The hardware we have in our cabinets, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, closet, or store, doesn’t get a lot of attention. Maybe it’s because they just don’t stand out. That’s sad, because the right cabinet hardware can be not only functional but also fun, showing a bit of your personality at the same time.

For example, new hardware on kitchen cabinets can show that you are passionate about a particular hobby or food. While you can go for something simple, like a bunch of grapes for your cabinet knobs or pulls, you can also get a little creative with your hardware. New designs are constantly coming onto the market and now you can give your kitchen a quick makeover with new knobs or handles. Some of the favorites right now are cabinet knobs that are a cocktail shaker, a martini glass, a bottle of champagne or wine, a margarita, or even a pitcher of frothy beer. You can also get knobs that are forks, spoons, and knives. If you want to add purpose with new cabinet hardware, get knobs that match what’s in a drawer, like a silverware cluster for the silverware drawer and a bottle of Chianti where you keep your barware.

This idea can be extended to other parts of the house. If you have built-in chests of drawers in your closet or a chest of drawers that could use a little flair, you can use themed drawer pulls there. For example, you can use a lingerie knob for the drawer that holds all your sweet things. There are also for t-shirts and socks. You’ll never have to wonder again which drawer has which…the knobs say it all.

In a child’s room, you can go sporty knobs. There are baseballs, soccer balls, and even sports buttons and sweaters on the market these days. You can go for a single theme or mix and match your new cabinet hardware to give the room a fresh new look.

For the bathroom, you can also get new cabinet hardware there. Some popular knobs are the ones with a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush. You can also get retro-looking hot and cold faucets that are actually knobs.

Don’t think the designers have overlooked the garage, either. You can get new tool-based cabinet hardware. There are hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches – just about any tool you can think of is available as a knob or handle. These can really give your workshop a manly man look, replacing the more pedestrian kitchen knobs.

As with any new cabinet hardware, you may want to purchase several first. Install them in your cabinets and see how they work. Because these are shaped knobs, not just round, you may like the feel of some and not others. Before you go all out and change all the knobs, you’ll want to try them out for a while first, not only so you can see how they work, but also how they look.

However, if you love the quirky or aren’t afraid to make a statement about who you are or what your passions in life are, you’ll find the selection of themed knobs, pulls and hardware to be large. There are entire collections dedicated to a particular pursuit, whether it’s your love of the beach, the desert, horses, sailing, or fashion. Buying these new concepts in knobs can also be fun. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect collection for you, you’ll find another just as creative or daring. Don’t feel boxed in… order a few of each and try them out. You may be surprised at what you find and how new hardware can transform any room in your home.