She Wanted Her Kitchen to Feel Like a Boutique Hotel — 35 Before-and-Afters That Actually Deliver a Five-Star Upgrade

Most homeowners dream of a kitchen that feels like a luxury hotel. This homeowner made it happen, and the results left even her seasoned designer at a loss for words. The project required 35 separate updates to achieve that polished, high-end aesthetic. Each change built on the last, turning an ordinary cooking space into something that could rival a five-star property.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

White Cabinetry, Walnut Warmth, and Tile Floors Transform Space Into Soft Modern Luxe

The original kitchen relied on medium-toned oak cabinetry with visible grain and traditional square recessed panels. Light wood flooring and a simple white subway tile backsplash provided minimal contrast. Four black upholstered bar stools lined a small island beneath two pendant lights with metal shades.

The redesign swaps every surface. White slab-front cabinets with integrated pulls replace the oak. A walnut island anchors the room with live-edge detailing and under-seat LED strip lighting. Cove ceiling lighting runs the perimeter. One wall features open walnut shelving with internal accent lighting. Large-format tile flooring in pale beige replaces the wood. Spherical amber glass pendants hang above cream upholstered counter stools.

Black Frames, Globe Pendants, and Tray LEDs Add Architectural Definition

Flush ceiling lights scattered across a flat plane disappear in favor of continuous LED strips embedded into a tray ceiling detail. The perimeter recess runs the full length of the kitchen, creating an architectural frame that emphasizes the room’s proportions. White oak flooring transitions to large format porcelain tile with subtle gray veining.

Globe pendants in white glass replace the brushed nickel drum shades, hanging from the same ceiling points but offering a softer silhouette. Black window frames anchor the glass doors and transom window, adding definition against the pale cabinetry. The range hood shifts from a protruding oak box to a flush panel integrated into the upper cabinet line.

Beyond cabinetry and lighting, the material palette shifts from safe neutrals to dramatic statement surfaces.

Vertical Fluted Panels and a Dark Window Wall Add Texture and Depth

Dark brown marble with pronounced white and taupe veining now wraps the island in a full waterfall detail, extending from countertop to floor on both visible sides. This contrasts sharply with the simple white surface in the before image.

Brown leather bar stools with curved backs and bronze frames replace the black fabric chairs. Dark gray vertical fluted panels cover the window wall, adding texture where plain white drywall once stood. Brass-toned cabinet lighting strips run beneath the upper cabinets, introducing a warm metallic glow absent from the original space.

Black Slab Cabinets and Emerald Subway Tile Define Moody Contrast

Rich emerald subway tiles run in horizontal rows across the backsplash, bordered by brushed brass trim that matches the under-cabinet lighting strips. Black cabinetry features slim horizontal pulls in aged brass, while the island showcases black marble with bold gold veining. Cream bouclé upholstered bar stools with bronze legs replace the original black seating. Recessed LED channels outline the tray ceiling perimeter. Charcoal hexagonal floor tiles transition the space away from honey-toned hardwood.

Beige Veined Quartz and Neutral Tile Fields Warm the Palette

Shaker-style honey oak cabinets with visible hardware have been completely swapped for flat-panel walnut cabinetry in a medium brown tone. White quartz counters and white subway tile backsplash from the original design now appear as beige quartz with subtle veining and a neutral rectangular tile field.

Pendant fixtures changed from exposed metal stems with glass shades to drum-style fabric pendants in cream, casting softer ambient light. Black upholstered counter stools with wood legs replaced lighter upholstered versions, while the island itself adopted the same walnut finish as the perimeter cabinets. Cabinet pulls transitioned from visible knobs to integrated horizontal grooves for a handleless look.

Coffered Ceiling with LED Cove Lighting Accentuates Design

Coffered ceiling architecture introduces depth where a flat plane once sat. Each recessed panel holds an LED cove perimeter that glows softly against white painted beams. Below, a bookmatched marble island anchors the layout, its dramatic gray veining wrapping three sides in thick slabs. Four sculptural white bar stools replace the black upholstered versions from before.

Lantern pendants in brass hang from the beams, their open cage frames revealing candlestick bulb clusters. White shaker cabinets with raised panel doors line every wall, extending to the ceiling height. A brass range hood commands the cooktop wall. Porcelain floor tile in pale cream reflects the cove lighting overhead.

