In the ideal luxury kitchen redesign, a homeowner can include all of their desired premium finishes, appliances, and upgrades. However, in most cases, homeowners must pick and choose upgrades to achieve the most important parts of their vision while staying aligned with their individual budget. The kitchen is often considered the high-performance workspace, social gathering site, and engine room of the home.
With such a high level of importance, remodeling the kitchen warrants paying attention to how the money can be used most efficiently and economically to make the biggest improvements to this all-important room.
This selection process includes choosing features and materials that suit the style as well as the function. The decisions should be made from the top down, starting with the must-have features that make the biggest improvement within the individual’s budget.
This article highlights must-have luxury features for modern kitchen remodels, targeted for high-value Maryland homes but based on principles that anyone can use to improve their kitchens.
1. Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets can redefine luxury in a modern kitchen. Homeowners often spend around a quarter of their remodel budget on cabinets alone, and it’s easy to see why. The choices of luxury materials, finishes, and designs invite the owners of high-end kitchens to design their dream cabinets before choosing anything else.
While cabinets need to fit in the budget, they are a must-have feature for any complete kitchen remodel. The choice between natural wood grain, laminate finish, paint, and other designs can define the tone and color temperature of the room. Custom cabinet artisans can create tailored wood designs, build vertical cabinets that take advantage of high ceilings, and conceal hidden storage compartments, pull-out shelves, toe-drawers, and other built-ins for added luxury. Appliances can even be built into the cabinets to show them off and save space.
Custom cabinets don’t just look good on the outside. By offering homeowners the ability to conceal appliances, utensils, and implements to save valuable counterspace, they can transform a crowded kitchen into a space that feels well-appointed and clean.
2. Islands
Kitchen islands are hallmarks of luxury kitchen designs, and while not every space can accommodate them, they remain important additions for many homeowners. In expansive kitchen spaces, oversized islands can be used to great effect by incorporating built-in appliances, food prep space, storage, and even seating.
Integrated cooktops, cutting boards, and other prep surfaces contribute to the impression of luxury that most high-end homeowners aim for in their kitchen remodels. Other high-end built-ins that take advantage of custom kitchen islands could include warming drawers, beverage refrigerators, and prep sinks.
3. Crown Molding
While not a functional addition, crown molding can add a sense of luxury and cohesion to a high-end kitchen remodel. This often-overlooked aspect of remodeling takes details from the architecture or the custom cabinetry and pulls them into the edges of the room, creating a more immersive and complete experience.
4. Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is an essential feature of luxury kitchen spaces, enhancing both design and functionality. When produced from natural sources, lighting expands the perception of the room, which can make large spaces feel more expansive and small spaces less cramped. Windows, doors, or skylights add warmth while also adding functionality since the space can be used more easily without relying on artificial lighting configurations.
Studies show that natural lighting can boost serotonin, encourage relaxation, and improve sleep. With so many people working partly or fully from home in the post-pandemic economy, exposure to natural light is an important part of our daily routines and an even more significant sign of luxury.
5. Stone Accents and Counters
Natural stone can set the tone of the room, increase its value, and make it seem larger. A popular current design trend is to continue the countertop’s stonework on the backsplash, creating a sense of continuity. Stone accents and counters are available in many varieties, including Caesarstone, Silestone, quartz, Cambria, and granite. For a more sustainable and distinct look, recycled glass and butcher block can be used to create refined utilities that combine modern luxury with durable materials.
6. Integrated Lighting and Smart Systems
Integrated lighting under cabinets or appliances can increase the utility of the room, guiding users to focal points while illuminating work surfaces. Adding dimmers to recessed and ambient lighting can add more functionality, while cove and toe-kick lighting can add drama to built-in storage and display niches.
Smart lighting systems can be added for greater control, with discreet wall stations or in-counter pop-ups concealing panels or charging stations while maintaining the clean surfaces of the design. Technology can be a luxury provided it’s properly concealed and optimized for the space, reducing the burden on counter space rather than adding to it.
Bring Your Luxury Kitchen Vision to Life in Maryland
At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our in-house network consists of designers, contractors, and tradesmen who plan and build luxury kitchen remodels for homeowners in Maryland. Our goal is to customize luxury designs for the budget and goals of each homeowner, helping each kitchen have luxury features they envision.
Contact our team today and schedule a consultation to learn more about luxury kitchen plans and trending designs in Maryland.
