As I move forward with my planning for my own kitchen renovation I’ve been paying a lot of attention to kitchen design and the specific details and additions that create the look of a high-end, luxurious kitchen. I want my kitchen to have an exquisite aesthetic appeal, but at the same time, the space needs to be functional as a hard-working family kitchen and a daily hub of activity.
What Makes a Kitchen Luxurious?
After pinning multiple images of beautiful kitchens on Pinterest and Instagram, I’ve noticed a few common elements when it comes to designing a luxurious-looking kitchen. Natural materials (such as marble countertops and the inclusion of stained wood) are essential characteristics, along with a considered layout, custom cabinetry (think cupboard hats and curved edges), a timeless colour palette, state-of-the-art appliances and seamless technological integrations.
The Foundations of Luxury Design
The perfect luxury kitchen is a stylish balance of elegance and practicality, meeting culinary requirements alongside having a strong aesthetic appeal. Here are just a few of the key elements that I have noticed contribute to a beautiful (yet functional) luxury kitchen:
Premium Materials
There’s no denying that what distinguishes a luxury kitchen from others is the use of high-quality materials: natural stone worktops over laminate, metal over plastic and solid wood cabinetry over MDF. If you want to easily elevate the look of your existing kitchen to something more luxurious, try making small changes. You can replace low-quality hardware for cabinet handles and pulls with real brass details or make any clear glass cabinet fronts look more designer by applying reeded clear acrylic. Try styling your kitchen with large oak chopping boards and marble cookware to bring in the warmth and refinement of natural materials.
High-End Appliances
A modern kitchen that embodies luxury will often be equipped with high-end appliances. An intelligent refrigerator has the ability to alert you to the milk expiration date, while an intelligent oven guarantees that every dish comes out perfect every time. As important components in the success of a modern kitchen, invest in top brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf or Miele, which have earned rave reviews for both performance and design. Rather than having your smart appliances on display, make sure that they are integrated for a seamless look that doesn’t disrupt the sweeping design of your kitchen cabinetry.
Functional Layout
A kitchen with a poor layout that does not flow, with few organisational, storage or preparation areas, will lead to a cluttered space that is cramped and inconvenient. When designing a kitchen, make sure that there is enough room to walk between the island and your cabinets (at least 90cm). Place plate and cutlery storage near your dishwasher so that you can empty it and store items away easily without having to walk to the other side of the room. If space allows, incorporate walk-in pantries, double islands and zones dedicated to baking or coffee brewing tasks.