Glossy Emerald Lacquer and Gold Accents Transform Space

High-gloss emerald green lacquer cabinets wrap the entire room, replacing honey oak Shaker fronts. A black coffered ceiling features gold leaf or brass inlay trim that frames each recessed panel. The same metallic finish outlines the ceiling perimeter in a cove detail housing warm amber LED strips.

Bronze antiqued mirror tiles clad the backsplash between windows and counters. Tufted emerald velvet barstools with gold metal legs echo the cabinet color. Herringbone wood flooring in dark walnut stain angles across the space where light oak planks previously ran straight. Oversized copper dome pendants hang lower than the original brushed nickel fixtures.

Walnut Butcher-Block Island Tops and Light Counters Add Warm Contrast

Natural oak cabinets in honey tones disappear in favor of sage green shaker-style doors with brass cup pulls and knobs. The island, previously topped with plain white quartz, now features a thick walnut butcher block countertop that contrasts with the light perimeter counters. Black upholstered counter stools make way for natural rattan bistro chairs with curved backs and bentwood frames.

Bronze lantern pendants with glass panels replace the simple industrial dome fixtures. A tray ceiling with crown molding and grasscloth wallpaper above the windows adds texture. Herringbone oak flooring in a lighter wash upgrades the straight-plank layout from before.

Warm Oak Perimeter Traded for Cream Slab Cabinetry and Textured Ceiling Treatment

Honey-toned wood cabinetry with raised panel doors shifts to flat-front cream uppers paired with walnut lowers and an island clad in travertine-look stone. Recessed ceiling coves now hold LED strips above textured slat paneling, while dome pendants in matte black hang over rounded wood stools.

Taupe Paneling and Arched Steel Doors Provide Unique Style

Recessed ceiling lighting gives way to a tray detail wrapped in LED cove strips that cast a soft amber glow across the entire upper perimeter. Honey oak cabinets and simple white walls are replaced by taupe paneled cabinetry with vertical detail and glass-front uppers framing both sides of the room. Black steel muntins divide the new arched glass door into a grid that mirrors the black-framed window opposite. Lantern pendants in antique brass hang over a greige island flanked by four cream upholstered stools underlit by recessed gold strip lighting.

Black Slabs, Marble Slabs, and Chrome Seating Push the Look Ultra-Modern

Glossy black slab cabinets wrap the perimeter, contrasting against large-format marble backsplash slabs in soft cream veining. The island features a thick black stone top with four chrome swivel stools replacing the upholstered seats. Black-framed glass doors now flank the range hood where clear windows once stood. Linear LED strips run across the ceiling in geometric channels, creating ambient glow above polished black marble flooring with dramatic white veining.

Herringbone Wood Floors and Glossy Emerald Cabinets Elevate Dramatic Design

The diagonal herringbone pattern in walnut flooring supplants straight-plank oak and the Persian area rug. Glossy emerald green cabinetry with gold vertical pulls covers all walls, replacing honey oak shaker doors. Bronze subway tiles in a grid pattern form the new backsplash. The island features tufted velvet stools in emerald instead of plain black fabric. A tray ceiling with recessed LED cove lighting adds amber warmth overhead.

Tray Ceiling, Cove Lighting and Cane Back Stools Dial Up the Glow

Beige painted cabinets with rectangular panel detailing replace honey oak Shaker fronts, while a tray ceiling outfitted with warm LED cove lighting adds architectural dimension overhead. White subway tile now extends across the backsplash between windows framed by black steel muntins. Open floating shelves hold copper serving pieces and cutting boards. Four cane back bentwood stools in natural finish line the dark wood island. Herringbone parquet flooring in medium oak replaces the straight plank layout, and undercabinet lighting casts a golden glow across marble countertops.

Blush Pink Cabinets and Arched Steel Windows Warm Up Room

Dusty rose cabinetry with vertical fluting rewrites the entire spatial vocabulary.

The original golden oak flats disappear beneath floor-to-ceiling blush pink slab fronts detailed with reeded texture and copper bar pulls. Two arched steel-framed windows replace standard double-hungs, their black mullions echoing the lantern globe pendants suspended above the island. Cove lighting runs the perimeter of a stepped ceiling detail, casting ambient glow across pale pink stone floors. Curved cream bar stools with vertical channel tufting line the island’s fluted base, while geometric mosaic tile in salmon and cream forms the backsplash between range and hood.

