Custom Cabinets

• Custom cabinets can be as beautiful as any piece of fine furniture. It can be made of any wood, have any kind of finish and feature glass panels and hardware of any metal finish or design. Custom cabinets also have many functional bonuses. If you are a true cook, you know how much storage you need and exactly what you need it for. For instance, if you regularly use your KitchenAid Mixer or Cuisinart, they can sit in a recessed cubby on your counter top and be pulled out on a sliding shelf. Your pantry can be designed to accommodate your food choices. Do you have several different vinegars? Design your pantry or other storage area for easy access to them. You can also create specialized drawers, with appropriate slots, for items like cutlery.
  
  

Classy Countertops

• Countertops in a luxury kitchen can feature one surface or several variations for different applications. The most expensive countertop choice is granite. Granite comes in a range of beautiful natural colors. Granite is virtually indestructible. It is not affected by heat and cannot be scratched without major effort. It is the choice of most luxury kitchen remodeling projects. However, it is not always the choice of chefs or those with an artistic eye. Chefs often prefer that at least some of their countertop be made of wooden butcher block. Butcher block allows a chef to work directly on the counter surface without damaging their knives.
  
  Butcher block can also be very inexpensively replaced or simply refinished. You can sand it down a bit, reseal it and you have a new countertop. Some chefs also like stainless steel because of its ability to be thoroughly cleaned. Those with an artistic eye may be drawn to extraordinary designer tiles. Tile comes in an extraordinary range of colors, designs and textures. The only drawback to tile is keeping the grout clean and the potential for tiles breaking and chipping.
  
  

Appliances and Gadgets

• If you are not restrained by budget, your luxury kitchen should feature the finest appliances and gadgets, including a subzero refrigerator, a professional grade gas stove and oven, and an over-the-stove pot filler. Your kitchen could also include a garbage compactor, two dishwashers (a must for a busy mom or hostess), an additional freezer or refrigerator, and a temperature controlled wine rack. Do you need a deep fryer, an indoor grill or a wood-burning pizza oven? Let your cooking style determine your luxury kitchen appliance and gadget choices.
  
  

Artful Touches

• A luxurious kitchen-remodeling project would not be complete without an artist's touch. Hire one to complete a custom mural or trompe l'oeil scene? A mosaic expert can transform your kitchen's tile work into something extraordinary. A stain-glass master can create custom insets for your cabinet doors. A metal smith can create completely unique drawer pulls and handles for your cabinets. If desired, custom designed and hand-blown glass lighting fixtures can illuminate your room.