I think you're right- you can't go wrong with either. If you're looking for a vote- I vote #1. I just like the unique style. It would make me smile.

I agree with Cindy. You cannot go wrong with either. I like the first better because of the style being unique. Use the one that seems the easiest to clean and handle. There usually is one that works best. If #2 is small inside, the kids may have a tendency to scratch the cabinets.

Agree agree that #1 is the one... and your chandelier is really beautiful.
And, your album is private :(

Another vote for #1... Great with the chandelier!

Sorry about the private thing on PhotoBucket. I have never linked to my album before.

Try the password: cabinet

Interestingly- I have a request for help on my Facebook page too, and the overwhelming majority are voting for #2. Now, I'm even in more of a quandry! Hope seeing them against my granite counters helps!!

Thanks for all the opinions- I DO like to hear them.

I like them both a lot, but I'd go with #2 because they're more timeless. I'd be afraid of getting sick of #1 a year or two down the road. I like them now because they're novel, but they won't stay that way.

I like either. Is one easier to use then the other? Does one feel better in the hand then the other? I wouldn't worry so much about the handle going with the light fixture because they are pretty far apart. I guess if I had to choose I probably (not 100%) would go with #2.

The broken lines of the Diva in the first picture contrast nicely with the rectilinear Shaker style cabinet, whereas the others echo the cabinet lines giving a more singular image. One thing to check is how many of these, especially the bars, you'll be using, and how that many repetitions of each will look. Especially notice the relative use of knobs and pulls vs. vertical and horizontal pulls and how the size contrast vs. the orientation contrast affects the overall look of your room. Either will look great, so it's really a matter of figuring out which looks and feels best to you.

That said, I love the Diva knob :)

Given

I saw that "Given" which was leftover from a deleted sentence after I pushed the submit button. Sorry. That's not my signature, just staring at the screen too long :)

plllog,

Just when I thought Given was such a neat and unusual name! :>) Now, I'm wondering what your deleted sentence was going to say!

Your response sounds so thoughtful and educated- are you a designer? I wonder if I can find brown masking tape- if not, I could cut templates out of construction paper and putty them in place. One of my concerns is that the Diva knobs would be proportionately too small to use on my 39" tall uppers- but I could use the Diva handles there instead. Guess I could use knobs on the lower cabinets, handles on the drawers and uppers?

I hadn't given it much thought- but I haven't had handles on any of my kitchen cupboards before (all were framed, or had routed grooves in door edges)- and the ones on my bathroom cabinets are positioned so that I don't use those either, I just grab the corners of the framed doors! These cabinets are frameless, so handles and or knobs are a necessity, not an ornament.

Both handles are very comfortable to grab- #1 on my list-

I'm curious as to why I see so many knobs in new kitchens- is there a functional reason behind that choice- or is it because they are less expensive than handles?

In regards to more knobs....I read somewhere that you should use knobs versus handles(2 holes) so when replacing you don't need to worry about finding something that will fit in the spacing of the handles' two holes. The knobs can easily be replaced because of just one hole. Something I am considering when I get to that point.

Without wanting to sound like I'm "selling" you your own knob... I had voted for the diva knob -- echoing the unique shape of the chandelier -- because you obviously like that shape, or you would have chosen a chandelier that was more plain. Personally, I think the diva knob shows more character. Knob #2 is nice, but realistically, once you have so many of them on the cabinets they are going to just blend away I think. They are a very plain shape, and their texture will likely disappear to the eye from a distance. #2 is the "safe" choice.

As for getting sick of your knobs in a few years or so... It'll probably be longer than that, and they ARE easily changed. I wouldn't worry too much about that just now. As a matter of fact... I have done a few kitchen "makeovers" that involved ONLY changing little things like knobs and light fixtures and re-tiling counters, etc. The expensive, more permanent things -- flooring, cabinets, granite -- those really should be timeless. The little things are where you can show some personality.

Go for the fun ones!

Lis

Of course the Diva knobs look nice because they echo the curves of the chandelier (which is beautiful, btw) but try to imagine a whole kitchen full of them. Two or three on a hutch would look nice but 50 wiggly handles and pulls in a small space will start to look loopy! To my eye it also looks "themey" and that you are trying too hard. I would go with #2.

Nicole

Another vote for the Diva, they are so fun. I personally like the smaller visual impact of knobs vs handles, but perhaps that's because I have all handles in my kitchen and wish for knobs.
Can't wait to see the granite, the cabinets are a lovely wood.

