Luxury Kitchens – Spare No Expense

The Heart of the Home

by Jessa Cast

The kitchen is perhaps the most important of all the rooms in a home to outfit well. It is the busiest room, a high-traffic space for the residents, and the primary place guests congregate. Indeed, the heart of the home and the room that nourishes us, it makes sense to spare no expense in this essential space.

A luxury kitchen emerges from a fusion of good design, effective space planning, and quality materials. As an entertaining space where guests gather for appetizers, cocktails, and conversation, it is important that function and form blend intelligently.

So much of what we do in design is driven by human design – by nurturing characteristics. Sometimes great design can express people better than they can express themselves.

In laying out your luxury kitchen, the necessary tools for food preparation should be easily accessible and effortlessly, and attractively stowed. Convenience does not have to defeat a good-looking space, nor vice versa.

Further, the layout and features should serve the specific homeowner such that nothing is wasted or left to be desired. For example, a kitchen desk is probably unnecessary if there is a home office. If you enjoy being at one with nature, showcase a beautiful window overlooking the landscape whether it be in Aspen I Vail, Santa Fe, or Sun Valley.

For taller folks, taller counters prevent the need to lean over, saving back pain. The key here is custom, custom, custom. It is essential to communicate your needs to your design-build team, especially when it comes to the layout and selections in your kitchen!

Cabinetry

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all cabinets. There is no need for unreachable cupboards over the refrigerator anymore. Luxury cabinets are available in a stunning range of gorgeous solid woods and laminates, and their design is more innovative than ever. Drawers and doors open with the wave of a hand. Shelves pull all the way out, eliminating the need to reach into a dark space and unload everything in the front.

Ergonomics abound. Appliance garages can be custom-made to the homeowner’s height and reach, seamlessly integrated with the rest of the cabinetry. Trash, recycling, and compost bins can be accessible through countertop ports while remaining hidden in a cabinet below.

Appliances

Professional-grade appliances like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Gaggenau are also worth the splurge. Not only are they eye-catching, but their elevated performance levels make them a pleasure to use. Multiple ovens tucked into a butler’s pantry are immensely useful for those who enjoy feeding a big party.

Specially designed refrigerators for separately chilling food, beverage, and wine keep things organized. Dishwashers are quieter than ever, and installing two of them makes post-party clean-up a snap. A professional range provides even heat across more burners. Add a Salamander warmer for keeping plated food hot before serving.

Custom Hoods

Perhaps the most substantial visual aspect of the kitchen is the hood. Hoods are also a fantastic design cue with which to play. They can be completely customized, made to highlight a thematic design element, or almost entirely integrated into the wall behind them. In addition to the usual down-lights, many hoods now also provide shelves or racks for storage. They can be constructed from brick, stone, wood, or metal, and there are even retractable hoods for island ranges.

A luxurious kitchen is pleasing to the eye, easy to use, and a stress-free space to keep clean and organized with some forethought and professional guidance. An attainable dream and well worth the effort, the most used spot in the home should be inviting and enjoyable, a place to make memories and gather.