What do you think defines a high-end kitchen?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been interesting to read. I think of 'high-end' as a blend of features and fixtures. But folks really sounded off when someone listed a bunch of features (although there were some features included, like wood-paneling on appliances).

I have to agree, though, that those items on the long list would be on my list for a 'high-end' kitchen. For additional features, I would add wallpaper (not in keeping with the tile backsplash craze these days, I know), wood floors and real window treatments, even draperies if appropriate. I also would add that the cabinetry be all wood, not particle board or laminate faces. Counter-tops would need to be in an understated stone that complemented the cabinetry and wallpaper.

In my mind, there is a difference between being high-end, expensive and luxurious. High-end implies to me well-chosen features and fixtures to meet function in a nice way; expensive means it cost the most; and luxurious, well, then you need a gilded golf cart to glide on the golden rails to get from one end to the other.

Very nice differentiating description.

Thanks, it worked for me to sort it out! My sister has an addition: ostentatious is that it makes you giggle or gape when you first see it.

Somehow I don't think an ostentatious is one that is functional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This has been interesting to read. I think of 'high-end' as a blend of features and fixtures. But folks really sounded off when someone listed a bunch of features (although there were some features included, like wood-paneling on appliances).

I have to agree, though, that those items on the long list would be on my list for a 'high-end' kitchen. For additional features, I would add wallpaper (not in keeping with the tile backsplash craze these days, I know), wood floors and real window treatments, even draperies if appropriate. I also would add that the cabinetry be all wood, not particle board or laminate faces. Counter-tops would need to be in an understated stone that complemented the cabinetry and wallpaper.

In my mind, there is a difference between being high-end, expensive and luxurious. High-end implies to me well-chosen features and fixtures to meet function in a nice way; expensive means it cost the most; and luxurious, well, then you need a gilded golf cart to glide on the golden rails to get from one end to the other.

Very nice differentiating description.

Thanks, it worked for me to sort it out! My sister has an addition: ostentatious is that it makes you giggle or gape when you first see it.

Somehow I don't think an ostentatious is one that is functional

Only if you can stop laughing long enough to do what you need to do!

[Anonymous]

A real high-end kitchen by definition must have lots of space. If your kitchen is tiny, it doesn't matter if your cabinets are all solid gold, no one will think it's high end.

Second comes the actual functional layout. Actually I take that back, most buyers don't know a good layout from a prophylactic so scratch that.

So second comes the quality of finishes that you can see. Expensive appliances that you can see. Seamless transitions between cabinets and walls. Good millwork. Luxury material on the countertop. Mass everywhere. Good cabinets can be faked; countertops made of marble or other exotic stones cannot.

No one is going to look at the kitchen like this and say, oh, you have lower cupboards instead of drawers? so ghetto! Most buyers don't know what to look for. So if you are doing this to impress an average buyer, focus on things that first hit the eye.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A real high-end kitchen by definition must have lots of space. If your kitchen is tiny, it doesn't matter if your cabinets are all solid gold, no one will think it's high end.

Second comes the actual functional layout. Actually I take that back, most buyers don't know a good layout from a prophylactic so scratch that.

So second comes the quality of finishes that you can see. Expensive appliances that you can see. Seamless transitions between cabinets and walls. Good millwork. Luxury material on the countertop. Mass everywhere. Good cabinets can be faked; countertops made of marble or other exotic stones cannot.

No one is going to look at the kitchen like this and say, oh, you have lower cupboards instead of drawers? so ghetto! Most buyers don't know what to look for. So if you are doing this to impress an average buyer, focus on things that first hit the eye.

LOL...that's one of the first things I look for---drawers instead of cupboards. Then I look at the overall layout. How would my things fit into this kitchen layout. Easy to pull and replace appliances. When you start looking at replacing cabinets, it starts a spiral and before you know it, you have a full blown kitchen reno on your hands.

