Kitchen islands have long been used to fill up space in large kitchens and offer extra storage room. However, these islands are getting bigger and better in luxury kitchens.

Many islands now have seating to serve as a casual dining bar, special cabinets fitted with kitchen appliances, and even mini wine coolers. To help the kitchen seamlessly blend into the living room (and to accommodate for their larger size), islands are starting to extend into living spaces. Not only does this fully embrace an open kitchen design, but it’s also great for hosting larger parties as you can now use two rooms and place light snacks in the middle by using the island.

One way that luxury kitchens can stand out from mid-range designs is to focus on the details. Things like cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures are often a second-thought in lower and mid-range kitchens.

However, light fixtures have a powerful impact. Not only do they add to the design of your kitchen, but inadequate lighting can make any room appear dull. When it comes to kitchen lighting, it’s also vital that it’s bright enough to avoid accidents when preparing meals.

Going with a bold lighting fixture over your island or breakfast nook can really create a focal point in your kitchen. You can then use smaller lighting as necessary throughout the kitchen and under the cabinets.

Smart home technology is everywhere from lights and blinds to security cameras and thermostats. So, it makes sense that there’s a good bit of smart tech that you can install in your kitchen.

There are coffee makers that work on a timer, so it’ll automatically start brewing your morning cup of joe before you even get out of the shower. You can also find smart refrigerators that alert you when you’re almost out of certain groceries. Perhaps the simplest smart gadget is a motion-activated faucet, so you don’t have to touch it when your hands are dirty.

Of course, you can also install smart lights and blinds here for a fully automated room.

White and light-wood cabinets have been trending for quite some time now. But dark cabinets are becoming increasingly popular in high-end kitchens. Black or dark-wood cabinets give your kitchen a sleek, modern, dramatic, and luxurious feel.

The key is to keep your kitchen balanced by opting for light countertops to break up the darkness. Stainless steel appliances can also help lighten the room up while maintaining that sleek and modern feel.

Speaking of countertops, many high-end kitchens are now opting for quartz instead of marble. Although marble is still thought of as the epitome of luxury, there’s no denying how hard they are to care for.

They need to be sealed regularly and cleaned without the use of abrasive or acidic cleaners. However, the porous material is easily stained, even with proper maintenance. And once it’s stained, it loses its luxurious look.

Quartz, on the other hand, is easy to clean and is stain resistant. There’s also a wide range of colors and patterns available to match any kitchen design. However, softer and neutral colors are trending as they give your kitchen a clean and modern look.

Backsplashes are one of the best ways to add a little personality into your kitchen. Depending on your style, you may want to use tiles, mosaics, stainless steel, copper, glass, wood, quartz, or even marble.

Since these make such a big impact, many high-end kitchens are adopting bigger and bolder backsplashes. For example, instead of having your backsplash stop mid-wall, take it all the way up to the ceiling for a dramatic and luxurious feel.

If you want a solid backsplash, consider using the same material and design as your counters. This extends a singular design to create cohesion and a bold focal point.

Whether you opt for a counter-to-ceiling backsplash or one that stops mid-wall, consider choosing bigger tiles. This creates a more simplistic and clean design than you’d get if you use smaller tiles.

Do you have a beautiful backyard or a nice outside dining area? Why not take full advantage of this by installing windows or a glass door in your kitchen.

Not only do large windows give you a great view from your kitchen, but they also bring in more natural light which will help the room appear more friendly and welcoming. A glass door helps to visually connect your kitchen to your outdoor space while also making it convenient to carry food and dishes outside to enjoy meals under the sun.