Charcoal Blue Slab Doors and Ambient Ceiling Deepen the Mood

Flat-panel charcoal blue cabinetry replaces honey oak shaker doors across every wall. A continuous ribbon of warm LED tape runs inside a perimeter tray ceiling detail, casting indirect light across the expanse. Black steel-framed windows with muntins flank the range and island, contrasting the original white vinyl frames. Creamy linen barstools sit where black vinyl stools once perched. Brushed nickel pendant domes hang above the island, their interiors glowing gold.

Tray Ceiling, Cove Lighting and Tufted Leather Stools Elevate Design

Dark charcoal cabinetry with glass-front uppers replaces the blonde oak perimeter. A tray ceiling detail now houses warm LED cove lighting that casts a continuous amber glow around the entire perimeter. The island gains a glossy black marble countertop and four tufted brown leather swivel stools with curved single-pedestal bases.

Amber glass globe pendants replace the brushed nickel drum shades. Black-framed grid windows substitute for the vinyl double-hungs, and a textured dark backsplash covers the former white subway tile. Dark slate flooring eliminates the honey-toned hardwood, while copper-toned hardware punctuates every drawer and door front across the space.

Cove Lighting and a Tray Ceiling Detail Lift the Whole Space

Woven rattan pendants in oversized dome silhouettes drop over a waterfall island clad in book-matched travertine slabs. Recessed cove lighting runs along the perimeter of a tray ceiling detail. Pale greige cabinets feature handleless upper doors with arched display niches and under-cabinet LED strips. Natural oak bar stools with curved legs and upholstered seats line the island.

Limestone Tile Floors and Cream Molding Cool the Palette

Light oak cabinetry with brass cup pulls gives way to muted sage green shakers trimmed in bronze hardware. Black geometric lantern chandeliers suspend from a tray ceiling detailed with cove lighting and cream molding. French doors with dark gridded mullions flank glass-front upper cabinets, while natural fiber woven stools replace the black upholstered versions. Limestone tile replaces honey hardwood floors throughout.

Dark Terrazzo Floors With Brass Inlays Ground the Space in Luxe

Light oak perimeter cabinets yielded to charcoal gray panels embellished with champagne gold geometric overlays on every door. The island now wears black slab cabinetry accented with gold art deco fan motifs, echoed in four bar stools with matching metal bases and black upholstered seats. Above, a recessed tray ceiling hides warm LED strips behind cove molding, casting an amber glow across the space.

Leaded glass window inserts feature diamond patterns framed in black mullions, replacing clear double-hung units. Two geometric brass chandeliers with exposed bulbs hang from the tray ceiling. The floor transitions from honey-toned wood to dark terrazzo inlaid with brass linear accents that radiate outward from the island. Toe kick lighting in warm white runs beneath every cabinet run, reinforcing the boutique hotel aesthetic.

Arched Windows, Encaustic Backsplash, and Amber Lighting Create Boutique Warmth

Honey oak shaker cabinets and pale hardwood floors vanish in favor of richly stained cherry wood cabinetry with visible wood grain and black metal hardware. The island trades its white countertop for butcher block and welcomes four natural wood backless stools with under-seat LED strip lighting. Arched steel-framed windows with geometric muntins replace standard rectangular frames, while decorative terracotta tile with a matte finish covers the floor in large square format.

A recessed tray ceiling now houses warm amber LED cove lighting around its perimeter. Patterned encaustic tile in rust and navy creates a continuous backsplash behind the range. Glass-front upper cabinets with interior lighting display pottery and dishware. Two amber globe pendants on oil-rubbed bronze chains hang from the tray ceiling center, casting a golden glow across the workspace below.

White Slabs, Frosted Uppers, and Globe Pendants Modernize the Kitchen

White slab cabinetry wraps the walls while frosted glass-front uppers flank a wide transom window above the sink. Two oversized globe pendants hang from brushed nickel rods, replacing industrial metal shades. Tulip-style swivel stools in white molded plastic circle the island, swapping out black upholstered versions. Large-format gray tile covers the floor where honey-toned hardwood once sat.

Navy, Brass, and Blue Marble Push the Look Into Boutique-Luxe

Rich navy cabinetry with ornate brass drawer pulls frames a geometric tile backsplash in Mediterranean hues. Decorative brass lantern pendants suspend over a blue marble waterfall island with integrated wine storage and internal LED strips. Arched recesses display pottery and blue dishware against the deep walls. Quatrefoil patterned window inserts flank the range in brass frames. Cove lighting outlines the tray ceiling perimeter above matching blue floors.

