You can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a custom kitchen and have it resemble most other modern kitchens. That’s because a custom look comes from key design details, not humongous renovations with an eye-watering price tag. 

Today, we’re discussing the top three ways to make your kitchen look custom, with multiple options within each category. From creating an unforgettable focal point to building out a room that is simply personal and comfortable to you, you’ll find doable ideas at every price point.

1. Customizing your cabinets (even if they’re stock).

Custom cabinets are tailored for a flawless fit that feels as logical as it does special. You can’t get those dimensional, functional benefits without actually commissioning custom cabinets. However, you can personalize the look of any cabinet, transforming the overall impression.

Option One: Try a two-tone look

Two-toned kitchens feature one color cabinet on top and a different color on the bottom. A popular, easy option by way of example would be cream-colored upper cabinets with a deeper, earthy neutral on lower cabinets. 

Get more examples and tips for pulling off a two-toned kitchen. 

Option Two: Change the hardware

Matte black hardware can modernize cabinets. However, unless it’s providing contrast, it doesn’t create a custom kitchen look. Gold-tone hardware in statement styles is very popular in custom kitchens. For the actual gold standard, locate and refurbish vintage pieces.

Option Three: Replace a few fronts with glass

Refacing cabinets but leaving the box as-is is a cost-effective way to customize what you already own. Even if you don’t want to reface the whole lot, consider adding glass accents. Two central cabinets with glass-paned fronts and some flattering interior LED lighting immediately elevate the look. 

2. Bumping up the architectural details. 

Our countertops, cabinets, and appliances are the central focus. The architectural details we share below frame your most essential design features, presenting them in ways you won’t see anywhere else.

Option One: Upgrading trim and molding

Replace baseboards and trim with carefully selected solid wood pieces. If there’s just one change you make in this category, let it be crown molding at the confluence of the wall and ceiling. Decorative cornices and medallions are worth looking into as well. 

Option Two: Adding wooden beams

If there are no existing beams to expose and restore, you can add them for structural purposes, decorative, or both. Reclaimed wood beams are a favorite way to incorporate more natural materials into kitchens. They’re a great custom fit for a range of industrial or rustic-inspired styles. 

Option Three: A statement exhaust hood

As we’ll see coming up, appliance integration and unique finishes are all the rage in custom kitchens. Many are taking it to another level by making their ventilation hood stand out or complement cabinets and appliances. Go bold with gold, a dramatic color, or a material that unifies it with other design elements, like wood that coordinates with an island’s base.

3. Clearing the confusion between “clutter” and “character.”

Décor isn’t always the best way to personalize a kitchen. Making a kitchen look custom requires your unique style, yes, but this translates best when we add finishing touches to functional elements. 

Option One: Include both open and closed storage

If you customize anything that cannot be seen, make it your closed storage. High-efficiency organization clears the way to let your best design features stand out. Open shelving can be styled with pottery, dry goods, herbs, or anything else that you may want to help convey character.

Option Two: Integrate or customize appliances

Building appliances into the cabinetry is always pleasing to the eye. If your cabinets aren’t being customized, the perfect alternative is adding custom finishes and hardware to appliances. Imagine a gleaming finish to the refrigerator that matches the countertops and features gold hardware that coordinates with the faucet. 

Option Three: Combine textures and finishes

Mixing different metals, as well as a balance of high-shine, brushed, and matte features, creates a one-of-a-kind look. It also shows consideration and an eye for design. Think rough wood with smooth quartz, glossy tile backsplashes with muted cabinets, and woven rugs on polished floors.

Out of ideas? The Designery has more to share.

You don’t have to plan a full remodel to make your kitchen look custom. Adding one or two custom elements can drastically enhance the individual appeal of your space. The Designery offers professional guidance as well as customizable options for:

  • Appliances with custom finishes or integration

  • Cabinets

  • Countertops

  • Tiled backsplashes

  • Hardware

  • Storage

Book a complimentary consultation or visit a showroom to customize your project.

 

“We recently worked with The Designery, and the experience was smooth from start to finish. The team was professional, communicative, and delivered high-quality work at an affordable price. The cabinets look stunning, the floors are flawless, and everything was completed on schedule. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality craftsmanship without the high cost.”

–Beau, Designery client

Custom kitchen remodel FAQ

 

What is the 1/3 rule for cabinets?

The 1/3 rule for kitchen cabinets suggests that hardware, such as pulls, be 1/3 the height of the cabinet door. For drawers, it’s adjusted to the 1/2 rule. Pulls and handles should not exceed half the length of the drawer.

Some intentionally flout this rule to create a more dramatic look. It can be a great choice when you love the finish and style of your chosen hardware and want it to be a focal point. 

 

What color kitchen looks expensive?

Black, deep, earthy greens, and navy blue can make some kitchen designs look more luxurious and expensive. Warm, creamy neutrals with brass or bronze can also create an upscale look. Sophisticated shades of taupe reminiscent of natural stone are also making their way into luxury kitchen remodels. 

 

What is the kitchen style for 2025?

Raw wood elements, mixed metals, natural stone, and incorporating bold colors have all seen a boom in 2025. Many homeowners are using these design trends to shift away from all-white kitchens. Large islands and appliance integration are also increasing in popularity.

 

What color cabinets are in for 2026?

Warm neutrals aren’t just timeless; they’re expected to continue trending upward in 2026. Those leaning into two-tone kitchens are pairing their warm neutrals with muted, earthy shades of deeper taupe and sage green. For unpainted wood cabinets, white oak is on the rise.