Seven simple ideas to add luxury to your kitchen
What details give the kitchen an expensive look (photo: Freepik)
The kitchen is not just a place for cooking, but also an important area of the interior that should look stylish and harmonious. Even if you don't have a big budget for expensive renovations, some design techniques will help create the effect of a luxurious space.
Add stylish fittings
Cheap plastic or plain metal handles on the fronts immediately attract attention and cheapen the look of the kitchen. Massive or long handles can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous - they can easily hit your head or fingers.
The ideal solution is a handleless door with an overhanging front or stylish fittings in a sophisticated design. Integrated push and pull opening systems also add a modern touch. If you prefer handles, choose sleek, matte, or unusual textures.
Use branded tiles for the apron
The apron is one of the first details that people pay attention to in a kitchen interior. Using high-quality branded tiles will make the space look more sophisticated, even if the rest of the materials are middle-class.
Since a small amount of tile is required for an apron, you can afford to spend a little more and choose products from a well-known manufacturer. Monochromatic or marble options look best, as well as tiles with a fine but elegant relief.
Avoid overly colorful or excessively cheap options with bright patterns.
A sophisticated apron will create a strong overall impression (photo: Freepik)
Make a monochromatic floor
The flooring plays an important role in the overall look of the kitchen, so you should avoid obvious imitation of expensive materials. Inexpensive wood-like laminate flooring often looks unnatural, which cheapens the interior.
The best choice is a plain large tile or a high-quality moisture-resistant laminate without a pronounced pattern. Light shades visually expand the space, while dark shades add contrast and elegance. Natural stone or its high-quality imitation will also be a good solution.
Thin worktop - a trend that works
It used to be believed that a thick countertop was an indicator of reliability and high cost, but modern interior trends prove the opposite. The minimum thickness of the countertop without protrusions looks much more stylish and lightweight.
Many people believe that a countertop ledge protects against drips and splashes, but in fact, it does not - it only takes up extra space. The ideal choice would be a quartz stone or a high-quality laminate material in calm colors.
Use built-in appliances
Despite the high cost, fully built-in appliances make the kitchen visually more expensive and aesthetically pleasing. It does not disturb the overall composition, does not attract too much attention, and does not create chaos in the space.
Designers do not recommend choosing light-colored appliances if you have light facades - an imbalance can occur due to the difference in shades. It is better to choose black or steel appliances that will create a stylish contrast. Even budget kitchens with high-quality built-in appliances look more luxurious.
Built-in appliances immediately increase the "class" of the kitchen (photo: Freepik)
Choose neutral colors
The right color choice has a significant impact on the overall impression of the kitchen. Bright and flashy shades often make the interior look cheaper, while complex pastel colors always look more expensive. The best options are gray, beige, milky, or deep dark shades that add elegance.
It is strictly not recommended to use photo printing on the facades or landscapes on the apron - such details look outdated. The calmer and more noble the palette looks, the more expensive the kitchen seems.
Make a flawless renovation
No amount of design decisions can save the interior if the renovation is done poorly. Unevenly laid tiles, crooked joints, exposed wires, or poorly fixed facades immediately cheapen the look of the kitchen.
That is why you should pay attention not only to the choice of materials but also to the quality of their installation. Smooth walls, smooth flooring, hidden communications, and a neatly installed hood will make your kitchen look truly premium.
You may be interested in
- What 10 simple ideas will help to update the interior by spring
- Upgrade your space: 7 key interior design trends in 2025
Sources: Real Simple, Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy.
