6 Kitchen Cabinet Details That Will Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Kitchen cabinets make a huge impact on how fancy your home looks. Small changes to these everyday storage spaces can transform your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

I’m going to share six cabinet details that instantly create that high-end, custom look without necessarily breaking the bank.

1. Crown Molding That Reaches the Ceiling

Nothing screams ‘builder-grade’ like cabinets with empty space above them. By adding crown molding that extends to the ceiling, you create the illusion of custom cabinetry that feels built-in rather than placed.

This simple addition draws the eye upward, making your kitchen appear taller and more grand. Plus, it eliminates that dust-collecting gap that nobody wants to clean anyway!

2. Custom Hardware in Mixed Metals

Swapping out basic pulls for statement hardware is like adding jewelry to your kitchen. Mixing metals – perhaps brass knobs with matte black handles – creates a curated, designer look that screams intention rather than afterthought.

Hardware is the perfect place to splurge a little since you need fewer pieces. Even budget cabinets look expensive when topped with quality handles that feel substantial in your hand.

3. Two-Tone Cabinet Finishes

Monochromatic kitchens are nice, but deliberate color contrast creates visual drama that feels intentionally designed. Try painting upper cabinets white while giving lower cabinets a rich navy or sage green finish.

For a subtle approach, keep all cabinets the same color but paint your island in a complementary hue. This designer technique creates a focal point and adds depth that basic kitchens lack, making your space look thoughtfully curated rather than cookie-cutter.

4. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Ever walked into a showroom kitchen and wondered why it feels so magical? The secret is often hidden lighting. Installing LED strips beneath your upper cabinets casts a warm glow on countertops, creating depth and ambiance.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this practical addition makes food prep easier and showcases your beautiful countertops. It’s an affordable upgrade that instantly elevates the entire space.

5. Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

Replacing a few solid cabinet doors with glass inserts creates immediate visual interest. I love how this detail breaks up wall-to-wall cabinetry and provides a showcase for pretty dishes or glassware.

For an even more luxurious look, add interior cabinet lighting that illuminates your display items. This unexpected element draws attention and creates depth, making even standard cabinets look like they belong in a design magazine.

6. Furniture-Style Base Details

Have you noticed how high-end kitchens often feature cabinetry that resembles furniture? Adding decorative legs or feet to island cabinets transforms ordinary boxes into statement pieces that anchor your kitchen.

Another option is creating a recessed toe kick painted in a contrasting color. These thoughtful details make cabinets appear custom-built rather than mass-produced, giving your kitchen that bespoke quality that visitors will notice immediately.