THE WOW FACTOR: HOW TO ADD LUXURY TO YOUR KITCHEN

• Luxury comes from a blend of premium materials, expert craftsmanship, considered layouts, and sophisticated detailing.
• Engineered stone, timber veneers, fluted finishes, brushed metals, and premium Polytec ranges add depth and refinement.
• Curves, sculptural rangehoods, integrated appliances, and custom joinery elevate the feel of a kitchen instantly.
• Layered lighting, warm illumination and statement pendants enhance atmosphere and highlight materials.
• A luxury aesthetic is completed through curated styling: bar stools, open shelving, designer hardware, and quality décor.
• The Maker Designer Kitchens brings all of this together with fully customised cabinetry, award-winning kitchen design and craftsmanship and end-to-end project delivery.

What makes a kitchen feel truly luxurious?

A luxury kitchen isn’t simply about expensive finishes or the latest appliances. It’s the sum of thoughtful design decisions, where every material, detail, and junction works together to create a cohesive, high-end experience.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we define luxury as:

• Materiality with impact: natural and engineered stones, tactile finishes, premium veneers, brushed metal details, beautifully profiled cabinetry.
• Craftsmanship you can feel: seamless joins, curved forms, expertly integrated appliances and cabinetry built to last.
• Intentional spatial planning: a layout that works as beautifully as it looks, with clear zones, functional flow and hidden storage.
• Lighting that elevates: layered lighting, LED profiling, and pendants that bring sculptural presence to the space.
• A refined visual identity: a curated palette of colours, textures, and styling touches that feel purposeful and personal.

Luxury is never accidental — it’s designed. The most compelling luxury kitchen ideas are born from intentional choices in materials, layout and detail.

Choose premium materials that create instant impact and last

Materials set the tone for your kitchen, and in luxury design, the palette is bold, textural and thoughtfully executed.

Natural and engineered stone

Marble and natural stone offer movement, individuality and timeless appeal. No two slabs are the same, which gives your kitchen its own identity. 

Engineered stones from Caesarstone, now available in dramatic veined, honed or ultra-matte finishes, provide the durability many families prefer without compromising on style.

Waterfall ends, thickened edges or a sculptural stone island fascia (a growing trend in Perth luxury homes) bring instant wow-factor due to their visual impact. 

Timber veneers and high-end laminates

Warm timber tones, such as Polytec Prime Oak, Florentine Walnut or Bottega Oak, add depth and sophistication to both modern and classic designs. These high-end laminates are also perfect for:

• Curved island forms
• Feature rangehood cladding
• Open shelving
• Internal cabinet finish contrasts

Their natural grain introduces softness and richness, essential when balancing sleek stone and metallic accents. 

Fluted, ribbed and vertical detailing

Textural finishes continue to dominate high-end kitchen design. Consider:

• Fluted glass for overheads
• STECCAWOOD battens for curved islands
• Calcutta profiled cabinetry for subtle sophistication
• Vertical detailing on rangehoods or tall banks of cabinetry
• Kitkat tiles as your kitchen splashback

These details introduce shadow, warmth and architectural interest, ensuring the kitchen feels custom and crafted.

Brushed metals

Brushed gold, nickel, bronze and black add elegance without overpowering the space. They work beautifully as:

• Tapware
• Handles
• Internal frame details
• Pendant fittings
• Décor accents

Choosing a consistent metal finish ties the entire kitchen aesthetic together.

Luxury cabinetry features that define the space

Cabinetry is one of the biggest visual elements in a kitchen, and luxury design treats it as bespoke furniture.

Integrated appliances for a seamless aesthetic

Hiding appliances behind custom cabinetry instantly elevates the kitchen. Integrated fridges, dishwashers and even wine units allow the materials to remain uninterrupted, creating a clean and refined look.

Soft-close hardware, premium joinery and clever storage

Soft-close drawers and doors are the baseline in luxury kitchen design. Wide drawer banks, internal organisers, Hafele storage systems and concealed waste bins all ensure every item has a place. Hidden appliance cupboards keep benchtops clear, maintaining that desirable clutter-free aesthetic. 

What seem like small details often make the biggest difference in making your kitchen look and feel luxurious. 

Curved cabinetry and sculptural elements

Curves soften the geometry of the kitchen and show craftsmanship. Curved islands, sculpted rangehoods and rounded end panels all bring a premium, bespoke quality to your kitchen — a level of craftsmanship flat-pack systems cannot match.

Sculptural and custom rangehood designs

A feature rangehood can anchor the entire kitchen. Popular luxury options include:

• Seamlessly boxed-in designs with vertical detailing
• Curved or cylindrical shapes
• Rangehoods integrated into overhead cabinetry
• Feature rangehoods 

Rangehoods can extend beyond their functional purpose and have the power to make an architectural statement. A great example is the Falmec cylindrical dual rangehoods featured in the kitchen pictured below.

Statement pieces that bring the wow factor

Luxury kitchens always have a focal point, an element that immediately captures attention.

A generous kitchen island

Kitchen islands are the centrepiece of modern luxury kitchens. Consider:

• Waterfall stone ends
• A layered stone design
• Fluted or battened island faces
• Cantilevered seating
• Curved ends for architectural softness

A large island isn’t just functional; it becomes the heart of your entertaining space.