Mona

i have no hardware on my cabinets now, either, and am going with all puuls in the remodel (knobs on my drawers now). i just prefer trhe look. but, with my limited experience ;) i'' pick #2 -- looks more cmfrotable to grasp.

I would vote for the diva...love the curviness with the recess panel cab. I don't think the knob is too small for a 39" upper but if you put pulls on those and knobs/pulls elsewhere, it would look wonderful.

Raehelen,

Hardware is all about your comfort and style. There are no rules that you don't make for yourself. Put knobs on the tall doors if you want. You can also put knobs on the drawers. Or all handles. Or a mix. Great help, huh? My own taste is that I'd put knobs on the cabinets and pulls on the drawers if most of the kitchen is like the example with drawers over cabinets on the lowers, and then cabinet uppers. That would be a "rule" (design that conforms to a rule usually works), and would mix things up a bit so that you don't have constant repetition of the same form. (No, I'm an artist, not a professional designer, but there's a lot of overlap and I've done a lot of design work.)

If you have mostly drawers lower and all cabinets upper, you might be happier with all knobs or all pulls. It's a matter of balance. Your tape/construction paper idea is excellent. It's always easier to visualize something you can pretty well see :) Definitely easier after the granite is in :)

As far as I know, the main reason you're seeing so many knobs in new kitchens is that for years megahandles (superlong, thin, European ones) were what was in and knobs are as opposite as you can get. Same as we went from crop tops to tunics in one year. Long handles are still beautiful, but not new any more. One thing about knobs is that they're easier to open with the side of a damp or full hand, especially if they're flat on the back like yours :)

As far as replacement goes, yes, it's easier to replace a knob, but with high quality cabinets and high quality hardware which you've chosen yourself with a lot of thought and because you really like it, there's no reason to do so. If you do get tired of your (new) kitchen, an easy way to transform the look is to change the knobs (imagine your cabinets with white china knobs painted with little pink flowers--very different, yes?). This is the reason not to follow the advice of designers, fashions, etc., too closely. You're much less likely to get bored if it was really your choice to begin with. 'Course you should listen to your spouse, but if you both like something it should last for both of you :) My parents have had all knobs, the same knobs, for forty years and they still look great.

JC

(P.S., Nothing different in the sentence beginning with "Given" than what I said. It was just a clumsy way of saying it.)

Thank you Everyone,

For the thoughtful responses. I am definitely going to try using mock ups to see which length/proportion I like once the granite is in.

To answer the questions about comfort- both handles are very comfortable to grab- the Diva may be a little more comfortable because it comes away from the door in a fairly wide arc (1" at widest point from door)

JC /plllog- funny you should mention spouse- part of the problem is that we each prefer a different one (Can you guess which one is which?) However- he insists I do not say one is HIS choice, as he is picking one of my two favorites!
But am thinking if I go the way I am leaning- I could use the other on one or MORE of the three bathrooms (and 1 more kitchen) we still have to do.

I have never had knobs on any doors (other than closets) before- but think they could come in handy to hang dishtowels (oh- is that not a good thing? :>)

Happy Thanksgiving to all in the U.S. Christmas is officially around the corner now!

They aren't close enough in style so that you could mix them (in a thoughtful way)?

I went back and looked at them again. I am officially confused as to which one I like better. Nothing different from when I did my own kitchen remodel so I'm in comfortable (kind of) territory.

Enjoy either one. :)

I went back and looked at them again. I am officially confused as to which one I like better. Nothing different from when I did my own kitchen remodel so I'm in comfortable (kind of) territory.

Enjoy either one. :)

I like both. IMO # 2 is more rustic and it is not working for me with the rich finish of your cabinets. I would prefer #2 with an oak or hickory cabinet. # 1 IMO is under stated elegance which is the feeling I get when I see the top of your china cabinet and light fixture.

hedygs,

Yes, you are no help whatsoever! :>)- Now you know how I feel!

Actually, it HAS really helped hearing everyone's viewpoint- I SO appreciate what each and everyone of you has had to say- I feel like I've had a couple of dozen friends over to give me their opinion. I've had to make so many choices with this renovation- so MANY hours of traisping all over town, and many many MORE online going over websites, FKB, etc. and I've managed to do it so far- not quite sure why this one has been the stumbling block. I was about to say that this is the final one for the kitchen- but then I still have the leaded/stained glass panels to design for 2 sets of cupboard doors. But, I think I will live with the plain wood and then plain glass (If they ever get around to changing them) for awhile- get to 'know' my kitchen and have FUN with the design process. The knobs are more crucial, cuz they are going to be the last critical piece that creates a FUNCTIONAL kitchen. And, I kinda know that no where else would I find a group of people who so totally understand why this is SO important to me.

