Luxury Kitchen - Are You Ready to Fall Head Over Heels?

When designing a luxury kitchen, nothing is done haphazardly. From material to colours, with layout and finishes in between, everything is thoughtfully crafted. From the most minute detail, everything counts when building a dream kitchen. Are you looking for ideas for designing your custom-built, high-end kitchen? Keep reading for key insight!

How to Design a Luxury Kitchen: The Makings of a High-End Remodel

A luxury kitchen is, by definition, a one-of-a-kind space that aligns design and refinement. It stands out not only on account of its elegance and state-of-the-art appliances but also thanks to its unique style and subtleties. It ought to be functional and user-friendly to ensure the homeowner's daily comfort. The hallmarks of a luxury kitchen are as follows:

Luxurious and Quality Materials

A high-end kitchen is built using premium materials of impeccable quality. The materials used must be selected with care to achieve durable, resilient, and aesthetic results. The following are amongst the most sought-after materials used when building luxury kitchens:

• Ceramic is valued for its durability and waterproof properties

• Stainless steel is an elegant, rust- and wear-resistant material 

• Marble and stone are used to design muted and refined kitchens

• Waxed concrete is valued for industrial-inspired kitchens

Other materials like granite or Corian are used on flat surfaces, such as a backsplash or countertop. As for hardwood, it’s most often used to build cabinetry. Lacquer and laminate make for good, quality finishes.

A Custom Design

A luxury kitchen is defined by its unique character. It is custom-built and designed, and each feature is manufactured to the finest accuracy: cabinets, countertops, shelving, hardware, etc. Every item is custom-made and tailored to the available space to achieve a result that’s as authentic as possible. Designers must consider the homeowner's wants and preferences to craft personalized results that live up to expectations.

Ergonomically Designed 

A luxuriously designed kitchen must be impeccably ergonomic. The space itself must be designed in such a way as to improve quality of life, and that, daily. The furniture, appliances, and all kitchenware must have a designated spot. Occupants have to be able to move around the kitchen with ease. As such, the furnishings must be selected based on the available space and according to the kitchen's intended use. You can, for example, opt for modular furniture, a rectangular-shaped island with electrical outlets to charge electronic devices, etc. Moreover, ensure tall cabinets, furniture, and countertops are adapted to your stature.

An Understated, Minimalist Design

High-end kitchens are a cut above ordinary-looking kitchens on account of their understated and minimalist aesthetic. Less is more here, and a minimalist decor is more than enough. The appliances typically meld with the kitchen’s decor. This sort of kitchen is designed as the ultimate living space. To achieve a minimalist and functional look, opt for built-in appliances and forego cabinet and drawer handles and pulls.

The interior furnishings must be seamless and inconspicuous. As such, high-end kitchens are usually equipped with clever systems for storage optimization. In a luxury kitchen, clutter doesn’t exist. All cookware and utensils are optimally stored in cabinets and drawers.

Meticulous Finishes

One of the main features that contribute to a luxury kitchen’s charm is quality finishes. Make sure everything is seamless, with discreet pop-up sockets, a countertop level with the cooktop, a sink that's embedded with an undermount installation into the counter, etc.

Top-of-the-Line Appliances

A luxury kitchen calls for efficient and discreet appliances to emphasize its appeal. It doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive appliances, but cutting-edge devices that meet specific needs. It can be voice-activated commands, innovative storage, automation systems, etc.

What Makes a Kitchen Look Luxurious? High-End Kitchen Must-Haves

Now that we’ve established the characteristics of a luxury kitchen, let’s take a closer look at the different elements featured within.

Luxurious Kitchen Island 

A centre island is without a doubt a high-end kitchen’s focal point. It adds a stylish touch to the room and makes for additional counter space. You can prep dinner while talking to your guests sitting nearby, drink in hand. For an even more sophisticated look, set up a seating area around the island. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill stools or high chairs, but rather an elevated surface that’s attached to the island.

A Stunning Backsplash

A backsplash will always tie together a luxury kitchen. It’ll set the tone and can be designed from a slew of materials, patterns, and colours. Not only does it shield your wall from water and grease spatter, but it gives your kitchen a unique look. You can either keep it simple, lining your countertop and the base of your cabinets or make it your entire wall. 

A Lavish Quartz Counter

Quartz is valued by professional designers on account of its customizable aspect and durability. As such, a quartz countertop is always a welcomed feature in a luxury kitchen. It comes in a wide array of colours, textures, and patterns, with either a glossy or matte finish.

