7 Kitchen Features That Instantly Make Your Home Look More Expensive

The kitchen isn’t just where we cook, it’s where life happens in your home—where mornings begin, where friends linger over wine, and where the rhythm of daily living unfolds.

That’s why designers encourage us to invest in this space thoughtfully, and to choose materials, finishes, and details that last, and that make you want to spend time there. A beautiful kitchen doesn’t just elevate how you live, after all—it also holds long-term value. And it should look the part.

Here, we asked designers and real estate experts to share the upgrades that will instantly make your space look more elevated and expensive—read on for their insights.

Quality Hardware

Cabinet hardware is one of the simplest ways to make a kitchen feel more refined. “It’s easy to underestimate the impact of going beyond a basic bar pull or mushroom knob,” says Peter Wells, senior principal designer at Amerock. “For a smaller refresh, consider incorporating backplates to give cabinet hardware a more tailored presence."

Mixing metals, like brushed brass with matte black or polished nickel, also creates visual depth and a layered, curated feel. Combine those finishes with textured details such as leather, hammered, or knurled accents for a subtle, unexpected touch that will make any kitchen feel more expensive.

Functional, Seamless Technology

Behind every luxury kitchen is precise engineering. “Whether it’s a rotating cabinet that spins with the tap of a finger, roll-out oven racks that make cooking look effortless, or illuminated interiors that convey quiet luxury—these are the small touches that make a kitchen feel bespoke,” says Felicitas Lechner, marketing manager at Hettich America.

Even the most beautiful design falls flat without function; true luxury lies in the way things move, open, and align.

Design-Forward Lighting

Lighting can completely transform any room, especially a kitchen, setting the tone and highlighting its best features. Strategically placed recessed lights, sconces, pendants, and under-cabinet illumination showcase the materials, while also adding warmth and atmosphere.

“When selecting decorative lighting, we love incorporating rich textures such as fabric shades, colored glass, and metal accents that complement the kitchen’s finishes,” says designer Claudia Allegra Roth. “These layered materials bring depth and sophistication, transforming light into a design statement.”

Elevated Seating

Contrasting materials give a space its quiet sense of luxury. “Incorporating stools or chairs that balance soft and structured materials, such as plush upholstery paired with sleek metal legs, creates a striking visual and tactile contrast,” says Allegra Roth. “Thoughtful seating choices can bring personality into the kitchen."

Mixing new pieces with sourced vintage seating also adds character and intention—a subtle detail that instantly conveys an air of expense and luxury.

Full-Slab Backsplash

“Full-slab backsplashes give a kitchen a bigger feel, even if it's not that large,” says real estate broker Michelle Mumoli.

Seamless and sculptural, a single slab instantly feels more architectural than tiled surfaces. It’s a detail that signals quality, longevity, and intention, elevating both the aesthetic and the overall value of a home.

Ceramics and Pottery

Decorative layers add soul and a story to the kitchen. 

“Ceramics and pottery add warmth, texture, and an artisanal touch,” says Allegra Roth. “Layering sculptural pieces on countertops, floating shelves, or dining tables introduces personality, while keeping the space grounded and curated."

These handmade pieces bring in texture—an imperfect detail that makes a kitchen feel collected and personalized over time.

Pantry and Storage

“We cannot talk about luxury without talking about storage for pantry items, pop-open surprise cabinets in places you wouldn't expect, and even pantries that are hidden and that walk through to a potential scullery area,” says Mumoli.

Ample, well-planned storage is a true marker of luxury. In high-end homes, space equals ease—and thoughtful storage translates directly into value, both for daily living and long-term resale.