13 Brilliant Kitchen Designs From the World’s Top Experts
Words by Olivia Lidbury
Photography by Nicole Franzen; Design by And Studio
Freestanding island or galley layout? Upper cabinets or open shelving? Marble versus quartz countertops?
The endless choices in a kitchen renovation can be daunting: it’s often one of the biggest expenses (but on the flip side, it’s almost always the biggest value-add to your home’s price tag). Plus, it’s the heart of the home and it should look like and feel like it. So why does it sometimes feel disjointed from our lively living rooms and cozy bedrooms?
The secret is to treat it like any other room despite its utilitarian role to soften up the hard countertops and bulky cabinets. It will reward you as a welcoming hub offering much more than somewhere to prep your next meal. For the perfect remodel recipe, ditch the hardware store displays and get inspired by the best kitchen designs from the world’s leading talent—you can even book them for a one-on-one consultation for personalized advice!
Design by Amber Interiors; Photo by Tessa Neustadt
Amber Interiors
With a blend of warm metals like brass and copper, contrasting countertops in marble and soapstone, and the simple addition of a vintage runner, the utilitarian feel of such a hard-working room is diminished, making for a softer setting.
Book a consultation with Amber Interiors.
Photography by Nicole Franzen; Design by And Studio
And Studio
You can’t go wrong with Shaker-style kitchen cabinets in a period home, but as shown here, you can twist on tradition with deeply-veined marble and subtle two-tone paintwork: muddy gray for the cabinetry and a lighter limewash finish for the walls.
Book a consultation with And Studio.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Ashe Leandro
Ashe Leandro
The must-have solution to breaking up heavy cabinetry while leaving you wiggle room not to dust and style your shelves to perfection 24/7 is reeded glass. Leave your display areas for cookbooks and let just enough organized mess peek through your semi-see-through doors.
Book a consultation with Ashe Leandro.
Photography by Lauren Miller; Design by Ashley Montgomery
Ashley Montgomery
If space is no object, make the kitchen island the star attraction. Give it curved edges and a mix of open shelving with closed cabinets, highlight it with oversized fixtures, and add just enough seating for a casual dinner party.
Book a consultation with Ashley Montgomery.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole and Co.
Christina Cole and Co.
Deliberating between painted and natural wood cabinetry? Good news: this is permission granted to have your cake and eat it. With marble as the star of the show and a subtler limewashed pantry, this kitchen nails the material mix.
Book a consultation with Christina Cole and Co.
Photography courtesy of Jean Stoffer Design
Jean Stoffer
A soothing reminder not to get too hung up on the practicalities of a kitchen: if you opt for a display shelf, use it to curate artwork and cherished ceramics (and not dish soap and brushes). Besides, the flush farmhouse marble sink is all anyone will be paying attention to.
Book a consultation with Jean Stoffer.
Photography by Read McKendree; Design by Katie Rosenfeld
Katie Rosenfeld
Dial up the drama with ‘un-kitcheny’ elements, such as a statement brass range hood, industrial lighting, and upholstered seating (for a good dose of comfort). The mahogany island used here is also wonderfully unexpected.
Book a consultation with Katie Rosenfeld.
Photography by R. Brad Knipstein; Design by Landed Interiors
Landed Interiors
Neutral cabinetry sounds like a safe long-term bet, but don’t forget to have fun with your backsplash. The punchy yellow Zellige tile used here contrasts with the deep green kitchen island to add a sense of richness.
Book a consultation with Landed Interiors.
Photography by Aaron Leitz; Design by Lisa Staton
Lisa Staton
Look to your home’s architecture for material cues: live in a century-old Victorian? Make your kitchen unique with idiosyncratic touches. Copper backsplash and painted tin ceiling, anyone?
Book a consultation with Lisa Staton.
Photography by James Merrell; Design by Rita Konig
Rita Konig
Anglophiles, this one’s for you. For an injection of whimsy, wallpaper is a winning (and interchangeable) touch. It’s also an invitation to layer in framed artwork, and your favorite tableware.
Book a consultation with Rita Konig.
Photography by Haris Kenjar; Design by Sean Anderson Design
Sean Anderson
Wood, stone, marble… You can have a riot with the textures Mother Earth gave us and be safe in the knowledge that left to their bare best, they’re a combination you simply can’t go wrong with.
Book a consultation with Sean Anderson.
Photography courtesy of Studio Laloc
Studio Laloc
A dish rack, open shelving, and a playful backsplash shape all make for a kitchen that scores highly on charm. Bonus points for function by way of custom cabinets, built-in seating, and well-positioned lighting.
Book a consultation with Studio Laloc.