Kitchens are, usually, a game of compromise — an ever-evolving puzzle of how to fit in exactly what you want and need without exceeding your budget until you land on the perfect set-up. Well, hopefully.
But what if budget was no issue, and you could have any of your dream features in a kitchen — what would you choose? 'The reality is, budget is never not an issue, but when set aside, many clients dream of incorporating high-end features that combine both luxury and functionality,' says Bob Bakes, co-founder and Head of Design of kitchen design studio Bakes & Kropp.
But what, exactly, makes up a designer's dream modern kitchen? We asked a few in the know what they (and their clients) are the big investments for an elevated, luxurious space.
1. The statement canopy hood
You may not feel like your extractor hood is an area to tip your budget into, but we'd argue that the right canopy makes more of an impact on the design of your space than your range or other appliances do.
In their dream kitchens, people are looking to more and more extravagant hood designs that signify a more elevated kitchen aesthetic. 'A popular choice is an elaborate canopy hood element,' explains Bob Bakes, designer director of kitchen studio Bakes & Kropp, 'which can cost upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 for a statement piece that elevates the kitchen's aesthetic.'
2. Wow-factor stone
Marble (or other stone) kitchen countertops might already factor into your dream kitchen, but when budget is less of a concern, we're seeing people opt for bolder, more experimental uses of stone in their kitchen designs.
'They're taking the opportunity to really play with stone,' says Liz Hoekzema, creative director of KLH Homes. 'More so than just applying it to expected surfaces, but getting to play with sculptural fabrication elements — curved corners, cabinet cladding, reeding, fluting, columnar island supports..... to list a few.'
3. Appliance garages
Good storage might not sound particularly exciting, but in the right applications, you'll find it's the thing you're more drawn to in a kitchen design. Of all the kitchen storage trends around right now, it's the so-called 'appliance garage' that seems to be on everyone's lips.
'If I were to choose one dream feature when building a new kitchen, it would be a thoughtfully designed appliance garage,' says Ania Dunlop Zen, founder of Home for Zen. 'In response to clients' desires for a kitchen that maintains a clutter-free appearance, an appliance garage serves as a spacious and easily accessible cabinet designed to store various kitchen appliances seamlessly.'
'The appliance garage would be strategically located for convenience, providing a dedicated space to stow items like the toaster, coffee maker, air fryer, waffle maker, blender, and other countertop appliances. The cabinet would feature smart organization solutions, such as pull-out shelves, adjustable dividers, and integrated power outlets, ensuring that each appliance is neatly stored and readily available when needed.'
4. Mechanical storage solutions
Another kitchen storage feature is high on the dream design wishlist according to Bake & Kropps' design director, Bob Bakes. 'Other features high on homeowner’s wishlists are advanced mechanical storage solutions,' Bob tells us. 'These are not just about creating more space but about adding a level of convenience and efficiency to kitchen storage.'
While, yes, these systems are generally hidden behind closed doors, Bob explains that people are seeing this as the place to make sure they invest in when it comes to a kitchen. 'With a willingness to invest in quality mechanisms, these storage solutions can transform the way one interacts with their kitchen, making it an experience of seamless functionality and exceptional design,' he says.
5. The back kitchen
Another 'dream' feature we're seeing in the most high end homes is the trend called the "back kitchen" — a second space hidden behind closed doors, or around a corner, where the mess of cooking can be hidden away from guests. 'It is certainly different for everyone, but we believe integrating a back kitchen can definitely add a luxury touch to a design,' say Mélanie Cherrier and Laurence Pons Lavigne of Canadian-based design studio Blanc Marine Intérieurs.
This back kitchen can be a little more basic in stature, but leaves your front kitchen, or "show kitchen", free to include all those other great dream features you're thinking about, without ever having to worry about ruining them by actually cooking in this space!