[Anonymous]

It's like porn. You know it when you see it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

By definition, a "high end" kitchen has to be large, to house the people during cocktail parties. Even if you hire staff to serve your guests, people end up in the kitchen at the end of the night, inevitably. You can have a crap kitchen, in a crap house, install a pot filler - then call it "high end", but IRL, it just is not.

In what universe do people at a high end cocktail party end up in the kitchen, even if the kitchen is high end and super roomy?

People are always in the damn kitchens at the ones I attend at homes in the 2-3+m range. It is bizarre. Personally, I've sat in lovely, almost empty living rooms while people crowd in the kitchen - and these are catered events.

[Anonymous]

I think having stainless-steel silver matching appliances makes a kitchen high-end.

That along w/granite/marble/Quartz, etc. countertops. Having ceramic tiled counters definitely dates any kitchen.

Also some dark, cherry wood cabinetry w/a mosaic backsplash also completely modernizes a kitchen as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

By definition, a "high end" kitchen has to be large, to house the people during cocktail parties. Even if you hire staff to serve your guests, people end up in the kitchen at the end of the night, inevitably. You can have a crap kitchen, in a crap house, install a pot filler - then call it "high end", but IRL, it just is not.

In what universe do people at a high end cocktail party end up in the kitchen, even if the kitchen is high end and super roomy?

People are always in the damn kitchens at the ones I attend at homes in the 2-3+m range. It is bizarre. Personally, I've sat in lovely, almost empty living rooms while people crowd in the kitchen - and these are catered events.

Because most prospective buyers consider the kitchen the main draw in any Open House tour.

It can be the deciding factor above everything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

By definition, a "high end" kitchen has to be large, to house the people during cocktail parties. Even if you hire staff to serve your guests, people end up in the kitchen at the end of the night, inevitably. You can have a crap kitchen, in a crap house, install a pot filler - then call it "high end", but IRL, it just is not.

In what universe do people at a high end cocktail party end up in the kitchen, even if the kitchen is high end and super roomy?

People are always in the damn kitchens at the ones I attend at homes in the 2-3+m range. It is bizarre. Personally, I've sat in lovely, almost empty living rooms while people crowd in the kitchen - and these are catered events.

At the ones I've been to (admittedly only a half dozen at houses in the 2-3 million range), people tend to congregate outside and in the living/ dining areas. I don't know why people would be in the kitchen when caterers are set up and working in there. Makes no sense and I've never seen it happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:gas stove top with 5 or 6 burners - I personally don't like the water spigot but some like
double wall ovens
two dishwashers (one possibly in the butler's pantry)
two french door refrigerators
separate microwave in an upper cabinet
all appliances with wood fronts - no stainless(!)
walk-in pantry with lots of shelves for food stuff & serving platters, etc.
no lower cabinets - all drawers that pull out
plenty of outlets
under cabinet lighting throughout plus recessed lighting
two sinks - one standard size and one smaller size in the island
the hot water spigot in the main sink (forgot what it is called but I use mine every day)
an island with storage underneath and seating at one end but no cooktop(!) and only a small prep sink
large eat-in area with room for a table and chairs to seat 8-10
family room off of the kitchen
mechanical arm to hold cookbooks or ipads up off the counter at readable level (just saw this at a friend's house - her husband devised and it was really, really cool)
butler's pantry leading to the dining room (so no open kitchen here) with the butler's pantry to have a dishwasher, lots of crystal storage, independent ice maker

Your list is fantastic. I have most of this in my kitchen. I don't consider it high end. I'm lucky enough to have the space to support this layout. But a high end kitchen can be done without this much space.

OMFG, would someone please tell me the DCUM obsession with being obscenely wealthy and then pretending not to be? It's just toad-like. Oh, is the Lambo not high end because someone has a more elite edition? If you're going to brag about your luxury lifestyle, then FFS, just own it.

