A luxurious-feeling space doesn’t always need to cost a ton of money to create — but as an interior designer, I can often spot a few signs that a space was truly an investment.
During the years I’ve spent designing kitchens for high-profile individuals, I’ve noticed distinct patterns in what they tend to avoid and gravitate toward instead.
Here are a few design choices and styles that I rarely see in the kitchens of my wealthier clients.
Builder-grade hardware is too basic.
You’d be hard-pressed to find standard chrome cabinet pulls or brushed-nickel knobs from the hardware store in a high-end kitchen.
Rather than sticking with basic, builder-grade options, my clients typically invest in custom or high-end hardware from brands like Rocky Mountain Hardware or Waterworks.
They understand that hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen, and that the weight, finish, and craftsmanship of quality hardware make an immediate impression.
Trendy tile isn’t a popular pick.
My high-profile clients tend to avoid tiles with geometric patterns or any backdrop tied to a particular era, as these can quickly look dated.
Many prefer to invest in creating kitchens that will look elegant in 20 years, not spaces that will need remodeling in five.
Instead, we usually go with natural stone, handmade tiles with subtle variations, or classic materials that have proven their staying power over decades.
High-end kitchens rarely have a single work triangle.
A lot of my clients have the luxury of designing beyond the classic kitchen work triangle, which usually consists of the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Instead of treating their kitchen as a single workstation, we’ll often divide their space into multiple functional zones.
Sometimes there’s a main cooking zone, a separate coffee and breakfast area, a dedicated baking station, and even a beverage center for entertaining.
Visible trash cans are a no-no.
In a high-end kitchen, every element has its designated place — and that place is rarely out in the open, especially when it comes to trash.
Instead, we go for custom cabinetry with pull-out bins for trash and recycling. This helps keep a space looking clean, organized, and free of unpleasant odors.
Over-the-range microwaves can cheapen a space.
This space-saving appliance arrangement is practical, but it doesn’t belong in a luxurious space. The range is often the focal point of a kitchen, and a microwave can detract from its beauty.
Instead, we’ll opt for a microwave drawer that’s integrated into the island or tuck the appliance into a custom-built pantry.
You won’t find small, cluttered pantries in my wealthier clients’ kitchens.
We’ll design walk-in pantries, often called “catering kitchens” or “butler’s pantries,” that are large enough to house small appliances, food-prep spaces, and a full range of cooking supplies.
This allows food to be prepared out of sight, keeping the main kitchen pristine and ready for guests.
There are way better options for countertops than laminate.
Laminate has come a long way over the past few decades, but it still can’t compete with the elegance and durability of other materials, such as natural stone or quartz.
My clients often choose timeless materials for their countertops, such as Calacatta marble (a stone sourced from Italy) or quartzite, which look stunning and can withstand heavy use.
Exposed outlets can cause visual clutter.
Outlets are a necessity, but they can be an eyesore. So, we strategically hide them, often in the underside of upper cabinets.
Sometimes we select tiles designed to conceal outlets, allowing the beautiful backsplash to be the star of a kitchen, rather than a grid of plastic rectangles.
Lackluster lighting has no place in a high-end space.
Many of my clients don’t settle for generic or builder-grade light fixtures in their kitchens.
Instead, we select statement chandeliers, unique and elegant pendant lights, and well-designed task lighting that feel like works of art in their own right.
After all, lighting is arguably the most important way to set the mood of a room.
My clients prefer to hide their refrigerators with clever designs.
A refrigerator is a necessity, but it doesn’t have to be a giant eyesore.
Often, we get custom panels made to match the surrounding cabinetry, allowing the appliance to blend seamlessly into the kitchen’s design. This creates a more cohesive and high-end look.
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