5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (2024)

'Money talks, wealth whispers' – the old saying couldn't be more truer in 2023. Whether you've been inspired by Succession's Shiv Roy, or delightfully enamored by the classic tailoring and muted color schemes from the Bottega Veneta runway show, the excitement around the trend for 'quiet luxury' shows no signs of abating.

Quiet luxury – a warm, subtle way of decorating and styling – is perhaps the most understated fashion trend of the year, and this 'stealth wealth' way of decorating has also infiltrated the heart of our homes – the kitchen.

Thankfully, achieving a quiet luxury look in the kitchen doesn't necessarily require a trust fund. In fact, this aesthetic is surprisingly simple to replicate. Get it right, and you'll have a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also timeless and enduring.

5 quiet luxury kitchens – the latest trend for 2023

The best 'quiet luxury' kitchen ideas are anything but boring – and we have included a ton of added-value interior design advice, too.

So whether your quiet luxury kitchen design is expansive, open-plan, a shared family space, or on the compact side, there are plenty of kitchen ideas with high-end looks to suit.Plus, we have catered to a wide variety of kitchen styles, color preferences, and kitchen layouts, and, as ever, there are ideas you can adopt quickly – and whole-renovation inspiration for your all your luxury kitchen ideas, no matter the cost. All of which will make a kitchen look expensive.

1. Achieve a tailored look with a bespoke design and quality finishes

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (1)

(Image credit: Elicyon )

'It’s a fact of life that we all want to feel special rather than one of many – and that applies to the way we approach our projects,' says Charu Gandhi, director of Elicyon. 'We want to give our clients something tailored, in every detail, to their requirements.'

While quiet luxury isn't complex to achieve, it is always worth sourcing the expertise of an interior designer, and never skimping on materials, especially when made bespoke, that last a lifetime.

I like to work out how to introduce an atmospheric quality to kitchens, which can otherwise be quite functional. Interesting materials, such as metal-mesh kitchen cabinet door fronts or those in panels of ombré smoky-grey glass, can look beautiful, while tactile surfaces, such as leathered-finish stone kitchen countertops, add another note of luxury. These are the bespoke elements that make a big difference to the success of the design.

It is important to remember that bespoke doesn’t have to mean expensive. For example, you might choose standard cabinetry for the perimeter of the room but then pick an amazing marble for your island. Even simply changing cupboard handles can make a kitchen feel totally personal.

2. Craft a kitchen that feels like a living room

(Image credit: Michael P.H. Clifford )

They may seem like an unusual suggestion, but there is a method to the madness. Quiet luxury kitchens should exude the same sophistication and elegance as a quiet luxury living room, we say.

'The kitchen should be a place where you can be with your friends and family without having to look at appliances,' says designer Jake Arnold. 'I like a kitchen to feel like a living room – a space where you can hang out and feel comfortable – as well as being functional. Many of my clients have kids and busy lives, so they want relaxed, practical rooms; nothing too precious, but with high impact.'

'The interior architecture is my starting point: how we can build in a range cooker in a chimney breast to become a focal point in the space, add arches or beams, or create specific openings around windows and doors. These are the things that lay the foundation and add soul to a space.'

'I try to stay with the architectural style in the choice of cabinetry door so there is consistency. This way, it feels as though the kitchen was built with the house. Next, I dig deep into the stone selection for the kitchen countertops as this is usually where the high impact comes from. I like to know what we are focusing on. We might have a busy, intricate marble counter or backsplash, but then choose not to add pendant lighting to accentuate the drama of the marble.'

'Hardware sets the tone of the relaxed kitchen, so it is worth investing in beautiful plumbing fixtures and cabinetry pulls and hinges. They are things you will touch every day.'

3. Prioritize subtle glamor and elegance

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (3)

(Image credit: Kelly Weartler / Rima Suqi)

Quite luxury kitchens should never be void of the materials that sing – just ensure they don't shout.