Don't worry she probably wear Old Navy in her not-high-end kitchen and makes sure to tell everyone she is frugal and that is why they are rich - not a super high HHI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Marble
Other expensive finishes
Pro cooktop
Double wall oven
Massive island
Drawers for all bottom cabinets. No cupboards on bottom
Space for a deal or two
Something extra: pot filler or special warmer/ microwave hidden in a bottom cabinet.

Cooktop or range without crevice between counter top. Otherwise it's just freestanding. More expensive install also.
Double wall oven including high end microwave multi-function unit.
Huge double sink where 1 is as big as a normal regular.
Solid wood doors-boxes at least plywood. Dovetail drawers.
Large island with overhang for stools [counter height] and no appliances /sink/cooking. Too big and it's hard to reach the middle. Additional bar seating.
NO over the range microwave.
Outside venting-powerful rangehood offset from cooktop.
Cabinets to ceiling or a soffit if high ceilings.
Fridge-builtin or counterdepth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think having stainless-steel silver matching appliances makes a kitchen high-end.

That along w/granite/marble/Quartz, etc. countertops. Having ceramic tiled counters definitely dates any kitchen.

Also some dark, cherry wood cabinetry w/a mosaic backsplash also completely modernizes a kitchen as well.

Yay! A troll at last!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Marble
Other expensive finishes
Pro cooktop
Double wall oven
Massive island
Drawers for all bottom cabinets. No cupboards on bottom
Space for a deal or two
Something extra: pot filler or special warmer/ microwave hidden in a bottom cabinet.

So in your opinion you cannot have a high end kitchen in a small house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

By definition, a "high end" kitchen has to be large, to house the people during cocktail parties. Even if you hire staff to serve your guests, people end up in the kitchen at the end of the night, inevitably. You can have a crap kitchen, in a crap house, install a pot filler - then call it "high end", but IRL, it just is not.

In what universe do people at a high end cocktail party end up in the kitchen, even if the kitchen is high end and super roomy?

People are always in the damn kitchens at the ones I attend at homes in the 2-3+m range. It is bizarre. Personally, I've sat in lovely, almost empty living rooms while people crowd in the kitchen - and these are catered events.

At the ones I've been to (admittedly only a half dozen at houses in the 2-3 million range), people tend to congregate outside and in the living/ dining areas. I don't know why people would be in the kitchen when caterers are set up and working in there. Makes no sense and I've never seen it happen.

I agree. I've never seen it either and it seems a bit disrespectful of the staff because it interferes with their work. Maybe congregating in the massive high end kitchen is more a suburban thing than a city thing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A real high-end kitchen by definition must have lots of space. If your kitchen is tiny, it doesn't matter if your cabinets are all solid gold, no one will think it's high end.

Second comes the actual functional layout. Actually I take that back, most buyers don't know a good layout from a prophylactic so scratch that.

So second comes the quality of finishes that you can see. Expensive appliances that you can see. Seamless transitions between cabinets and walls. Good millwork. Luxury material on the countertop. Mass everywhere. Good cabinets can be faked; countertops made of marble or other exotic stones cannot.

No one is going to look at the kitchen like this and say, oh, you have lower cupboards instead of drawers? so ghetto! Most buyers don't know what to look for. So if you are doing this to impress an average buyer, focus on things that first hit the eye.

You need to get out beyond McMansion suburbia. I've seen "high end" kitchens in Manhattan that are a third of the size of the kitchens in Potomac, but probably cost twice as much and are at least twice as functional. The problem with a very large kitchen is that in the end, it is not helpful to someone who actually cooks and knows how to use a kitchen. You don't want to have to take ten steps to move produce from the fridge to the countertop next to the sink, and another ten steps from the countertop to the range.

IMHO, a "high end" kitchen is one that has both high-quality appliances and cabinets, as well as a thoughtful layout. It should have floors that are friendly to the chef's back (hate tile, slate, or other hard surface), cabinets that make sense relative to the appliances, outlets that are convenient, good lighting, and countertop surfaces that are user-friendly (again, no tile). As someone who really enjoys cooking and baking, I can immediately tell when the money went into flash, but no substance.