9 Designer Secrets to Making a Small Kitchen Look More Luxurious Without Losing an Inch of Function
These are the details that take your kitchen from 'builder-basic to custom'
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A small kitchen can be just as luxurious as a sprawling one; it's simply a case of designing and accessorizing it right. An elevated scheme is less about size and more about the thoughtful details you introduce to it.
And for interior designers, there are a few things they always return to to create a sense of luxury in small kitchens. From color and materials to cabinet styles and decorative details, it can be the little things that make the biggest difference.
9 Ways to Add Luxury to a Small Kitchen
A successful small kitchen design requires a thoughtful balance of decorative details and functional features, which isn't always easy to achieve. But interior designers have plenty of advice to help you get it right, and these nine tips are a great place to start.
1. A Considered Range Design
A plastered hood is a considered detail that instantly elevates this small kitchen.
For many people, the stove is the main hub of the kitchen that the space is centered around. So, making it a true focal point with a chic design can instantly make your kitchen look more luxurious.
'A statement range paired with a beautifully designed hood vent is another game-changer. This becomes the focal point of the kitchen and gives the room presence and personality,' says interior designer Jennifer Davis.
The hood, in particular, is a feature you should focus on. 'A cabinet-forward hood, especially one that is custom or plastered rather than stainless steel, immediately elevates the space. It feels architectural rather than purely utilitarian and brings a sense of intention and polish to the room,' explains interior designer Kimberly Oxford.
'In a smaller kitchen, that focal point matters even more, as every element is on display. While many homeowners assume the microwave must live over the range, I prefer to avoid this altogether. It tends to interrupt the visual flow and can instantly make a kitchen feel less refined,' she adds.
Having a microwave in such a visual position can instantly make a kitchen feel more budget, even if it isn't, so avoiding this is key for a sense of luxury. 'Instead, tuck the microwave into cabinetry or a pantry. That one decision alone can dramatically shift the feel from builder-basic to custom,' says Jennifer.
2. Integrated Appliances
Concealed appliances in this kitchen ensure the space feels cohesive without visual disruptions.
Kitchens that feel luxurious, no matter their size, usually have one major thing in common – a seamless flow of finishes that creates instant harmony. And the simplest way to achieve the look is by integrating your appliances.
'Luxury in a small kitchen is all about intention. Every element needs to feel considered, not default. Integrated appliances are a must; they create a seamless, furniture-like look and eliminate visual clutter,' says Jennifer.
Even if you aren't planning a full redo, focusing on the refrigerator and making it feel more considered is a great place to start. 'A panel-ready, fully integrated refrigerator is one of the most overlooked opportunities in a small kitchen,' says Kimberly.
'Extending the refrigerator height, often by as much as ten inches, and finishing it with coordinating cabinetry and custom hardware helps it blend seamlessly into the design. The result is a more cohesive, furniture-like look that makes the kitchen feel intentional and elevated rather than appliance-driven.'
3. Decorative Kitchen Lighting
Lighting has clearly been considered in this small kitchen, with coordinated sconces and counter lamps.
Never overlook kitchen lighting as just a functional feature. We often talk about layered lighting, and while that certainly comes into play for a more luxurious kitchen, natural light and chic fixtures also play a role.
'Lighting can make such a huge difference in the overall look and feel. Whenever possible, take full advantage of natural light. It instantly makes a space feel brighter and more welcoming,' says Deborah Sauri, co-founder, TriVistaUSA Design + Build, who also recommends swapping fluorescent ceiling lights for a statement fixture that gives off a warmer glow.
The fixtures you choose have a big impact on the appeal of your design. 'Specialty decorative lighting, like a statement pendant, sculptural sconce, or elevated flush mount, immediately makes the space feel curated and thoughtful,' says Micaela Quinton, director of design at Copper Sky Design + Remodel.
'Soft under-cabinet lighting or a gently illuminated hood helps highlight materials and adds a warm, inviting glow in the evening. When space allows for a decorative fixture, I look for something that balances function with character, choosing pieces that bring texture and warmth while still working well in a kitchen setting,' adds Kimberly.
If you're going to add a countertop lamp to your small kitchen, let it be as pretty as this woven design. It's small and easy to clean, yet still packs plenty of style.
Ceiling lights can be just as decorative as pendants and sconces. This decorative design, available in several colors, adds a vintage-style detail so a small scheme.
Sconces are a great way to elevate a small kitchen without taking up surface space. This elegant design adds a luxurious detail, yet still feels timeless.
4. Well-Designed Storage
Storage has been expertly customized here to navigate the narrow walkway, making a decorative feature of what could have been an awkward space.
If you want your kitchen to look more luxurious, you need to make sure everything has somewhere to live. Kitchen storage is more than just practical – it also ensures surfaces are kept clear and curated.
'Cabinetry that is designed to maximize storage is so important. Appliance garages, deep drawers, and smart interior organization allow the kitchen to function efficiently while keeping visual clutter to a minimum, which ultimately makes the space feel more refined and luxurious to live in,' says Micaela.
'A reach-in pantry with open shelving and concealed storage is equally transformative. Designing a cabinet that houses everyday appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, or mixer allows the kitchen to feel calm and beautifully organized,' adds Kimberly.
'Pocket doors or fully integrated doors make it easy for everything to disappear when not in use, which is especially important in compact spaces where visual clutter can quickly take over.'
5. Introduce One Beautiful Statement Piece
The cohesion from the countertops to the backsplash in this kitchen looks so luxurious without feeling too fussy.
