A gourmet kitchen is the ultimate dream for many home cooks. With high-end appliances, plenty of prep space, and lots of storage, a gourmet kitchen has everything you need to prepare restaurant-quality meals at home. Creating this type of kitchen does not happen overnight. It requires careful planning and design to get all the elements just right. Follow this guide to learn the key steps for creating your own gourmet kitchen.
Determine Your Cooking Style and Goals
The first step is deciding how you want to use your new kitchen. Do you love to bake and need more counter space? Are you an avid cook who wants a commercial grade stove? Make a list of how you cook now and what you would change.
Consider your overall vision too. Do you enjoy entertaining and need a kitchen suited for cooking for crowds? Or is this your personal retreat for trying new recipes? Defining these goals will inform all your upcoming decisions.
Some aspects to note:
- Type of cooking – baking, frying, sautéing, etc.
- Frequency of cooking elaborate meals
- Number of people you regularly cook for
- The types of appliances needed
- Amount of counter space and storage wanted
With your goals set, you can design a gourmet kitchen that truly fits your lifestyle.
Choose the Right Appliances
The appliances are the centerpiece of any gourmet kitchen. Invest in the features you need and make sure they also align with your overall vision.
Cooktop and Oven
For serious cooks, a professional grade range is essential. These often come in 6-8 burners and include multiple ovens and even a grill or smoker. Look for convection baking, temperature precision, and speedy boiling.
Other high-end options include induction and electric cooktops. Ensure these have enough power and elements for your needs.
Refrigerator
A gourmet kitchen demands an impressive refrigerator. Look for double doors, bottom freezers, interior organization systems, even WiFi connectivity and screens. Aim for maximum fresh food storage, especially if you grocery shop in bulk.
Vent Hood
Find an overhead vent hood that can handle commercial levels of smoke and grease. Go for the highest CFM airflow you can, and see if it allows for custom inserts to match your overall kitchen design.
Dishwasher
Include an appliance garage or drawers to keep your dishwasher concealed when not in use. Look for adjustable racks, high-pressure jets, and cycles to handle stuck on food.
Small Appliances
Consider your counter space and storage and choose versatile small appliances such as high-powered blenders, food processors, juicers, stand mixers, air fryers, espresso machines, etc.
Design for Plenty of Storage
You’ll need places to store all your new gourmet gadgets, cookware, appliances, and ingredients. Build in custom cabinets, pull-out shelves, and organizers throughout the kitchen.
Consider including:
- A pantry – Floor to ceiling shelves give you dry goods storage galore. Add deep drawers for small appliances too.
- Spice cabinet – Turn a standard cabinet into rows of tiny spice drawers. Alphabetize them for easy access.
- Appliance garage – Keep your stand mixer and other small appliances hidden but handy.
- Heavy duty pull-out shelves – Hold heavy cookware with ease.
- Lazy susans – Spin corner cabinets into a mini pantry.
- Drawer dividers – Customize cutlery and other drawers for ultimate organization.
- Wine cooler or cellar – Display your collection prominently.
Also utilize vertical space with hanging pots and pan racks. Label shelves and containers too for a supremely organized gourmet kitchen.
Select High Quality Countertops
The counters in a gourmet kitchen see a lot of action. Choose materials that are durable, easy to clean, and look fabulous too.
Popular options include:
- Granite – Classic material with endless colors and patterns. Stands up to heat and scratches. Requires yearly sealing.
- Quartz – Made from natural stone and resins. Does not need sealing. Resists stains, scratches, and heat.
- Marble – Elegant veining with lots of variety. Can stain and scratch. Needs regular sealing.
- Soapstone – Magnificent look. Develops patina over time. Naturally heat and stain resistant.
- Stainless steel – Sleek choice perfect for avid home chefs. Super durable and easy to clean.
- Tile – Add a fun backsplash or creative designs. Grout needs sealing but tiles are heat and scratch proof.
Plan for at least 36 inches of landing space around appliances. Islands should be 42-48 inches deep for comfortable prep space.
Include Multiple Sinks
Stock your gourmet kitchen with more than one sink to boost functionality.
- Primary sink – Use an oversized basin to make clean up easy. Undermount for a seamless look.
- Secondary sink or prep sink – Add a second smaller sink just for food prep. Keeps meat and produce separate.
- Bar sink or beverage station – Have a sink and mini fridge for cocktails and entertaining.
Look for deep bowls, sleek faucets with sprayers, and drains that can handle food waste with no clogging.
