High-end fixtures and finishes can be worth splurging on Give your kitchen a luxurious feelBut not all luxury features are created equal. We asked designers to share which high-end kitchen features aren’t worth the splurge.
meet the expert
- jayne everett Co-founder and creative director of Naked Kitchen in Norfolk, UK.
- Tahila Bennett Tila is the founder and lead designer of Bennett Design.
large chandelier
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Large chandeliers may look luxurious, but they are often impractical in a kitchen context.
“A grand chandelier placed above the kitchen island is (meant to) create a sense of grandeur,” says UK-based kitchen designer Janine Everett.
But designers warn it could make your kitchen look dated, while making cleaning a chore in a room where an ornate fixture will be a magnet for grease and dust.
“It is much more practical to do layered lighting in the kitchen,” she says, like spotlights on the island and under-counter lighting combined with simple pendant lighting.
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Curved Kitchen Cabinetry
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Everett cautions against overuse of curved cabinetry. While rounded rather than straight edges can soften the finish of a line of cabinetry, too many curves can make your kitchen look dated.
“Curved doors are an expensive option and are sometimes overused,” she says, cautioning that curved doors take up excess space when opened, creating a gull-like wing effect that is impractical in many spaces. “Instead of curved doors, use a combination of small curved open shelves – that’s more practical.”
marble cabinet fronts
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Marble is a classic and timeless material that can elevate your kitchen, but Everett cautions against using marble finishes everywhere.
“Marble cabinet doors were a subtle trend that looks very dated and downright strange in a kitchen,” she says. “Marble is not an obvious or practical material for a physical door front. It looks gimmicky – design for design’s sake, and overuse of an expensive material. More is not always better.”
Large Range Hood
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Stylish range hoods can enhance your kitchen design, but they cost a lot a statement hood It may have the opposite effect.
“Large, bulky range hoods can dominate the space and feel awkward,” says interior designer Tehila Bennett. “Instead, choose a sleek, built-in hood that performs well without overwhelming the kitchen.”
High-Gloss Cabinetry
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Lacquered wood or high gloss kitchen cabinetry can give a sleek feel to contemporary kitchens, but they require daily maintenance to keep them from looking unkempt.
“Shiny cabinets look nice, but be aware that they show every fingerprint,” warns Bennett. ,matte or satin cabinets There are better options—they still look modern and they’re much easier to keep clean.”
all white marble kitchen
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Covering your countertops, kitchen island, backsplash and even marble floor This may feel like a glamorous move, but it could be a costly mistake that doesn’t achieve the desired effect.
“All-white marble kitchens can feel cold and are difficult to maintain,” says Bennett. “Using warm quartzite or mixing in wood elements can make a space feel more inviting and lived-in.”
