabo handle
Chunky in its form, the Cabo handle boasts strong, robust design, perfectly suited to a more traditional scheme. Available in brushed nickel and brushed amber gold, in various sizes.

Cabo knob
Charming and subtle, the Cabo Knob is perfect if you’re looking for a handle that’s understated, yet timeless. Available in brushed nickel and brushed amber gold.

Turbo handle
Combining both traditional and contemporary design, the Turbo handle features a circular body with refined detail, lending it more to classical or country-style design. Available in matt black and brushed nickel.

Bolivar handle and Turbo knob in matt black

Turbo knob
Taking inspiration from Art Deco style, the Turbo Knob is sure to make a statement with its square edge form and layered detail. This is the perfect choice if you’re looking to incorporate some glamour into your design. Available in matt black and brushed nickel.

Casco cup handle
Timeless in nature, the cup-shaped form of the Casco handle makes for a stunning design feature, suitable for both classic and country-style spaces. Available in matt black and brushed nickel.

For more information on Kaboodle, which is available at Bunnings.

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How to get a luxe look for less in your kitchen reno

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

Kitchens can be expensive. Very expensive. I’m in the middle of one so trust me, I know! And while we all know they sell houses and they’re the heart of the home (why so many kitchen cliches, eh?!), we don’t all have unlimited budgets, much as we’d love to have the best of everything.

Today, I’m sharing some of the best ways to still achieve a luxe look without spending a fortune, with a few of my own examples thrown in.

Go flatpack

Flatpack kitchens no longer have the stigma they used to; probably because they’re a lot lot better than they used to be. A flatpack kitchen will save you a significant amount of money compared to a custom job. I’ve personally chosen a flatpack kitchen from Freedom Kitchens’ relatively new Essential Range. I could still have a satin finish and shaker profile door, which is what I wanted anyway, so I’m happy!

Freedom Kitchens’ Essential Kitchens range

Some other popular flatpack kitchens are:

IKEA
Kaboodle at Bunnings
Semble

When doing your calculations, bear in mind that if you don’t have the time, skills or inclination to put it together yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a handyman or similar to help. All of the above brands suggest that they are a DIY product though, so technically, you should be able to handle it yourself. We don’t all have the time or patience though!

Pimp your cabinets

I’m talking hardware. You can buy your handles from anywhere, not just the place you got the cabinets from. So look around for something special. For a few hundred dollars you could have your cupboards looking amazing. I’m using brass Kethy handles and I’m in love! They’re going to be like the jewellery of my kitchen!

I’m having these brass handles by Kethy in my kitchen

Mix up your fronts

Just because you have an affordable flatpack kitchen, doesn’t mean you have to go for an all gloss white look. There are a lot more colours and finishes available these days and there’s no reason why you can’t go two-tone; in fact, it’s quite on trend. Think about having your top cabinets one colour and your bottoms ones another (probably darker).

Make a splashback statement

I’m talking tiles! There are so many affordable options out there now. Yes, you can get great results with the common subway (like half the country!) and if you’re going to do this I’d suggest a more organic imperfect subway or a bevelled one, perhaps mixing up the grout by choosing black or a grey rather than white (doesn’t show dirt either!). But if you’re feeling brave, make a real statement with something colourful, patterned or textured. This won’t set you back too much in the average kitchen but will make a huge difference compared to the cheaper glass splashback. Other affordable yet impactful options might be mirror (if you can handle the cleaning) or pressed tin.

Consider some open shelving

This may be as simple as some overhead flatpack cabinets without doors. Or you might decide on a few solid timber shelves. Being able to display cook books or beautiful ornaments unexpectedly in the kitchen really can add a touch of class, personality and individuality; not things we associate with a bog standard cheap kitchen!

Josh and Jenna’s Reno Rumble kitchen. Source: Caesarstone

Accessorise like a pro

A little goes a long way. Think cannisters, stacked timber chopping boards of different sizes, a marble mortar and pestle, an amazing fruit bowl on the breakfast bar. Places like Target and Kmart are you friend here! Or if you have a bit more to spend, invest in something beautiful like a handmade ceramic fruit bowl, a great coffee machine or even some framed art for the wall.

Paint and wallpaper

So you can’t afford the navy kitchen of your dreams. You can have navy walls! There’s generally not much spare wall in a kitchen which makes it easier to be brave with your colour choice, especially if you’ve kept it simple elsewhere. I’m intending to paint the sliding barn door from our kitchen to our laundry navy. You’d think I was obsessed with navy or something…

Don’t forget your window treatments

Like accessories, window treatments can make a real difference to the look of the end product and really finish it off. Think about plantation shutters for a high end look (they won’t cost you much for just this one room) or how about having a Roman blind made in an amazing linen or patterned fabric?

Image: Shutters from DIY Online Blinds in Bec and George Douros’ latest reno

–For help with financing your reno, speak to our partners at Latitude Financial Services.