A Huge Countertop

A big countertop will delight any culinary enthusiast. It’s also very practical when having guests over. Make sure to select a model that’s both aesthetic and functional. 

Marble for All Things Refined 

Marble is a must-have material in any luxury kitchen. Whether used as flooring or showcased as a countertop, it adds a chic and distinguished look to your kitchen. With its unique veining, either subtle or bold, it gives any kitchen that sought-after, stylish appeal. Marble comes in many colours, suited to all ambiences. If you’re working with a tight budget, opt for faux marble flooring or backsplash. You can barely tell the difference…

Lighting That Aligns Comfort with Aesthetics

Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall functional and decorative aspects of a luxury kitchen. A well-lit kitchen is bolder, and safety-wise, will prevent cooking injuries, such as cuts, nicks, and others. There’s such a wide array of stylish light fixtures, with diverse designs and shapes. If your kitchen is rather modern in style, opt for recessed lights. Consider statement pieces like chandeliers, pendant lights, or brass-finish light fixtures for traditional kitchens.

A Modern Range

An all-in-one range is a high-end kitchen must-have. It’s multifunctional and perfect for those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking. Ranges typically have several cooktops, one or more ovens, and a griddle, adding a much-needed modern touch to your kitchen.

A Large Sink

Whether made of stainless steel, resin, natural stone, or composite materials, a sink plays a key part in designing a high-end kitchen. It can be positioned by the window or island, you choose. You can also opt between a drop-in model and an undermount.

Temperature-Controlled Drawers

Temperature-controlled drawers make life easier in the kitchen. You might not even need a fridge to store your food. Undercounter refrigerator drawers help keep food fresh, whereas warming drawers allow you to keep meals at the right temperature while waiting for guests to arrive. 

Contemporary-Looking Kitchens with Luxury Designs

As mentioned, luxury kitchens stand out on account of their refined look and material selection. They can, however, vary based on their country of origin. As such, one is likely to see a different interpretation of a luxury kitchen, featuring specific characteristics depending on whether seen in France, Italy, or Germany. 

What Are the Top Luxury Kitchen Brands?

• French kitchen designers: They’re known for creating refined, classic, and contemporary looks. Numerous French manufacturers specialize in designing hardwood-accented traditional kitchens. In fact, most furnishings are typically made with robust and resilient materials. French manufacturers focus on the finishes, ensuring they’re visually appealing and smooth to the touch. Perene and Eggersmann are two well-known brands. 

• German luxury kitchens: They’re known worldwide for their cutting-edge engineering, as well as their minimalist and timeless appeal. In terms of decoration, German brands focus on understated and discreet aesthetics. Kitchens are designed to suit all sorts of interior architecture, even those deemed as atypical. SieMatic and Poggenpohl are two reputable German brands.

• Italian kitchens: They’re characterized by their great elegance, sleek look, and quality finishes. They feature ultra-organized and optimized storage systems, streamlining life in the kitchen. As such, Italian designers, such as Arclinea or Armony, offer ample and innovative storage solutions like pull-out bottle drawer racks, wine fridges built into kitchen cabinets, and more. As for the materials used, they typically pair several different materials to achieve a unique and crafted result.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Luxury Kitchen?

According to several experts, luxury kitchens start at roughly $30,000. This amount includes custom cabinets and premium-quality materials but can vary based on situation-specific needs. Custom cabinets can cost anywhere from $300 to $450 per linear foot.

The Advantages of Building a Luxury Kitchen

At this point, the benefits of a high-end kitchen are undeniable. However, if you’re still on the fence about undertaking such a renovation, here are a few more upsides that may help sway your vote:

• Top-tier quality materials: High-end kitchens are built with high-quality materials, making them more durable compared to ordinary kitchens. Both dense and thick, the materials used also give off an aesthetic and unparalleled finish.  

• A kitchen tailored to your preferences: When buying a house, you’re sort of forced into the previous owner’s decoration, and it might not be your style. By opting for a luxury kitchen, you’re essentially designing a custom space based on your needs and requirements.

• Follow-ups and advice: With a luxury kitchen, you’re ensured a post-build follow-up. From its design to its build, with maintenance in between, you’ll be supported by a team of professionals who will steer you toward the best choices. They’ll consider all your requirements, allowing your imagination to run wild while designing a room that suits you best.