Why kitchens are the new status symbol… and the quiet luxury features you need
Gone are the days of gaudy displays of wealth. Instead, quiet luxury indicators are now sweeping through our interiors as a muted acknowledgment of no expense spared.Homeowners are prioritizing premium materials, expert craftsmanship and unique design elements when it comes to building a high–end house that will stand the test of time.And the heart of the home – the kitchen – should be no exception. Luxury real estate agent Peter Zaitzeff, of Serhant and star of the Netflix reality show Owning Manhattan, told the Daily Mail that kitchens have become the ultimate status symbol. They are now the 'centerpiece of the home, where daily life all comes together.'But kitchens are 'often a neglected space when it comes to design' interiors expert Brittny Button told the Daily Mail.So whether you are buying, selling or simply giving your home a refresh, the kitchen may be the perfect place to start. High–end appliances and marble countertops are signs of a luxurious kitchen (stock image) Homeowners are prioritizing premium materials and expert craftsmanship for their kitchens (stock image)Total kitchen makeovers – which involve gutting the room and making changes to plumbing, walls, flooring or electricals – can cost anywhere between $65,000 to $130,000, according to HomeAdvisor. But homeowners need not undertake an entire renovation, as property experts have instead told the Daily Mail how a smaller and smarter investment can go a long way. Here's how.Materials and furnitureAccording to Zaitzeff, materials and execution are the main ingredients of a luxury kitchen.Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, he said: 'Book–matched marble countertops and backsplashes, often Calacatta or Statuario, are a major signal, with slabs ranging from $15,000 to over $40,000 depending on quality and scale.'Button agreed, explaining that quiet luxury can be conveyed with a 'real infusion of an old heritage feel.'The designer, who adores 'Parisian apothecaries,' suggested repurposing a counter of drawers for use in the kitchen or even 'upcycling a tall dark wood pantry cabinet' to give a sense of grandeur.'It's this fostering a sense of intimacy that has a kind of old world charm. There's this sense of infusing the space with heirloom pieces that adds an eclectic "found sensibility" as if items have been inherited over time.' Luxury real estate agent Peter Zaitzeff told the Daily Mail that buyers value 'quiet quality' Interior designer Brittny Button told the Daily Mail that choosing unexpected door hardware for cabinetry can give a kitchen a luxury feel She continued: 'Be open to considering standalone furniture pieces. For example, I've repurposed a 19th–century shop counter to serve as an island, which adds some historical relevance back into the space. 'The idea is to create a "collected" feel, rather than manufactured.'The expert also shared that vintage pieces that have been repurposed are a great way to save money.'Often I find these treasures on Facebook Marketplace – it's just seeing the potential of what they could be, sussing out the potential within,' she shared. Appliances Zaitzeff explained that 'kitchen appliances are another clear marker.' 'A full Gaggenau suite can run to over $50,000 while a Sub–Zero refrigerator alone is typically $12,000 to $20,000. 'Fixtures like Waterworks faucets, often $2,000 to over $5,000, add another layer of craftsmanship.'Zaitzeff added that at this price point, nothing is overly flashy.'It's quiet quality, that's what today's luxury buyers really value,' he said. Appliances like a Sub–Zero refrigerator (pictured) can range between $12,000 to $20,000Shapes Button told the Daily Mail that shapes can evoke strong feelings of comfort – and should not be overlooked even in the kitchen.'Conveying a sense of luxury is very personal. I'm drawn to circular rooms that seem to envelop the visitor, especially for a kitchen. 'Creating curved walls, arched doorways and rounded windows reinforce this wrapped feeling of home.'I'm fascinated with the idea of the oculus, and incorporating round–like openings or dome openings.'She continued: 'Finding the right kind of cabinetry and shape of the island within the interior really matters. These are the two main anchors to the room. 'Always opt for timeless lines and shapes otherwise it'll read as trendy and become dated really quickly.'If the symmetry or color is off – the space will feel lopsided.'Refacing cabinets can range anywhere between $4,270 to $10,200 – and better still, refinishing cabinets costs even less, with an estimated range of $1,900 to $4,500. Custom accents Interior designer Button said that custom accents point to luxury. 'For instance, adding in a vintage scalloped marble sink that sits on top of a kitchen island, choosing unexpected door hardware for cabinetry and lastly creating a domed vault ceiling over the adjacent breakfast nook,' she told the Daily Mail.'These "unique moments" make the interior feel highly curated and create a kind of collector's feel that's incredibly luxe.''Cabinet door hardware can make or break the aesthetic of the kitchen,' she urged.'To me, they're mini sculptural moments that have real function... Square cupboard door shape with a more rounded ball bar pull just works.'Colors Moody paint colors in the kitchen can make the space feel very high end (stock image)A wall color refresh could also help to improve the space.Button said: 'Moody paint colors and limewash add some needed dimension to walls. Creating a kind of closed–in effect feels very high end.'But she noted that the colors of the walls must be balanced or else the space will feel lopsided.'That's why the inclusion of glass doors adds some lightness with the transparent material,' she added.
