Transform Your Average Kitchen into Luxury with 12 Stunning Remodel Must-Haves

Kitchen design by Vieve Interiors

A home’s kitchen is often referred to as “the heart” of the home. It’s a special space where family meals are prepared, and friends gather over exotic wines and fabulous charcuterie. That is, if you have a kitchen that exudes luxury. An ordinary kitchen no longer does the trick—you’re in need of a kitchen with all the latest and greatest design features to create an inviting and functional space that draws you in and makes you want to stay a while. Check out these 12 kitchen remodeling ideas that will show you exactly how to remodel an average kitchen to turn it into a high-end kitchen oasis.

1. Large windows 

Large windows will do wonders for your kitchen including creating the sense of more space and offering a great view to the outdoors. But more importantly, large windows also bring in a ton of natural light which can help boost your mood, improve your overall well being, and increase productivity. Not to mention, a newly designed kitchen looks spectacular in natural light!

Kitchen design by Vieve Interiors

Photo credit: @ncconstructionaz

2. A CUSTOM HOOD

The range hood is often the focal point of a kitchen since it’s typically large and protrudes further than your upper cabinets. To add a luxurious touch, use that space to create a custom unique design by choosing a hood insert and blower instead of an all-in-one hood which allows you to build around it–that could be custom cabinetry, a plaster hood, wood beam mantel, or whatever you can dream up.

Luxury kitchen with custom range hood

Designed by Genevieve Chambliss of Vieve Interiors

Designed by Vieve Interiors

3. Panel-ready appliances

For a seamless look across your kitchen, select “panel-ready” appliances (like your dishwasher, wine fridge, or ice maker) so your cabinet maker can customize them to match your cabinets so they are virtually hidden for a high-end look. And while you’re at it, opt for a counter-depth refrigerator and freezer combo. Unlike a standard-size model, counter-depth fridges are virtually flush with counters and cabinets, making it a low-profile option. While counter-depth refrigerator/freezers are about 9 to 10 inches less deep than a standard-sized fridge, they can be wider and taller for increased capacity. This kitchen remodel tip can also give you an opportunity to add a unique and special design detail to your new luxury kitchen.

panel-ready dishwasher

Photo credit: @silverbirchinc

custom panel ready refrigerator

Photo credit: @boleearchitects

Luxury white kitchen with custom counter-depth fridge with custom wood chevron designand freezer

Photo credit: @danabensonconstruction

4. A chef cooktop or range

Upgrading the functionality of your kitchen is just as important as upgrading the design. A luxury kitchen will always have upgraded appliances that make cooking for the whole family or even a giant dinner party more enjoyable. Choose a new chef cooktop or range to sleeken the look of your space. A chef cooktop can be installed almost anywhere in your kitchen, and is customizable in terms of its size, number of burners, griddle or grill, knobs and/or buttons, etc. Most brands even have custom colors! A range is a stovetop with an attached oven(s). For a more in-depth description of the two options, check out this Forbes article.

thermador range

Designed by Vieve Interiors

Chef cooktop photo by @gaggenauofficial

5. Walk-in pantry

Nothing is more luxurious to me than a walk-in. In my humble opinion, a true kitchen oasis should always have a walk-in pantry that provides all your kitchen goodies with a designated space. Make sure your walk-in has adequate shelving and lighting, along with an organizational system so you can easily find what you need, when you need it. These minimalist labels from Amazon are the perfect way to add a little luxury to your pantry.

Photo credit @thecozyfarmhouse

Photo credit: @firstsenseinteriors

 6. A beverage cooler drawer

This kitchen remodel idea is one of my favorite must-haves, especially for someone who loves to entertain, or always has a house full of kids who swing by after school. Depending on size, a beverage cooler drawer can hold (and keep cold) up to 120 extra drinks for any occasion!

custom wine fridge

Photo credit @southernlivingmag

Photo credit: decorpad.com

7. Soft-close drawer glides and hinges

This is something that every kitchen (at any budget) should have these days! A soft-close drawer or hinge is exactly like it sounds—a drawer or hinge that slowly closes on its own. Soft-close drawers and cabinetry have so many benefits: they are less noisy; kids (and adults) are less likely to get their fingers trapped or smashed when closing them; and, since they are slow-closing, delicate glassware and appliances are far less likely to break or be damaged than with a self-close drawer or hinge. We love this quiet sign you are in a newly renovated kitchen! 

8. Double trash pullout 

A double trash pullout is an absolute must-have in a luxury kitchen. Not only is the trash completely hidden (as it should be), but the double trash containers allow for super easy recycling and less trips to the outside garbage cans—a much needed feature if you're hosting a party or lots of holiday guests. To double-down on functionality in your classy kitchen, place your cutting boards nearby for extra easy clean up!

9. Spice drawer insert 

When I’ve completed a luxury kitchen remodel, you can almost guarantee I’ve installed a spice drawer insert so my client can easily see and grab their spices while cooking. If you haven’t noticed yet, I love organization, and a spice drawer insert like the one below, is the perfect way to get organized in the kitchen!

10. A coffee station or built-in coffee maker 

With work-from-home jobs here to stay, this kitchen remodel tip for 2023 is a must. Create a coffee station with a pullout tray in a cabinet or appliance garage to hold your coffee machine, cups, beans, and other brewing supplies. Better yet, add a built-in coffee maker like this one by Miele so you can make high-quality, personalized coffee drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen. 

11. Appliance garage

An appliance garage is a place to hide small appliances, like your blender and toaster. As with your refrigerator, trash pull-out, and beverage cooler, your appliance garage can seamlessly blend in with your cabinetry for a cohesive look throughout your entire kitchen. Check out this clever appliance garage by Chris Loves Julia. The appliance garage helps save you countertop space and avoids a cluttered look, keeping your kitchen looking like your dream space.

12. Nugget ice maker

Last, but certainly not least, in our kitchen remodeling ideas is to purchase a nugget ice maker! We love this U-line ice maker that comes in stainless steel or panel ready. Talk about feeling like you’re at the spa when you pour yourself a fruit-infused water over nugget ice. Plus, this rapidly-growing-in-popularity ice maker is absolutely perfect for entertaining! 

Kitchen Remodel before and after

Remodeled by Vieve Interiors

Want to save these kitchen remodeling ideas for later? Be sure to save this to your Pinterest Remodeling Idea Board!

Thinking of remodeling your home? I get that remodels are stressful. That’s why I created a FREE remodel planning guide just for you! Grab your step-by-step remodel planning guide, HERE.