A bespoke, super-luxe kitchen should be about creating a space that works for the way you live. Luxury kitchen designer Joanna Geddes reveals exactly what you need to consider before taking that next step. www.jsgeddes.com
Cabinetry That Defines the Space
“Cabinetry provides storage and sets the overall tone, often influencing every other decision. Whether you favour a classic shaker or a sleek slab front, it should reflect the feeling you want to evoke — traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between. While soft whites and warm timber remain favourites, we’re seeing clients embrace bolder choices, with deep navy, forest green, and matte black. Two-tone cabinetry is also worth considering. Combining light upper units with darker base cabinets can help to anchor the space while adding interest and subtle contrast.”
Customisation Makes the Difference
“What really sets a luxury kitchen apart isn’t necessarily what you see at first glance but what lies beneath — functional touches tailored to how you live, cook, and entertain. These small details are where true craftsmanship and design insight shine. Bespoke drawer inserts that keep everything organised; integrated charging points that help keep surfaces clutter-free; breakfast cupboards or built-in coffee stations to bring calm to busy mornings; or tailored finishes on hardware, taps, and lighting to match your scheme. This layer of quiet detail is what elevates a kitchen from beautiful to exceptional.”
Appliances That Work Beautifully
“A luxury kitchen should be as functional as it is beautiful, and appliances play a key role in achieving both. Choose manufacturers trusted not just for their innovative technology, but for the way their products integrate seamlessly into bespoke cabinetry and design schemes. Some of the most popular choices include smart fridges with internal cameras, energy-efficient modes, and sleek finishes; steam ovens with intuitive controls and self-cleaning features; induction cooktops that offer precision control and faster cooking; and built-in wine fridges and climate-controlled storage drawers.”
Countertops That Make an Impact
“Practical and visual, the material and finish you choose influences the room’s overall character. Marble’s traditional style and heat resistance have retained popularity, but consider how it can scratch or stain when choosing, and it also requires regular maintenance. Quartz remains a top pick owing to its solidness and low maintenance needs, with a non-porous surface stopping liquids and bacteria from getting inside. The use of natural stone and quartzite is also popular for both their attractive look and resilience, while granite offers a selection of possibilities that are aesthetically pleasing as well as being highly functional.”
Lighting That Brings the Room to Life
“Good lighting gives you the chance to introduce texture or finish, expressing personality without overwhelming the overall design. Pendants can add style, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, or there’s sophistication offered by crystal chandeliers, which range from contemporary Sputnik to classic and which fit any kind of luxury interior. Recessed lighting also offers a modern aesthetic by evenly distributing light and highlighting luxurious features. Natural materials, sculptural designs, and bold fixtures with nostalgic elements are popular choices to achieve this desired effect.”
Storage That Feels Effortless
“Storage is not just about fitting in more cupboards but creating systems to help the space flow. Consider a hidden pantry, from wall cabinets that fit in with any décor to floor-to-ceiling systems designed around aesthetics or even freestanding cupboards. Built-in banquettes are also great for storage, as well as providing a seating solution. Then there’s open shelving: when used thoughtfully, they bring personality to a space, giving you an opportunity to display your favourite cookware, ceramics or decorative objects, adding warmth and individuality to more streamlined cabinetry.”
Kitchen Islands That Do More
“Now a defining feature of many homes, islands bring people together as well as providing extra worktop space. Built-in seating creates a more relaxed environment, with multi-level designs or curved ends making it feel like an integrated part of the space. For regular entertainers, a built-in wine cooler is functional and refined, and, with proper care, becomes a lasting feature for performance with elegant design. Integrated sinks continue to be popular: built directly into the surface, they support a minimalist aesthetic and can be tailored in size, depth, and material to suit your cooking and cleaning habits.”
Flooring That Grounds the Design
“One of the most important kitchen features, flooring needs to be durable, comfortable underfoot, and complement the overall design. Depending on your preference, a hardwood floor’s natural wood brings warmth and texture, especially in open-plan spaces; choosing wide planks in neutral finishes for a timeless foundation. Porcelain or ceramic tiles offer easy maintenance, with many colours and textures to suit both classic and contemporary styles, while polished concrete makes a strong statement in modern kitchens and is practical, striking, and ideal for use with underfloor heating.”
Backsplashes That Add Personality
“This is your opportunity to introduce pattern, texture or material into your design and can tie elements together or act as a feature in its own right. Antique-style mirror splashbacks bring depth and character, especially in smaller spaces where they reflect light and make the room feel larger. Aged brass offers a look that pairs with natural materials and darker cabinetry. Or for those seeking an artisanal feel, glazed tiles in muted or earthy tones are timeless, bringing individuality to the space, with a subtle variation in shade and texture adding visual interest without overwhelming the design.”
