In 2024, 73% of renters cited kitchen aesthetics as a top factor in their leasing decisions, yet most multifamily properties still rely on builder-grade cabinet hardware from the early 2000s. The design principles that define multifamily hardware choices often include a strategic combination of durability, utility, and modern appeal that can withstand high turnover rates while attracting quality renters. So, what should multifamily designers and developers look for when choosing the best cabinet hardware for their rental properties? Here’s what our cabinet experts are saying about 2025 trends and how to make them work for your application.
2025 Cabinet Hardware Design Trends
1. Matte Black Hardware: Bold Contrast for Modern Kitchens
Black multifamily hardware is a great way to accent lighter cabinet finishes and create striking drama while integrating with an array of neutral kitchen schemes perfect for rental properties. This sleek multifamily hardware finish is endlessly versatile, complementing everything from transitional design choices to modern minimalism, modern farmhouse or industrial apartment spaces. Black matte hardware is also a smart choice for concealing unsightly fingerprints, making it a highly functional addition to rental kitchens that experience frequent use and tenant turnover.
2. Mixed Metal Cabinet Hardware: Create Visual Interest with Variety
More property developers are bidding farewell to traditional design principles that favored stark uniformity in metal finishes and are gravitating toward a sophisticated mixed metallic multifamily hardware approach. The payoff to this multifamily hardware trend? Enhanced visual depth, elevated personalization, and design creativity that creates a more curated, upscale aesthetic among the sea of monochrome metals typically seen in standard apartment kitchens. The most popular metal finishes driving this multifamily hardware trend includes warm, brushed metallics such as satin brass, brushed bronze, champagne gold, and soft nickel tones. These finishes offer timeless appeal while feeling fresh and contemporary. Strategic multifamily hardware mixing allows rental properties to differentiate themselves in competitive markets while maintaining broad tenant appeal and maximizing lease-up potential.
3. The Comeback of Cabinet Knobs: Benefits for Multifamily Kitchens
While the sleek silhouette of modern cabinet pulls has long dominated the multifamily hardware scene, a renewed affinity for cabinet knobs has been making their way back into apartment kitchens recently. The benefit for multifamily developers investing in updated cabinet hardware? Knobs are generally more cost-effective than cabinet pulls, plus they deliver a more versatile aesthetic that appeals to diverse tenant preferences and are easier to swap out as design trends evolve. With so many tones, textures and finishes available in today’s hardware market, the design forecast predicts statement-making cabinet knobs with eye-catching texture, color and details will continue gaining popularity. This multifamily hardware trend offers property managers an affordable way to refresh kitchen aesthetics without major renovations, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious multifamily developments.
4. Statement-Making Hardware Shapes & Sizes
Minimalist design principles have had a strong influence on multifamily kitchens for the past few years, emphasizing small, subtle silhouettes in cabinet hardware design. As of late, these sleek profiles are making way for larger, more commanding hardware shapes that lend visual weight to contemporary cabinetry styles in rental properties. Oversized cabinet handles can help create focal points in compact apartment kitchens, highlighting cabinet doors and architectural details in ways that smaller cabinet hardware styles simply can’t achieve. Larger multifamily hardware styles offer practical advantages beyond aesthetics—they’re significantly more user-friendly due to their substantial size and enhanced functionality, which caters to the diverse tenant demographic in rental properties. Another emerging approach seen with this hardware trend involves strategically merging both small and large cabinet hardware sizes to create a layered, multi-dimensional balance that adds sophisticated visual interest to apartment kitchens.
Multifamily Hardware Design Do’s & Don'ts
DO Prioritize Enduring Cabinet Hardware Over Passing Design Trends
As tempting as it may be to replicate popular interior design trends in apartment kitchens, multifamily hardware selection requires a much more pragmatic, strategic approach than residential spaces. Remember that not all cabinet hardware trends age well—the fun, colorful knobs popular today may send tenants packing a year from now. Always lean towards “safer” hardware styles with timeless, enduring aesthetics to avoid tired, lackluster units that struggle with occupancy rates.
DO Consider Surrounding Elements When Selecting Hardware Styles
Multifamily property designers should stay focused on the overall design vision of rental properties, rather than getting stuck on decorative details. Multifamily hardware should complement the broader kitchen aesthetic as an accent element rather than competing for attention. Physical characteristics matter too—consider the length and projection of cabinet handles to ensure adequate space for functionality and comfortable grip, especially in compact apartment kitchens where every inch counts.
DON'T Compromise on Cabinet Hardware Quality or Warranty Coverage
Savvy property developers know that multifamily hardware must be durable and constructed for heavy-use environments. High-quality or commercial-grade hardware materials that won’t chip, deteriorate, or fail are essential for long-term tenant satisfaction and reduced maintenance costs. Always choose cabinet hardware products with comprehensive warranty coverage to protect against unexpected performance failures and avoid costly repairs that frustrate both tenants and property managers.
DON'T Forget to Budget Strategically for Multifamily Hardware
Nothing is more overlooked than costly kitchen cabinet hardware that sneaks up in the design budget and forces last-minute downgrades to cheaper alternatives. Smart multifamily designers budget for hardware twice—once for their preferred selection and again for a quality backup option. This dual-budget approach prevents attachment to premium multifamily hardware upgrades that may become unaffordable when unexpected project expenses arise.
Key Takeaways: Hardware Trends Should Be Balanced with Multifamily Design Principles
The most successful multifamily hardware strategies enhance both tenant experience and property profitability over time. Design trends shouldn’t turn over as quickly as renters—balance your kitchen cabinet hardware selection between form, function, and longevity. While designers should pursue fresh, elevated hardware styles, ensure your cabinet hardware meets the unique quality and performance standards essential to rental property success.
Ready to explore our curated multifamily cabinet hardware collection? CP Build’s hardware selections have been carefully developed with market trends and apartment living in mind. Need help selecting the right hardware for your property? Speak with one of our CP Build Product Consultants who specialize in strategic multifamily cabinet design solutions.