Bold stone choices

Deep veining, dramatic movement or unexpected colour variations can transform a benchtop into a piece of art. Contrast is key: pairing bold stone with restrained cabinetry ensures balance.

Oversized handles or handleless systems

Large, sculptural handles in brushed metal or leather add textural warmth. For a minimalist luxury look, handleless cabinetry with push-to-open or Servo-Drive technology provides seamless precision.

Feature lighting with presence

Think pendant clusters, sculptural forms, soft opal glass, ribbed metallic shades or linear pendants that emphasise the island length. Lighting should be both functional and atmospheric, supporting how you use your kitchen while creating the mood you want the space to evoke.

Designing a luxury kitchen layout

Luxury isn’t only how a kitchen looks — it’s also how effortlessly it works.

A premium layout prioritises:

Functional flow

Every kitchen operates around key zones: preparation, cooking, cleaning, and storage. Aligning these correctly creates a natural rhythm while cooking or entertaining.

Hidden storage

Luxury thrives on clarity. Integrated drawers, concealed pantries, appliance garages and customised internal storage remove visual clutter and enhance efficiency.

Sculleries and butler’s pantries

For those who entertain often, a scullery adds huge value — keeping dishes, small appliances and mess away from the main kitchen while expanding usable workspace.

Clean lines and minimal visual noise

Symmetry, negative detailing, tall cabinetry banks and uninterrupted sightlines all contribute to a serene and sophisticated layout.

Lighting that elevates your luxury kitchen

Lighting is one of the most influential design tools in creating mood and ambience.

Layered lighting for depth

A luxury kitchen typically uses three layers:

1. Ambient lighting – recessed LED downlights for general illumination.
2. Task lighting – LED strips under overhead cabinets or within drawers and pantries. These are functional lights, but they do add to the kitchen’s ambience. 
3. Accent lighting – pendants, wall lights or LED profiling highlighting architectural features.

Warm-toned lighting

Warm light enhances stone veining, timber grain and metallic hues, creating an inviting glow that feels sophisticated and refined.

Pendants with purpose

Choose pendants that complement your palette and add a sculptural element to the room. Soft curves, ribbed glass, brushed metals or organic forms pair beautifully with luxury kitchens.

Luxury colour schemes for a timeless aesthetic

Luxury kitchens embrace depth, warmth and tonal consistency.

Modern neutrals

Soft taupe, warm beige, muted greys and clay-based tones create understated elegance. These hues allow feature stone or metallics to truly stand out.

Rich tonal palettes

Deep greens, navy, charcoal and black offer drama and sophistication — especially when paired with warm timber or brushed metal.

Warm timbers

Timber tones ground the design and transition beautifully into living spaces, perfect for open-plan layouts.

Matte black and metallic accents

Matte black paired with gold or brushed nickel gives a bold yet luxurious feel, ideal for modern or minimalistic aesthetics.

Styling your luxury kitchen: The finishing touches

Styling and décor set the atmosphere and reinforce the design intent.

Consider:

• High-end bar stools with metals, leather or timber
• Curated open shelving featuring ceramics, cookbooks and greenery
• Designer hardware to add subtle luxury
• Statement décor such as sculptural vases or textured bowls
• Minimal yet considered benchtop displays to retain clarity and elegance

The goal is to keep the space curated, not cluttered.

How The Maker Designer Kitchens brings luxury to life

Luxury is not simply about selecting beautiful finishes — it’s the craftsmanship, expertise and precision behind every detail. It’s the consideration and planning that make everything work together. At The Maker Designer Kitchens, this is what sets us apart.

We offer:

• Custom cabinetry designed and manufactured in our Perth facility
• Premium materials including Polytec, natural stone, engineered stone and advanced finishes
• Award-winning craftsmanship backed by the ABN Group
• Qualified in-house interior designers who guide material, layout and styling choices
• A seamless end-to-end process, from concept to installation

Your kitchen isn’t just a space — it’s an experience, crafted for the way you live.

Your luxury kitchen begins with a conversation

If you’re ready to create a kitchen that blends beauty, innovation and craftsmanship, our Perth design team is here to guide you.

Visit our showroom to explore premium materials, working displays and the latest luxury kitchen ideas, or book a consultation to start designing your own luxury kitchen.

FAQs about luxury kitchens

What is the most important element in a luxury kitchen?

Cohesion. When materials, lighting, layout and detailing all align, the result feels naturally luxurious, regardless of trends.

Do I need a large space to achieve a luxury kitchen?

Not at all. Luxury is about quality and consideration, not size. Thoughtful storage, refined materials and clever lighting can transform compact spaces beautifully.

Are curves still trending in luxury kitchen design?

Yes — curves remain one of the most-requested luxury features, adding softness, craftsmanship and a sculptural presence to the kitchen.

Are integrated appliances worth it?

For a luxury aesthetic, absolutely. Integration keeps the visual lines clean and allows the design detail to shine without interruption, while also enhancing everyday functionality in the way you use your kitchen.

What colours work best for a luxury kitchen?

Warm neutrals, tonal greens, deep blues, rich timbers and matte black remain timeless choices, beautifully complemented by stone or brushed metal accents. Your palette should always feel personal, and our team can guide you in refining your colour preferences to suit a truly luxurious kitchen design.

Note: This post was originally published on  July 25, 2021 and has been updated on January 16, 2026.