Kitchen design is always evolving, but one thing that always seems to remain the same is our desire for a sense of luxury in our schemes. From the colors and materials to the appliances and features, these fancy extras can take a kitchen from average to elevated – and a few can even make cooking and hosting a whole lot easier. And designer Shea McGee knows exactly how to nail the luxury kitchen style.
Shea, renowned for her California modern aesthetic, took to Instagram to walk followers through a moody kitchen, pointing out the 'five fancy things your kitchen needs.' From thoughtful storage to an unexpected number of appliances, here's how Shea suggests adding luxe appeal to your kitchen.
1. Appliance storage
The first fancy feature on her list is appliance storage – somewhere to hide away the useful but somewhat unsightly kitchen essentials. In this kitchen, she's opted for a simple cupboard, but an appliance garage would work just as well.
Why is this a fancy feature? Well, have you ever seen a tour of a luxurious kitchen with countertops covered in, well, anything? Having a cupboard dedicated to your favorite appliances that you use every day means they are within reach, but they don't clutter your surfaces with unruly wires.
2. Integrated trash pull-out and double dishwashers
Up next on Shea's list of fancy things your kitchen needs are two features that she's incorporated into her kitchen island: an integrated trash pull-out and double dishwashers. This space features two double dishwashers, but even one feels fancy compared to your average appliance.
We love the integrated trash pull-out feature – not only does it keep the rather mundane kitchen trash can hidden away, but it also makes disposing of food waste as your prep much easier.
As for the double dishwashers, this elevated appliance ensures all of your dishes can be washed in one cycle, perfect for anyone who loves to host a dinner party!
3. Multiple ovens
Her third suggestion certainly split opinions in the Instagram comments, but there's no denying it certainly feels fancy. As she walked through the kitchen, she recommends 'three ovens...one, two, and three,' pointing to each as she goes.
Now, three ovens might seem overkill in an average household, but the point of the video *is* about adding luxury to the space, and if you're an avid cooker for large numbers of guests (thanksgiving dinner springs to mind), the three ovens might come in handy.
4. An Integrated refrigerator
Staying on the theme of integrated appliances, the next fancy thing Shea says your kitchen needs is an integrated refrigerator, and you'll be pleased to hear it's super achievable in most spaces, depending on your kitchen layout.
While it's not unusual for someone to hide their refrigerator, it's a feature that really transforms the look and feel of your kitchen space. More often than not, refrigerator designs can be a bit of an eyesore, especially when they clash with your kitchen color scheme.
Hiding it behind a door that matches the rest of your kitchen cabinetry creates a streamlined design, and it definitely feels fancy.
5. A hidden pantry door
Hidden doors are proving a popular interior design trend at the moment, and a kitchen is the perfect place to introduce one. Instead of having an average door that feels out of place in your kitchen scheme, Shea recommends adding a hidden door leading to your pantry.
The kitchen featured in the video creates a hidden pantry by using doors that match the cabinetry – the design is seamless and elevated, adding a fancy touch. It also helps to give the illusion of a larger kitchen. A win-win!
These features will add a fancy feel to any kitchen scheme. Whether you want to maximize hosting or keep your appliances tidied away, Shea's shared something here to suit every space.
