Kitchen + Bath

Why The Kitchen Is Luxury Homeowners’ Top Investment

Author: Sarah Shelton / July 26, 2026

Partner Content

The Luxury Living Report reveals that homeowners are investing in the kitchen more than any other room in the home, and designers aren’t compromising until that dream becomes a reality. From state-of-the-art appliances and exquisite stone countertops to bespoke custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line hardware and fixtures, every detail is being considered. It’s here that materiality, craftsmanship and innovation converge, and budgets are often exceeded.

Modern kitchen with built-in ovens, a wine fridge, and a rolling butcher block island holding a stand mixer and bread, surrounded by light wood cabinetry and large windows. — An impressive array of commercial-grade Officine Gullo appliances lines the wall of a kitchen imagined by WRJ Design.
Photo: Matthew Millman

According To Design Professionals Surveyed,
90%
Say The Kitchen Is In Their Clients’ Top Two Budget Priorities

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, built-in stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and a marble backsplash around the stove area. — Designed by Dejager Design Inc.
Resources: Gaggeanu appliances. Topanga Stone countertop. Dornbracht faucet.
Photo: Manolo Langis

Modern kitchen with gray marble island and backsplash, three pendant lights, wooden cabinets, open shelves, and three woven barstools. Fruits and kitchenware are on the counter. — Designed by Adam Hunter. Resources: Miele appliances. Arctiulo Studios pendants. Studio Van den Akker stools.
Photo: Douglas Friedman/Trunk

Designers rated appliances as an important homeowner budget priority—more than any other product category.

Appliances are the ultimate status symbols. Not only are they essential design elements in a kitchen, but they are considered one of the most innovative, technology-forward products in a home.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry, marble countertops, a large island with stools, stainless steel appliances, and large windows overlooking greenery. Yellow flowers decorate the space. — Wooden beams and reeded cabinet fronts cocoon an inviting kitchen designed by Allison Elebash Interior Design, where a sizable island becomes a natural place to congregate.
Resources: John Griffiths Hardwood flooring. Robert Paige cabinets.
The Urban Electric Co. pendant. Ahern Anvil Inc. hood. Wolf range.
Photo: Julie Lynn

68%
Of Designers Indicate Their Clients Prioritize Their Desired Countertops Over Staying On Budget

66%
Of Designers Indicate Their Clients Prioritize Their Desired Cabinetry Over Staying On Budget

Appliances, countertops and cabinetry are the most valued investments in the kitchen, with homeowners willing to exceed initial budgets to ensure the quality of craftsmanship and caliber of performance they expect.

Modern kitchen with a marble island, two wooden chairs, gold fixtures, open shelves with decorative items, and a tall vase with green branches on the counter. — A kitchen conceived by Benjamin Johnston Design boasts a thick stone waterfall countertop, making it the room’s crown jewel.
Resources: Pomogranit-ADR countertops. Interlude Home stools. Waterstone faucet. RH pendants. Gaggenau appliances.
Photo: Julie Soefer

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry, dramatic marble backsplash, stainless steel stove, black bar stools, and white pendant lights. Flowers and plants decorate the counters. — This kitchen by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis highlights the beauty of natural materials with boldly veined marble and striking walnut cabinetry.
Resources: Marmi Natural Stone marble. Four Hands pendants. Sub-Zero refrigerator. Wolf range. Design Within Reach stools.
Photo: Elliott Fuerniss

Survey data confirms that natural and organic materials—marble, quartzite, limestone and travertine—define kitchen design today, while brass finishes and rich wood elements are favored finishing touches.