First, try over the regular flash. Sometimes, the drab look of a cabinet’s color scheme can drag down the entire feeling of the room. One way to combat this effect is to make a bold statement with the hardware. Try a silver and gold combination to wake up an ordinary cabinet. If you have stainless steel appliances, this move can make your cabinets seem like a necessary component of the room, rather than dead weight.

Second, for a toned-down design, keep the sparkle to a minimum. For a kitchen that relies on Grays stone and earth colors, you do not want to go too far with the hardware. In fact, if there is too much of a sparkle on the Knobs and pulls, they are primed for replacement parts. See what the effects of brushed nickel can have on this more neutral design.

Third, for the country kitchen, simplify. Rooms that say “country estate,” opt for the elegant simplicity of embossed tin pulls and Knobs. Rather than Compete with the large presence of such a room, use subtlety on the hardware. Small, round pulls will get the job done, in as quiet a color as you can find for your darker cabinets.

Four, bulk up for the ideal rustic look. Hand-hewn cabinets have the appearance of a rustic, firm presence in the room. It would be a mistake to try and tone down this look. Instead, try and meet the cabinets head-on – and even go one step further – by adding a bulky black cabinet and handle system. The rough black metal will not be overpowered by the strong appearance of the cabinets, and you will have a room that lives up to its promise.

Five, do not get burdened by a single approach. Most designers recommend thinking about the room in a variety of different ways. If focusing on the materials and colors does not work, try mixing in different sizes and shapes. For every room, there are going to be an ideal accents. Spending a little bit of time on different options will go a long way.