Thanks again, granite being delayed until tomorrow (I'm past getting my hopes up- this is the same granite that I ordered in May, arrived from a slow boast from China in August, had one piece fabricated too small, so they are fabricating a new peninsula and supposedly STILL working on it today) If and when it does come, I will definitely add an updated picture- and then... Does that mean I will be able to move back into my kitchen? Dare I dream?

Realize I'm responding to an old post, but if you see this, PLEASE let me know the name/manufacturer of your light fixture in the photo. I LOVE IT and have been going nuts trying to find something I like. Thanks...p.s. what knobs did you choose?

HA!! Number two is the ORB version of hte one I liked in brushed nickel, but which I got talked out of because they were too big for the space.

But.... I guess that means I have to go for # 2 :) :) :) :)

I was going to chime in with an opinion, until I realized the choice has already been made by now. I will say this: I don't think you could go wrong with either one, as they both are very nice. Which is why I posted---could you please tell me where you found the hardware (I'm hoping there's a website), with any info you can give me to help find them (maker of the hardware, name or model number, etc.) Thanks.

Finally, I echo mjwin in asking which you chose.

number 1 for me

mjwin,

The name of the manufacturer is Eurofase. I did a google search, and unfortunately, I think they have discontinued that style. I had found a couple of links to sources for another GW after I first posted this question- (price range from $2400 to $375!!! for the same fixture!), but couldn't find anything today- I forget the exact name of the style, but Eurofase has lots of other interesting contemporary styles. I am now looking for a track light for the LR in front of our fireplace, but in the same sight line as this chandelier, so hope to find something with those curvy lines in ORB.

I went with the curvy DIVA styling. I bought them from Lee Valley, and yes they can be ordered online. Very reasonably priced, and for Americans, you guys get an even better price than we do (even though it's a Canadian company).

We haven't got them installed on all the doors as we still need to have some drawers made, and some doors trimmed, but so far everyone really likes the handles we do have on!

Thanks for the info, Raehelen. Have you used any of the knobs yet? Or are you just using the pulls?

If you do add some knobs later, please come back and post another photo showing the cabinets with knobs on them.

Incidentally, if I had voted, it would have been for the ones you ended up using. I just didn't want to say before, in case you used the others, which I'm sure would have looked good, too. But I really like these. In fact, I think when I'm done here I'll head over to Lee Valley.

Yup, knobs too.

It's funny what you get used to. When I first thought of knobs/pulls, I didn't really like the look of little knobs on these big doors. But guess what I have on my 39" tall doors? Knobs! LOL!

I hummed and hawed for a LONG time... but listened to those who said it's easier to pull open a door with a knob. I didn't realize I had never actually had handles on my kitchen cupboards in 30 years of marriage- guess that's why I was having so much trouble deciding! I went from thinking I was going to do the long stainless steel pulls to these. So far, am happy!

Here's a pic of knobs:

Wow! That was fast---thanks. I like the knobs on the cabinet doors, too. Are you using them on both upper and lower cabinets? (I'm sure nosey, aren't I?)

Funny thing---I, too, fell in love with the long stainless steel/brushed nickel pulls. I was all set to order them as an immediate facelift for our current kitchen, until we get started doing something a bit more substantial. However, I realized that they really didn't fit the style of my current cabinets and I needed something different. I think these will be perfect---not too contemporary but not too traditional. Most of what I found that might work was just too fussy for my taste. Your cabinet hardware is the first I've seen that I really like since giving up on the SS pulls. I'm so glad you posted here, or I'd never know they existed.

Raehelen,

Thanks a bunch for the info on the lighting. I'll check out Eurofase line and continue my search. The knobs and handles look great! mjwin

Sail-away,

That'd be real neat if they work out for you too. I spent many many hours online and at stores, and BOY are there ever a lot of handles to choose from!

Here's a pic of the same corner with both upper and lower knobs showing. I decided to go knobs on all doors and handles on all drawers. Don't have the 36" drawers yet, but am planning on just one handle, the soft-close drawers are so easy to open/close I'm hoping it will be OK.

We just installed a pantry shelf side mount unit from Lee Valley, and the 'soft-close' is so 'hard' that my little bottles of shoe polish, etc. (this is in the 'broom closet' pantry), topple over- so now I know why some people don't like it, guess there are all different types, the ones on our cabinet drawers don't have that jerking action.

Raehelen, I hope you will post pictures when your project is done. Your choices are lovely, and I would love to see the finished kitchen. Thanks for being so gracious in answering all my questions.