In a small kitchen, creating one striking design feature can go a long way to elevating the entire space. Think small but impactful, rather than filling a compact space with lots of different details.
'In a small kitchen, luxury comes from intention rather than scale. I always start with one elevated, architectural gesture. A richly veined stone backsplash taken all the way to the ceiling, unlacquered brass hardware, or custom millwork that feels furniture-like immediately signals quality. When every detail is deliberate, the space feels considered, not compromised,' says interior designer Zoë Feldman.
For many designers, the countertops and backsplash can be a great place to focus on luxury materials. 'Invest in the best surfaces you can. In a small space, you can get away with patterns (think a very rangy marble), but at the same time, it's crucial not to create chaos by introducing different types of materials. Do a full height backsplash in the same material as the counter,' suggests interior designer Nicholas Potts.
6. Clear, Curated Countertops
Shelving in this kitchen allows the countertops to stay clear, save for a few decorative kitchenware items.
There's nothing chic about a cluttered kitchen, especially countertops covered in items that have no business being on display – small appliances you use once in a blue moon, in particular.
'I like to keep kitchen countertops mostly clear, introducing just a few carefully chosen pieces to add warmth and texture. A sculptural ceramic vase with fresh florals or a simple stone bowl used to hold fruit for the week can soften the space without creating visual clutter. These touches help the kitchen feel welcoming and lived-in while remaining practical and unfussy,' says Kimberly.
'Ultimately, luxury in a small kitchen comes from thoughtful planning, balanced proportions, and smart concealment rather than excess. The goal is for the kitchen to feel calm, cohesive, and effortlessly pulled together. In a smaller space, negative space is just as important as what is displayed, helping the room feel elevated rather than over styled.'
Fruit bowls don't need to be boring, nor should they be. This marble serving bowl is a chic alternative to a standard design, and it looks more expensive than it is.
Wooden cutting boards work hard in a small kitchen. Of course, they are an essential kitchenware item, but a design like this one also looks charming left on display.
Vases filled with dried stems or seasonal blooms are an easy but effective way to elevate a small kitchen. The sculptural form of this design certainly appeals.
7. High-Quality Finishes
The brass details in this design add a timeless, high-quality finish to the small kitchen.
The small details matter, especially in a small kitchen where everything has more impact. And one of the simplest (and most easily swapped) features to give a luxury upgrade to is your kitchen hardware.
'Luxury in a small kitchen comes from tailored details, like a polished bridge faucet and warm aged brass hardware, because when every finish sits this close to your eye, it has a major impact. This is particularly true for a small kitchen where a few high-quality elements can give the impression of a space being custom and thoughtfully designed as opposed to feeling standard,' says Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios.
Don't be afraid to mix different hardware styles, either – it can create a more curated look. For example, use Anthropologie's Aldina Fluted Handle for your cabinets and the Alister Knobs for drawers.
You can also take these timeless finishes further into your scheme, as interior designer Terri Brien explains. 'Adding elements like brass mesh within a glass cabinet or a stone shelf can introduce texture and depth while still feeling refined. Those layers of detail make a small kitchen feel thoughtfully designed rather than scaled back.'
8. Add An Unexpected Color Contrast
The unexpected color pairing in this scheme shows clear design confidence, which instantly adds a luxurious feel.
Even in the smallest kitchens, contrast goes a long way to creating a more layered, luxurious look. It could be a bold color on a small island, a two-tone cabinet design, or a piece of wall art in an unexpected palette.
'When designing a kitchen, big or small, our goal is always to infuse personality, and small kitchens are no different. If anything, they require more intention. Limited square footage means every decision has to work harder, both functionally and visually,' says Terri.
'One way we like to elevate a small kitchen is by adding something unexpected, like a bank of cabinetry in a contrasting color. When the primary palette is neutral, that contrast feels even more special and considered, rather than busy,' she explains.
In this kitchen, burgundy cabinets are contrasted by the bold yellow walls. It's a pairing that doesn't sound like it should work, but it brings so much personality to the small space.
9. Decorate With Collected Accessories
Decor had been carefully curated in this small kitchen to add personality without overfilling the room.
Nothing infuses character and personality into a small kitchen like those final decorative touches. Accessories create a lived-in feel, and a carefully curated selection with a few vintage pieces is key to a more luxurious feel.
'I like small kitchens to feel edited but expressive. That might mean a single sculptural light fixture, a piece of vintage art leaned casually against the backsplash, or a beautiful object that feels collected rather than styled. The goal is to let the room breathe while still giving it personality. A small space doesn’t need more things – it needs the right ones,' Zoë adds.
'I also love bringing in warmth through materials: wood accents, linen café curtains, or a vintage runner can soften the space and make it feel collected. If there’s open shelving, keep it light and curated – stacked dishes, glassware, and one or two organic elements like a plant or handmade vessel. Less is more, especially in a smaller footprint,' adds Jennifer.
A pretty piece of artwork on an open shelf or hung on the walls adds a more curated feel to a small kitchen. This simplicity of this piece is a timeless option.
Elevating your everyday essentials is a great way to add luxury to your small space. This oil bottle is a perfect example, double as decor on your countertops.
Every kitchen needs a recipe book stand. It's not only useful while cooking, but it doubles as a decorative piece with a cookbook left open on a pretty page.
Making a small kitchen look luxurious is about considering details that elevate rather than overwhelm a scheme. From a full slab backsplash to high-quality hardware and curated decor, visual harmony is the key.
