Using proven techniques, experienced decorators know how to elevate even budget-friendly kitchens. How do they do it?

All decorators know: luxury lies in the details. To make a kitchen look expensive, small details are enough—the right accessories and decorative elements, subtle finishing touches, and small "extras" on the cabinetry.

Remarkably, such "right" details don't necessarily cost a lot. The key is to assemble them correctly into an interior. And you'll discover that your kitchen will look far more luxurious than more expensive options if the owners didn't take such nuances into account.

A small caveat: if you're aiming for an ultra-modern kitchen, inspired by contemporary Italian design, Japanese style, or minimalism, some of these techniques will be irrelevant. However, for other styles (classic, country, modern elegance, etc.), they all work.

Lighting inside cabinets with glass doors

Decorative lighting is most often used in bedrooms and living rooms—private and formal rooms. The kitchen, however, is considered a purely functional space. But if you want it to look more luxurious, be sure to install spotlights in cabinets with glass doors.

Besides the obvious practicality (you can immediately see what's on the shelves), this is also a very striking technique, adding visual volume and subtle chic. It looks especially luxurious when paired with glass shelves, although it also works great with regular shelves.

Wallpaper inside wall cabinets

Wallpaper is typically used in the area of ​​the kitchen where the dining table is located, while tiles reign supreme in the work area. This is a sensible solution that ensures easy maintenance of the walls.

But for the interior of a china cabinet or a sideboard with transparent doors, finishing with beautiful wallpaper is a sophisticated touch that adds a touch of coziness and luxury.

If you want to enhance the impression of elegance, choose light, two-tone patterns with a touch of white (geometric patterns or vignettes). Don't skimp on purchasing one roll of expensive, high-quality wallpaper—the stunning effect will pay for itself within just a few days.

Mirror elements

Mirrors in unexpected places, such as in the backsplash area or on sideboard doors (either as a glass panel or as a top element on solid doors), are a luxurious solution for any kitchen, large or small.

As we know, they increase the amount of light by dispersing it throughout the room, creating the illusion of space. Furthermore, mirrors emphasize the importance of the kitchen. So, if you like them but are hesitant to use them as a cabinet element, consider placing a mirrored panel on the wall opposite the work area.

Dark matte facades

If elegance is your priority but white and light cabinetry doesn't excite you, forget about glossy and brightly colored cabinet fronts. Excessive shine evokes false luxury. True wealth, however, is revealed in the nobility of the interior.

Avoid glossy cabinet fronts in favor of dark, matte tones. This will give the kitchen an inner restraint, which distinguishes true luxury from ostentatiousness. A white countertop (made of natural or cultured marble) is the perfect complement to such a kitchen. Gloss suits it perfectly.

The area around the stove is a great spot to draw attention. Even if you focus all the attention here (and forego other tricks), you'll still achieve your goal of making your kitchen look more expensive.

Luxury hood

Many people believe that a range hood is purely functional. If you think the same, you're missing out on a wonderful opportunity to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.

Buy the most beautiful and luxurious range hood you can afford—and your kitchen will always elicit admiring sighs from your guests. A variation on the theme: a standard, high-quality range hood with a striking surround (similar to a fireplace mantel, making a strong impression).

A beautiful panel above the stove

Even if you're hesitant to buy an expensive range hood, remember that the hearth area is the ideal focal point for your kitchen.

Assemble a decorative tile panel yourself or find a ready-made one—whatever you choose, it will be a better solution than leaving this section of the wall the same as the rest of the backsplash.

Even in a small kitchen, there are many details that, by changing them, you can raise the level of your kitchen, making it visually look more expensive than what was actually invested in it.