'As the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of my favorite rooms, but it is primarily a functional space,' says American designer Kelly Wearstler. 'The design process is two-pronged – first, considering the layout and how one will move through the kitchen; then, how we want the room to feel – if it is to be an energizing or calm, reflective space. The layout and look definitely need to feed into one another.'

'Kitchen lighting is important. It sets the mood and guides the eye around the room. When designing a kitchen, I always start by considering the natural light, asking myself what time of day it fills the room. This will determine the natural feel, which will then help to inform the choice of additional light sources. In the kitchen, you can be cooking, sharing meals with friends and family, or working from home. Accent lighting is a great way to set the scene for these different uses, such as dimmable overhead pendant lights for an ambient mood while dining, or table lamps near seating for task lighting.'

'Although the kitchen is a functional space, this doesn’t mean it can’t have personality and style. Don’t be afraid of experimenting and taking risks – sometimes the most beautiful decor comes from the most unexpected pairings.'

Kelly Weartler: Evocative Style by Kelly Weartler and Rima Suqi ($55 / £45, Rizolli) is out now.

4. Shine a spotlight on barely-there decorative details

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (4)

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)

Tactile finishes please the senses and introduce visual style to a room, but use them sparingly if you want to craft a quiet luxury kitchen.

Now found on glass, sinks, cabinets, and kitchen backsplash ideas, ribbed surfaces are making waves in luxury kitchen design. In contemporary settings, fluted patterns can be used to provide 3D interest – just enough to add character, while retaining the simplicity required to work in modern designs.

‘Fluted surfaces catch the light, creating deep shadows and texture within a room, and are particularly effective when set against a simple white space,’ agrees Stuart Piercy, founding director, Piercy&Company.

‘In natural solid materials, like the American black walnut and Calacatta Crema marble backsplashes' used in this luxury kitchen for the BBC Television Centre residential redevelopment in west London, fluting reveals the beautiful grain pattern and vein running through the core. It is an intriguing detail with wonderful depth.’

5. Adopt a simple Scandinavian design philosophy

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (5)

(Image credit: Sola Kitchens)

Prioritize using traditional materials in new and exciting ways when designing a quiet luxury kitchen.

In this modern kitchen, three-dimensional surfaces that shift with the light bring a modern twist to wood in the kitchen. ‘Combined with sleek flat-fronted doors in crisp white, thin vertical wood slats provide texture and depth, enhancing the tension between plain and pattern,’ explains Sofia Bune Strandh, CEO, of Sola Kitchens.

SKOG, meaning 'forest' in Swedish, is the name given to this striking new wood-focused design from Sola Kitchens. ‘It’s called SKOG partly because the wooden slats resemble the outlines of trees, but also the name reflects the embracement of natural materials – a typical quality of Scandinavian design,’ she adds.

Shop the quiet luxury kitchen edit

Forge Barley Brown Oak Wood Counter Stool by Jake Arnold

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (7)

Suspend White Marble and Wood Bar Cabinet

Harwich Medium Woven Rattan Dome Pendant Light by Jake Arnold

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators (2024)

FAQs

5 'quiet luxury' kitchens that look expensive, timeless and sophisticated, according to designers and decorators? ›

What is Timeless Kitchen Design? Timeless refers to classic design choices that are simple, subtle, understated, and can adapt and withstand the ever-changing styles of interior design. “Light, white, and simple. Nothing over the top – something that will appeal to most people.” – Darien Wilson, Deslaurier Designer.

What is a timeless look for a kitchen? ›

What is Timeless Kitchen Design? Timeless refers to classic design choices that are simple, subtle, understated, and can adapt and withstand the ever-changing styles of interior design. “Light, white, and simple. Nothing over the top – something that will appeal to most people.” – Darien Wilson, Deslaurier Designer.

