Anyone that has an appreciation for style and design knows that the kitchen is the heart of any home. It’s where friends are made, family gatherings take place, and memories are made. The modern luxury home requires top of the line appliances, materials, and finishes. That being said, designing a luxury kitchen can be challenging, especially if you’re new to this type of work. There are so many factors that go into creating something so special, which is why we’ve put together a list of essential tips to keep in mind when designing a luxury kitchen.
1. Kitchen designer vs interior designer
People occasionally mix interior designers and professional kitchen designers, but a professional kitchen designer has a slightly different and special set of skills. It’s crucial to have a positive working connection with your designer and to be very clear about your objectives, wants, and points that are negotiable. A designer should first and foremost serve as a consultant; in the end, you must be satisfied with the designs.
2. Plan, plan and plan some more
In our experience, the vast majority of luxury kitchen projects don’t go according to plan. There are so many things that can go wrong – from design miscommunications to unexpected delays in materials. When you’re designing a luxury kitchen, it’s best to keep a very detailed process log so you can refer back to it should anything go wrong. A thorough log will also allow you to see if there are any areas where you can improve or streamline your process.
3. Understand light and your space
An open plan kitchen works beautifully in a large space but you can equally create an amazing kitchen in a small space too, it sometimes just requires a little more time and planning. Storage is important to consider in a small space alongside light. Both artificial and natural light needs to be considered, and how the careful dance between them interplays in a space. Light has a key role in both our perception of a space and how it makes us feel.
4. Be mindful of the materials you choose
Being able to purchase materials for your luxury kitchen at any price is a luxury in itself; yet, not everyone has this kind of money. However, by paying attention to each material you intend to use and its accompanying cost, you can come as near as you can.
Luxury materials will usually cost more, but they will also last longer over the course of your kitchen since they are higher quality, more sturdy, and more durable. Use handcrafted and locally sourced goods whenever you can. By using items like these, you can support the local economy and generate employment. Even while they could cost more, their superior quality, robustness, and craftsmanship frequently make up for the difference in price.
5. Stay away from overly branded products
Certain brands like to place their logos on everything – from cookware to dishware to appliances. While this can be helpful for the first-time buyer who might not know where to start, it’s often best to avoid these overly branded products for a luxury kitchen. This is because these products are often not as high quality as their non-branded counterparts, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements. If you do decide to use branded products in your luxury kitchen, try to only use them in places where they won’t be a distraction. For example, if you’re planning on using a stainless steel refrigerator, try to avoid using stainless steel appliances (like a mixer or oven). Doing so will create a much more cohesive and luxurious style.
6. Be mindful of smart storage and functionality
When it comes to designing a luxury kitchen, functionality must be at the forefront of your mind. After all, the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook, it’s also where the family comes together. It’s where kids do their homework, teens hang out with friends, and everyone else comes together around the dinner table. When designing your luxury kitchen, it’s important to keep storage in mind. Try to avoid placing large appliances like refrigerators and ovens directly against a wall; doing so will limit the amount of open space in your kitchen and create a cramped atmosphere.
7. Incorporate softness and varied materials in your design
The modern luxury home is typically filled with neutral and black and white tones. While these are good starting points for your design, it’s important to add a bit of softness to your luxury kitchen. Luxury is often associated with calmness, warmth, and coziness. While it may seem like you’re going against the grain by adding softness to your design, it’s actually quite the opposite. By adding these elements to your design, you’re actually highlighting the luxurious components in your kitchen even more. To incorporate softness in your design, try to use a variety of materials that have a soft touch to them. This includes fabrics, natural stones, and woods. When it comes to materials, the sky is the limit. Just remember that the more luxurious the materials, the more expensive they’ll be.
8. Surprise guests
Taps are not typically at the top of the list when compiling luxury design ideas. However, a tap with both boiling and sparkling cold water is a need if you want the newest in contemporary kitchen technology. These modern faucets are practical, environmentally friendly, and fashionable, making them ideal for people who live busy lifestyles or just enjoy a cup of tea in a few seconds!
The world’s first boiling-water tap was called a Quooker. The kitchen underwent a revolution thanks to innovations like the high-vacuum insulated tank, the all-in-one taps Quooker Fusion and Flex, and the line of black boiling-water taps. Every day, innovation “around the sink” continues.
Key takeaways
Designing a luxury kitchen requires a lot of forethought and planning, not to mention a sizeable budget. If you’re looking to create a designer kitchen, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind while designing. It’s best to use only the highest quality materials, stay away from overly branded products, and be mindful of storage and functionality. And you can also incorporate softness and luxury into your design, which will help highlight the more luxurious components in your kitchen. When all is said and done, the end result will be a designer kitchen that friends and family will be impressed with for years to come. It’s also vital to ensure you get a good, professional kitchen fitter, this isn’t something you can cut corners with!
The final user experience is more important to Obsidian than certain brands, and we like to build products that fit our customers’ routines, lifestyles, and behaviours. A competent designer doesn’t force their aesthetic on others. A skilled designer pays attention to the client’s input and considers it. Obsidian does this for each and every customer, going above and beyond to make sure they are happy and have the finest experience possible. If you go to lower end kitchen suppliers, they are not as interested in listening because they are focused on order volume. Finding a designer who cares about you is VERY crucial.
Luxury Kitchen FAQs:
What styles of kitchen are more luxurious and give the ‘wow factor?
Italian, German modern kitchens styles or fully bespoke British made kitchens (shaker).
Do you always recommend underfloor heating?
At Obsidian, we always recommend to use underfloor heating where-ever possible. Underfloor heating ensures radiators are not exposed to the eyes!
What types of floor tiles are best suited?
We always use Matt Ceramic Tiles, they are easy to clean. If the client loves glossy things, it is also important to be able to afford a cleaner.