When you hear the word “luxury” you probably don’t immediately think of kitchens. Kitchens are utilitarian spaces: where the onion is chopped, the lunches are made, and the dog is fed. But just because a kitchen is a utilitarian space, that doesn’t mean it can’t be luxurious, too. We live less formally than we used to; the kitchen used to be closed-off and separate from the rooms where we entertained guests. But as home design has opened up, we’ve started to entertain more casually. The kitchen often ends up as the heart of the home—a place for gathering with loved ones every day and for special occasions. You spend so much time there that it’s worth it to make the kitchen a beautiful place. Here are eight ways to make your kitchen more luxurious.

1. Add Lighting to Cabinets

If you have glass-front cabinets, adding lighting inside the cabinets makes your kitchen warm and inviting. Plus, you can show off your favorite glassware or porcelain this way.

2. Warm Up the Space with Wood

Swapping out the standard granite or marble countertop for wood creates a warmer feeling in the kitchen and adds contrasting texture to the space. You can choose from a variety of premium wood species—just be sure to use a finish that’s food-safe.

3. Update the Backsplash

Upgrading the tile on the backsplash—or switching to a trendy option like a metal backsplash—is one of the most powerful ways to update your kitchen and make it feel more luxe.

4. Make Your Kitchen Island the Focal Point

Kitchen islands are centerpieces of the space, so make them count. Consider unique flourishes like waterfall countertops or an island with a curved shape. You can also have a kitchen island with multiple levels—a higher level for food prep, and a sunken level for seating. Beautiful bar stools in luxe materials—velvet upholstery, brass legs, faux-fur pillows—can have nearly as much impact on the room as the island itself.

5. Coordinate Your Light Fixtures

One of the most important design elements in a kitchen is the lighting. As both a gathering place and a workspace, you’ll need multiple types of lighting. And if the lighting doesn’t align perfectly with the overall décor style, it’s like a giant needle scratch. Simply updating your task lighting to coordinate with your chandelier makes your kitchen look like an expert decorated it.

6. Go For Luxe Metal Finishes

Another simple change with a big impact: upgrading your hardware like drawer pulls, door knobs, and faucets to a luxe metal such as stainless steel, copper, or brass. Stainless steel adds sleek shine, while copper and brass add warmth and glamour. The latest trend is metal backsplashes, ideal for contemporary, industrial, or modern décor styles.

7. Refresh the Floors

Since the kitchen is the site of many spills and mishaps, kitchen floors can get worn out even with the best care. One of the most high-impact ways to make your kitchen feel more luxurious is to update the flooring. Consider sleek hardwood, or herringbone or chevron tile configurations for an ultra luxe look.

8. Bring In More Natural Light

At the end of the day, perhaps the two biggest luxuries of all are light and space. So if you can, consider enlarging your kitchen windows to allow more natural light. You could even add an entire wall of windows for a bright, welcoming atmosphere. 

These are just some of the ways you can make your kitchen a more luxurious space. We hope they sparked some ideas and dreams for your next kitchen update or remodel!