Like changing the buttons on your good winter coat, replacing the knobs on your cabinets gives you a fresh new look for little effort or expense. Renters can put their personal stamp on their apartment, while keeping the old hardware to replace when they move. Often people only think about cabinet knobs if they are building or completely renovating, but they're a great way to make small changes with big effects.

Changing cabinet hardware is particularly striking in the kitchen, with all those cupboards and drawers. The sheer number of choices you have is amazing. Materials include wood, ceramic, glass or any of a number of metals: nickel, pewter, bronze, copper or chrome. Finishes might be weathered, brushed, polished or distressed. And within each of these categories, there are still innumerable choices of shapes and/or colors. You can match your hardware to your taste with anything from classic white porcelain to the pure whimsy of chili peppers or kitchen utensils.

The bathroom is another place well suited for bright or whimsical knobs. Perhaps you'd like silver starfish or colorful beach balls. You can also turn a cabinet into a work of art with carefully chosen knobs that are all different, but related in color or theme.

If you prefer a more traditional look, you have literally hundreds of styles to choose from. There are colonial-style knobs, hinges and handles made of wrought iron. There are enameled knobs painted with flowers in French Provincial style. There are sleek chrome knobs and ornately carved wooden knobs. Have fun choosing, and remember you can easily change again for a whole new look.