Select High Quality Faucets
Your dream gourmet kitchen deserves gorgeous faucets with professional style features.
Seeking out:
- Commercial spray head – For easy cleaning and rinsing.
- Pot filler – Makes filling pots a cinch.
- Touch technology – Wave on for hands-free convenience.
- Bridge faucet – Suspended dual-handle design provides superior control.
- Drinking water filtration – Built-in filter gives you fresh tasting water.
- Motion sensors – Touchless activation helps reduce germ spread.
- Matte black, bronze, or chrome finishes – Sleek metallic looks pair with any decor.
Include a Designated Cleaning Zone
A gourmet kitchen sees a lot of messes. Make clean up easier with a dedicated cleaning zone.
Include:
- Broom closet – Stash brushes, mops, and vacuums out of sight.
- Cleaning caddy – A portable caddy keeps spray bottles organized under the sink.
- Garbage center – Hide garbage and recycling bins in a pull-out cabinet.
- Compost caddy – Keep food scraps handy but out of sight for easy composting.
- Doggie station – Give your pet their own eating and washing zone outside the kitchen.
- Charging station – Touchless hand soap dispenser, hand towel racks, and charging ports keep this space sanitary and high-tech.
Strategic organization makes it simple to keep a gourmet kitchen spotless.
Include Lots of Lighting
Proper lighting ensures you can see ingredients clearly as you cook masterpieces.
- Overhead lighting – Pot lights, chandeliers, and custom fixtures give overall brightness. Dimmable options adjust from cooking to dining.
- Task lighting – Under cabinet lighting illuminates prep zones and sinks.
- Natural lighting – Big windows and skylights let sunshine in.
- Accent lighting – Use directional bulbs and strips to highlight architectural details.
Ensure lighting is flattering too – you want this space Insta-ready for all your culinary creations.
Select a Sleek Ventilation System
Cooking stirs up smells and steam that need effective ventilation. Consult HVAC experts on:
- Hood vents – Locate directly over the cooking surface and match the range size. Look for options that dampen noise.
- Downdraft vents – Built into the counter and pull air down then outside. Great for island cooking zones.
- Air purifiers – Clear smoke, grease, and odors for a fresher kitchen.
- Dehumidifiers – Remove moisture from the air during boiling or baking.
- Smart technology – Vents that automatically adjust speed based on the environment.
Proper ventilation preserves air quality as you cook up deliciousness.
Choose Heated Floors
Heated floors might sound extravagant but are worth considering in a luxury kitchen remodel. Plus heated floors:
- Are gentle underfoot – Ideal for those who stand and cook for hours.
- Keep your feet toasty – No more cold feet in the kitchen!
- Speed clean up – Heated flooring dries spills and messes faster.
- Increase comfort – Heating warms the whole space.
- Allow flooring flexibility – Work with any floor type from tile to wood.
- Increase resale value – Heated floors are a sought after luxury feature.
Just ensure that heated floors are compatible with your cabinetry and design needs.
Install a Water Filtration System
Chlorine and contaminants in water can negatively affect taste and smell. A gourmet kitchen deserves fresh, pure water flowing from every faucet.
Options include:
- Reverse osmosis systems – Ultrafine filters provide bottled water quality right from the tap. Require some permanent installation.
- Whole house systems – Treats all the water entering your home. More expensive but comprehensive.
- Filter pitchers – Affordable and portable way to remove impurities just from drinking water.
- Faucet filters – Install directly onto faucets for water on demand. Limited filter life.
- Under sink systems – Hide filtration system under sink for treated water to one tap.
Clean, delicious tasting water takes your recipes to the ultimate gourmet level.
Add Architectural Details
Take your gourmet kitchen to the next level by incorporating special architectural details.
- Stone, brick, or special wall coverings – Add visual interest to blank walls. Use heat and stain resistant materials behind cooking areas.
- Arches, trimwork, or moulding – Draw the eye up and accentuate height with framed archways and architectural accents.
- Built-in wine racks or display cases – Highlight your collections while adding personalized character.
- Floating shelves – Gain decorative display space perfect for cookbooks or barware.
- Textured or designer ceiling – Make a statement with wood, tiles, or metallic finishes over your head.
- Exposed beams or pipes – Reveal industrial inspired details for rustic charm.
Even small details like customized range hood covers or carved corbels make a kitchen feel high-end.
Choose Statement Hardware
Even the most subtle touches like hardware make a difference in the overall look and feel.
Seek out:
- Two-tone finishes – Mixing metals like nickel and brass makes simple hardware pop.
