You may be wondering how you can make your kitchen look like it came straight from the pages of an interiors magazine. Whether you’re looking to give it a premium feel for your own enjoyment, for when you have guests over, or if you plan to sell it, there are plenty of interior design tricks to upgrade your kitchen without investing in a full remodel.
We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a functional space that is used to prepare food, but also serves as an entertainment space, whether relaxing with your first morning coffee or chatting with friends while preparing a meal. So having a space that you love and that looks great makes sense. It’s also good to know that a well-equipped kitchen is a top priority for buyers when selling a property.
So, if you want to improve the appeal of your kitchen design, here are five ways to make your kitchen look more expensive without spending a fortune.
1. Think custom
One design trick to creating a spectacular kitchen is to add custom elements. Mike Whitfield, interiors expert for a furniture and home goods company lusso says: “Think beyond the standard kitchen design and consider how you live in a space and what would make your life easier.
“Maybe countertop appliances are ruining your minimalist vibe, consider adding sockets to your cupboards so you can hide unsightly kettles and toasters. If you have limited space but have frequent dinner guests, built-in seating may be the best way to maximize your hosting capacity. These unique features don’t have to cost a lot. However, they immediately make your kitchen feel more considered and will elevate the experience of your space.”
And if you have pets, you have another idea: “You could reuse a pot filler on the base of a counter to serve as a bowl filler.”
2. Upgrade your hardware
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a quick change to transform the entire aesthetic of a room. In the kitchen, replacing hardware is an inexpensive design trick that instantly changes the aesthetic.
“Hardware with design interest will immediately make your kitchen look more expensive,” says Whitfield. “Whether you’re adding a pull bar, mug pull, or doorknob to your cabinets and drawers, opt for something that has a little more interest, whether it’s a hammered, brushed, textured, matte, or polished”.
In essence, design is in the details. “Think of it as adding the finishing touches to an outfit: you want to get the final details right, as these can have the biggest impact,” he adds.
To upgrade your cabinets, try these contemporary cabinet and drawer pulls from Westablize, they have a knurled design and are available in gold, black, bronze and nickel, gold and black, and gold and gray (from $69 for 24-pack, Amazon).
3. Avoid a metal mismatch
Elegance in the kitchen is about achieving a coherent appearance that is not interrupted by very opposing elements. Although patterns are not prohibited, it is better to go with the extravagance if you want a high-end aesthetic.
The same goes for choosing or replacing your hardware. “Consider coordinating your brass items throughout your kitchen to avoid the risk of a disjointed look,” says Whitfield, reminding you to include door handles and latches, adding. “Even the smallest details can be combined with larger appliances, like kitchen faucets and sinks.”
Alternatively, he says you can choose to mix your metals, but recommends that the metals should have opposite base color tones so the overall aesthetic is intentional.
4. Opt for maximalist textures
Think beyond color in your kitchen and add interest with textures that create a lasting impression. Whitfield says, “If you’re adding a marble countertop, opt for something with bold veining or a larger pattern. “Marble itself becomes a form of art for your kitchen.”
If you choose a backsplash, he suggests selecting a finish with fluted tiles or a chevron pattern. It will add interest without creating a cluttered look.
For a ceramic tile with added dimension, opt for this polished fluted Ivy Hill tile, in Mawr White ($7 per square foot, Home Depot).
5. Keep it stylish: Opt for multifunctional appliances
A messy countertop can make even the most glamorous kitchen look cluttered. A chaotic kitchen takes your eye away from the beautiful design elements, so you only notice the clutter. However, one way to overcome countertop clutter is to opt for smart, multifunctional appliances.
“It could be a four-in-one boiling water tap, meaning you no longer need a kettle as it delivers instant boiling water. Or a kitchen sink with an undercounter workstation, which again reduces clutter on the work surface by having a built-in cutting board and colander,” suggests Whitfield.
“Multifunctional products can be beautiful and practical, so there is no need to compromise on style.”
- Discover 7 ways to make your living room look more expensive
- And 5 ways to upgrade your kitchen cabinets without buying new ones
- Plus, how I organized my kitchen in one morning: discover my 9 quick and easy tips