What is the most expensive kitchen in the world? ›

The World's Most Expensive Kitchen Fetches 1 Million Pounds

From UK-based designer Claudio Celiberti comes the world's most expensive kitchen worth 1 million British pounds. Officially called 'Fiore di Cristallo,' which means crystal flower, the kitchen belongs to Aldo Zilli. Zilli is an Italian born celebrity chef.

What is a luxury kitchen? ›

A luxury kitchen is often the showpiece of a modern home, but just what does “luxury” mean? The truth is, there's no one definition of what makes a luxury kitchen. For some people, it's about the materials and finishes. For others, it's chef-grade appliances and a contemporary open floor plan.

What color kitchen cabinets will never go out of style? ›

The 7 Best Kitchen Cabinetry Colours That Will Remain Timeless
  • It's not a secret that kitchen renovations can be a huge investment. ...
  • Natural Wood Cabinetry. ...
  • Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. ...
  • Olive Grove by Sherwin Williams. ...
  • Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. ...
  • White Dove by Benjamin Moore. ...
  • Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore.

What color appliances never go out of style? ›

"White, black, browns, and grays have been historically integrated into both traditional and contemporary designs, proving that these colors are universally ageless."

How to get a luxury kitchen on a budget? ›

While it's tempting to splurge on expensive materials like marble or granite, plenty of budget-friendly alternatives are available. Consider options such as quartz countertops, laminate flooring, and engineered wood cabinetry to achieve a luxurious look at a fraction of the cost.

What type of kitchen counter is the most expensive? ›

Calacatta marble is one of the most luxurious countertops materials in the world, making it highly coveted and expensive. This exquisite marble is quarried from the Apuan Mountains in Carrara, Italy, and is renowned for its striking beauty.

Which is the best kitchen in the world? ›

List of top 10 kitchens around the world
  • Italian kitchen. Some decades ago, Italy was made up of twenty-seven separate regions, each of which developed its own traditions and dishes. ...
  • Chinese kitchen. ...
  • 3. Japanese kitchen. ...
  • French kitchen. ...
  • Spanish kitchen. ...
  • Indian kitchen. ...
  • Greek kitchen. ...
  • Thai kitchen.
Mar 1, 2022

What color kitchen looks expensive? ›

Painting existing cabinets in a darker, ultra-matt shade, such as grey or black, helps to create a feeling of sophistication. Choose heritage shades with deep pigmentation for a high-quality look – more expensive paint might feel like a luxury, but those few extra pounds spent will usually be worth the investment.

What is considered high-end cabinet? ›

You can define high-end cabinets as a combination of three factors: Quality materials, quality work, and unique styling.

What is the most expensive part of a new kitchen? ›

While kitchen appliances are the runner-ups, cabinets are the clear winner in being the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. However, countertops still hold third place. While deciding your budget, you should always set aside some money for miscellaneous expenses.

What is the most popular kitchen look? ›

A transitional kitchen design is the best of both traditional and modern styles. In a transitional style kitchen, you'll see various textures and colors, as well as sleek lines and sharp features.

What classic kitchen never goes out of style? ›

Consider natural stone, wood finishes, and stainless features for your kitchen renovation. Flooring in stone, tile, or hardwood can also create a timeless style, especially when integrated in a neutral color tone.

What color kitchen is timeless? ›

If there's one kitchen colour scheme that's sure to never go out of fashion, it's a graceful neutral palette. Ranging from elegant greys to warm beiges, neutral tones possess the unique ability to bring together welcoming charm and bright radiance in perfect harmony.

What color countertop is timeless? ›

Classic White Quartz

White quartz countertops are durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and low maintenance. Quartz's clean, minimalist aesthetic effortlessly complements various design styles, making it a desirable choice that never truly goes out of fashion.

What color is timeless for kitchen cabinets? ›

Bright white, classic grey, natural wood, and navy blue are timeless kitchen cabinet colors. Consider the existing architecture of your home to select a timeless color and combine modern hardware with traditional elements for balance.

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