- Unique shapes – Try angular, asymmetrical, or nature inspired handles and knobs.
- Vintage appeal – Reproduction glass or crystal knobs hearken back to a bygone era.
- Oversize hardware – Oversized pulls make appliances and cabinets feel substantial and luxe.
- Matte black – The perfect versatile neutral with a modern edge. Pair with any color scheme.
- Smart technology – Touchless drawers and cabinets add sci-fi sleekness.
Don’t forget lighting too – stylish pendants and sconces enhance ambiance.
Connect Technology
The best gourmet kitchens blend culinary arts and smart home technology.
- Voice assistants – Control appliances, look up recipes, set timers and more with handy voice assistants.
- Smart appliances – Many ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers now offer app connectivity and alerts.
- Wireless speakers – Stream your favorite music or podcasts as you cook and entertain.
- Touchscreens – Built in tablets or screens allow following recipes or watching cooking shows.
- Motion sensors – Automated lights and faucets add convenience.
- Remote monitoring – App enabled cameras let you check on dishes and pets from afar.
Home automation makes time in your dream kitchen even more enjoyable.
Prioritize Easy Clean Surfaces
Gourmet cuisine means more flavorful (and messy) ingredients. Choose surfaces that wipe clean easily.
- Porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles – Create a backsplash that cleans with just a swipe. Use dark grout colors to hide stains.
- Stainless steel – Resists water and oil. Looks sleek too. Add to surfaces or backsplashes.
- Enameled cabinets – Glossy enameled fronts wipe clean over and over.
- Vinyl flooring – Affordable, waterproof, and easy to mop. Hides stains and stands up to traffic.
- Quartz or granite countertops – Non-porous so liquids do not soak in. Just needs a quick wiping.
- Removable rug – Place a machine washable rug in front of the sink for spills.
The easier surfaces are to wipe down, the more time you spend cooking instead of scrubbing!
Make It Accessible For All
Universal design ensures your gourmet kitchen welcomes cooks of all mobility levels.
- Lower countertops – Standard 36 inch height works for seated or standing users.
- Lever style faucets – Easy to turn on and off wrists or elbows.
- Pull-out shelves – Reach everything effortlessly.
- Lazy susans – Spin items around with ease.
- Glass faced cabinets – See contents clearly instead of guessing.
- Under cabinet lighting – Brightly illuminates prep areas with no shadows.
- Induction cooktops – Safer to use and avoid accidental burns.
- Smart home technology – Control appliances and settings from anywhere.
With good planning, a luxury kitchen can suit a range of physical needs and abilities.
FAQs About Creating a Gourmet Kitchen
What is the average cost of a gourmet kitchen?
The average price is $75,000-$150,000 depending on the appliances, materials, and size of the space. High-end custom gourmet kitchens can surpass $250,000.
What countertop material is best?
Quartz and granite are popular choices. Quartz resists stains and needs less sealing. Granite offers greater variety. Both handle heat well. Marble looks amazing but needs frequent sealing.
How much counter space do I need?
Plan for at least 36 inches of counter space around appliances and sinks. Islands should be 42-48 inches deep. More space is ideal for avid home cooks.
Should I get an open or closed kitchen?
Open kitchens with a large pass-through to living areas facilitate entertaining but can get loud and smelly. Closed kitchens offer more privacy and better ventilation containment.
What flooring is best for kitchens?
Tiles, luxury vinyl, polished concrete, and hardwoods like oak or hickory are excellent kitchen flooring choices. Focus on durability and easy cleaning.
Should I get a kitchen island?
Kitchen islands are hugely helpful for extra prep space, storage, and seating. Just ensure room for traffic flow around the island. Islands are essential for most gourmet kitchen designs.
How much lighting does a kitchen need?
Include overhead ambient lighting plus task lighting over sinks, counters, and work zones. Under cabinet lighting uses up to 50% less energy. Allow for natural light too.
What HVAC considerations are needed?
Proper ventilation from hoods and downdrafts removes grease, steam, odors, and excess heat. You may need HVAC upgrades for optimal airflow and temperature regulation.
Design Your Dream Gourmet Kitchen
Creating a gourmet kitchen takes time, research, and careful planning. Focus on your cooking style, must-have features, and overall vision. Invest in high quality appliances, lots of storage, durable surfaces, and signs of craftsmanship for a kitchen that truly stands out. With the right elements in place, you will have a fabulous kitchen oasis ready to inspire culinary greatness for years to come.
