Choosing kitchen equipment

What Makes a Kitchen More Expensive? Discover the Details that Make the Difference in Design and Functionality.

When designing a functional and modern kitchen, it’s natural to look to incorporate the latest trends and details that make our daily lives easier: from high-quality materials to innovative systems that improve organization. However, each choice of design and functionality not only transforms the space, but also has an impact on the final budget. As an interior designer, I know that many clients want to integrate those elements they see in magazines and social media (doors that close softly, drawers without handles and organizers that take advantage of every corner). The key is knowing which of these details will really make a difference in how you use your kitchen and, above all, how to choose them so that they fit both your lifestyle and the available budget.

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and activities take place in it that go far beyond food preparation. Whether your goal is to improve functionality, optimize space or give your kitchen a unique modern style, the mechanisms and finishes you choose can add a touch of luxury, but they can also increase the cost. Today, details such as soft-closing, full-extension drawers and integrated LED lighting are among the most sought-after, and each of them has an impact on the final price due to the technology, materials and specialized labor they require.

What elements make a kitchen more expensive and how do they improve the experience?

From minimalist design to the most advanced storage solutions, modern mechanisms and premium materials provide aesthetics, comfort and durability. Here I share with you some of the most requested details in the design of custom kitchens, with which you can create a functional and elegant space:

• Soft-close drawers: If you are looking to avoid slamming drawers and doors in your kitchen, the soft-close system is essential. This mechanism not only adds comfort, but also increases the durability of kitchen furniture, improving the daily experience.

• Touch opening (push to open): Ideal for those looking for a minimalist and modern kitchen design. This system eliminates handles, allows opening with a touch and offers an elegant style, although it usually has a higher cost.

• Full-extension drawers: Perfect for making the most of space, these kitchen drawers extend completely, facilitating access to content and organization. Their price is higher than traditional drawers, but they offer comfort and functionality.

• Custom kitchen organizers: From cutlery dividers to spice racks and pot organizers, these items keep everything in its place and help streamline your time in the kitchen. While they represent an additional investment, they provide organization and functionality.

• LED lighting integrated into kitchen furniture: Lighting under furniture or inside drawers adds elegance and improves visibility. Its installation and ignition system add a modern touch, although it increases the final cost of the kitchen.

• Corner mechanisms (magic corner): These systems, ideal for “L” or “U” shaped kitchens, maximize the use of corners, avoiding “dead space”. Corner mechanisms are complex and require high quality materials, which increases the cost, but they make the most of the space.

• Electric kitchen drawers: With a soft touch, these drawers open and close automatically, ideal for accessible or luxury kitchens. Although they represent a considerable cost, they bring innovation and accessibility to the kitchen.

• Premium materials for kitchens: The choice of quartz, marble or granite countertops and natural woods (oak, walnut, etc.) makes the final set more expensive compared to synthetic or laminated materials, but they offer unmatched durability and style.

• Custom designs: A custom kitchen design, which is tailored to specific needs or an unusual space, is often much more expensive than modular or standard designs.

Every detail in a custom kitchen design has a purpose. Through careful planning and with the right advice, it’s possible to create a space that is not only functional, but also reflects the taste and needs of those who inhabit it. Although certain mechanisms and finishes may represent an additional cost, the difference they make in everyday life makes this investment worthwhile.