Handles and grooves: what they are and how to choose for your kitchen
Choosing between handles and grooves is a key moment in designing the kitchen. It not only defines the style of the room but also impacts the everyday experience. In modern kitchen design, your personality is expressed through every detail—each one crafted to interact with the home's architecture and create unique functional experiences.
Table of contents
Handles
The handle is the most traditional solution in kitchen furnishing, yet its versatility makes it equally suitable for contemporary spaces. Its distinctive shape decorates the environment while maintaining everyday practicality. Moreover, it can be fully customized, from minimal and almost invisible lines to arched brass-chromed designs that suit a more classic aesthetic.
The bridge handle is the most common type, known for its bold and visible line that guarantees a secure and comfortable grip. It is available in various shapes and finishes, each complementing a particular style.
The integrated handle is a more sophisticated option, where the grip blends with the door profile, achieving visual continuity without altering the panel's surface.
An alternative suited to modern designs is the top-mounted handle. Positioned along the top edge of the door rather than the front surface, it leaves the facade uninterrupted and enhances the cabinet's appearance while still offering an accessible grip for easy opening.
Knobs
Knobs are another traditional element that has been reimagined in interior design. The classic application of this grip style is with frame doors, where the knob highlights the door's architectural structure without overpowering it. However, the creative possibilities go far beyond that: materials, shapes, and sizes allow for complete personalization of the final appearance.
Like tiles, knobs naturally adapt to both traditional and contemporary settings, showing how they can be an elegant choice across different styles. Their compact form makes them particularly suitable for designs that blend practicality and refinement without being excessive.
Grooves
A groove is a recessed profile carved into the front panel, allowing it to be opened without the use of a handle. Choosing a groove means opting for a minimal profile, where uninterrupted surfaces and visual continuity are emphasized.
There are two main types of groove grips:
- The flat version, also called an “L” or “C” groove, reduces thickness at the top edge of the door, enabling an internal grip without external protrusions.
- The scooped version features an angled top edge, offering more space for the hand and ensuring a more ergonomic and comfortable grip.
Both options offer smooth and intuitive gestures, integrating functionality with aesthetics and creating a pleasing user experience.
Push-pull system
The push-pull system eliminates any external element, resulting in perfectly seamless surfaces. This technological solution is applied inside the cabinet, enabling the door to open with a light press and to close just as easily.
Opting for the push-pull mechanism means removing all exterior grips in favor of pure aesthetics. Doors become monolithic surfaces with no visual interruptions, enhancing the quality of materials and finishes through continuous surfaces.
Conclusion: personalizing style through details
Choosing between handles, knobs, grooves, and push-pull systems is much more than a technical decision: it is a moment of personal expression, born from understanding your preferences and translating them into coherent design choices. The dialogue between these elements and the rest of the project defines the overall identity of the kitchen, revealing the stylistic continuity that makes a space feel tailor-made for you.
What truly makes a project unique and personal is the will to imprint your personality on every detail. At Berloni, we believe that true well-being comes from living in a space tailored to your needs and desires. Book an appointment at our Atelier, and our designers will guide you in creating a kitchen that fully meets your expectations.
Explore the Berloni Catalogue and find out how to create your kitchen.
