7 Designer Techniques for a Magazine-Worthy Kitchen
You can always tell a designer kitchen apart from a standard, builder-grade one—it’s all in the details. While every kitchen I design is unique to each client’s taste and lifestyle, there are fail-proof core features that give any kitchen a refined, designer look and feel. Here are the seven of my personal favorites.
1. Deeper Wall Cabinets for Extra Storage
Standard wall cabinets are usually 12 inches deep, but upgrading to 13 or even 15 inches can make a world of difference. Deeper cabinets provide extra storage for larger items like platters, mixing bowls, or small appliances that might otherwise clutter your countertops. This small adjustment maximizes space without sacrificing style, giving your kitchen a clean, organized look.
2. Cabinets That Reach the Ceiling
Bringing your cabinets all the way to the ceiling not only maximizes storage but also gives a kitchen a high-end look. The taller cabinetry draws the eye upward, making the room feel larger and more spacious. But more importantly, by eliminating the gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, you avoid dust collection and gain space for seasonal items or decorative storage.
“By extending cabinets all the way to the ceiling, you draw the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room and creating a more finished look.”
3. Decorative Toe Kicks for a Custom Touch
The toe kick area is often overlooked, but it’s there for a reason—practically speaking, a recessed toe kick allows you to stand closer to the cabinets while working, reducing strain on your back. That said, it’s all a matter of preference! If you’re aiming for a designer touch, swapping the standard recessed toe kick for a hutch toe (a flush toe kick with an applied baseboard), a decorative valance, or even adding feet can make your cabinetry look more like furniture. This subtle yet impactful detail shows that every inch of your design has been thoughtfully considered.
“In this kitchen I used a flush toe kick with a simple baseboard, but left it open under the cooktop for comfort. The decorative cutout adds a thoughtful touch.”
4. Under-Cabinet Lighting for Function and Ambiance
Under-cabinet lighting is a simple yet impactful upgrade that can completely transform your kitchen. Beyond adding a layer of visual interest, it provides practical task lighting for meal prep and cooking. LED strips or puck lights installed beneath cabinets illuminate your countertops, reducing shadows and making the space feel brighter and more inviting. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
In addition to lighting up the countertop, we also added toe-kick lighting in this stunning white kitchen. It makes late-night snack runs safer, and entertaining much more fun!
5. Integrated Appliances for a Seamless Look
Integrated appliances are game-changers for creating a polished, designer-approved kitchen with any design style, from minimalist to traditional. Panel-ready appliances are specially designed to have custom panels attached to their doors, so they blend in seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. This way refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances look like the rest of your cabinetry, eliminating visual clutter. Panel-ready appliances come with a higher price tag. When on the budget, I like to use Cafe Appliances (GE’s stylish sister brand) which offers gorgeous designs in several colors with customizable hardware finishes.
Can you spot the fridge in this kitchen? She’s a smooth operator.
6. A Prep Sink with a Garbage Disposal
A prep sink isn’t just for show—it’s a practical addition that improves your workflow. Placing a small sink with a garbage disposal in your prep area makes tasks like rinsing vegetables and peeling potatoes much easier. This is particularly useful when you want your main sink by the window, but don’t have enough counter space there for preparing food. Prep sinks work equally well on the perimeter of the kitchen, and on the island near the fridge.
7. Mixing Finishes for Visual Interest
Gone are the days of matching finishes. And don’t even get me started on the spec home favorite, brushed nickel everywhere!.. Mixing metals—like pairing dark bronze with unlacquered brass — adds depth and character to the space. You can also mix cabinet finishes, such as contrasting an island in a wood tone with painted perimeter cabinets. This technique creates a layered, designer look that feels collected and lived-in.
Those are a few of my tried-and-true tricks for achieving a polished, designer look in a kitchen. But let’s be real—there’s so much more to creating a one-of-a-kind space that not only looks stunning but also works perfectly for your lifestyle. From tailored layouts to personalized finishes, every detail matters.
If you are ready to take your kitchen to the next level, get in touch to see how I can help you get there. Schedule a complimentary Phone Consultation today and one step closer to your dream kitchen!