Dark Gray Oak Plank Floors and Deep Umber Cabinets Ground the Space

Horizontal grain walnut cabinets run floor to ceiling, replacing golden oak shaker doors with flat slab fronts in deep umber tones. The island gains a matte charcoal base that houses an integrated wine cooler, topped with honed gray quartz. Smoke glass globe pendants suspend over cream boucle swivel stools with sculpted wood bases. A tray ceiling adds recessed LED cove lighting around the perimeter. Dark gray oak plank flooring replaces honey tones underfoot, while glass-front upper cabinets feature black metal frames.

Pale Marble Floors and Ambient Cove Lighting Amplify the Glow

Glossy taupe lacquered cabinets with gold hardware wrap the perimeter, while a rose quartz waterfall island anchors the center beneath two cascading crystal chandeliers. Fluted glass inserts line upper cabinets on one wall, catching light from recessed cove fixtures that trace the tray ceiling. Champagne gold appliances match the metallic backsplash, which features art deco fan patterns. Blush velvet barstools with gold legs replace the black upholstered originals, and pale marble flooring reflects ambient lighting throughout.

Copper Pipe Supports and Edison-Bulb Track Lighting Turn Up the Industrial Edge

Concrete-look slab cabinetry in matte gray takes over where natural oak once stood. The island and lower cabinets feature handleless panels with horizontal grooves, while the tall refrigerator enclosure uses the same textured surface. A concrete-style range hood anchors the cooktop wall beside open shelving in charcoal gray with copper pipe supports.

Copper bar stools with caramel leather seats line the island. Track lighting with exposed Edison bulbs runs along copper pipes near the ceiling. The windows gained black grid muntins, and two wire basket chandeliers with brass frames hang above the island. Dark slate tile flooring replaces the honey-toned wood.

Smoked Glass Pendants and Warm Cove Lighting Layer the Mood

Ebony lacquered cabinetry envelops the entire perimeter, punctuated by vertical frosted glass uppers framed in satin brass. A gilded tree branch pattern sprawls across cabinet faces and the range hood wall, creating metallic veining against the black surface. Cove lighting in warm amber runs along the stepped tray ceiling perimeter. The island retains its original footprint but gains curved brass bar stools with navy velvet seats. Spherical smoked glass pendants replace the industrial dome fixtures.

Floral Carvings, Crown Molding, and Marble Waterfalls Layer in Classic Luxury

Intricate floral relief carvings now cover every cabinet door and drawer front in a pale gray-washed finish. The island features book-matched marble with dramatic charcoal veining that wraps down both sides in a waterfall edge. Crown molding with egg-and-dart detailing runs along the ceiling perimeter. Two spherical milk glass pendants hang above upholstered dining chairs with carved gray frames. The backsplash uses white subway tile with decorative carved marble inserts flanking the cooktop.

Burgundy Shaker Cabinets and Wine-Cellar Tones Deepen the Room

Burgundy shaker cabinets replace the light oak perimeter, bringing a wine-cellar richness to the space. The island features a book-matched marble waterfall edge in rust and cream tones, anchored by four burgundy leather counter stools. A decorative barrel pendant in dark bronze hangs above the island, replacing the simple industrial fixtures from before.

The ceiling now features a recessed tray with warm LED strip lighting that creates an ambient glow around the perimeter. Black-framed windows and doors replace the white trim, introducing a contemporary industrial edge. Large-format gray tile flooring replaces the honey oak wood. Under-cabinet lighting highlights the ivory subway tile backsplash and the textured stone feature wall behind the stove.

Green Marble Floors and Dark Veining Ground the Room in Drama

Sage green Shaker cabinets wrap the entire perimeter, extending floor to ceiling with ornate decorative trim applied to the range hood and upper panels. The backsplash features an embossed botanical pattern in matching sage tones. Green marble flooring with darker veining replaces honey oak hardwood, while a tray ceiling holds concealed LED strip lighting that casts a soft glow across the space.

Decorative grillwork overlays the window glass and refrigerator panels in an Arts and Crafts grid pattern. Four modern ghost stools with clear acrylic bases replace the original black upholstered seating. The white quartz island countertop contrasts with darker stone perimeter counters.

Champagne-Toned Cabinetry and Amber Glass Pendants Add Hotel Warmth

Flat-panel cabinetry in taupe and champagne tones replaces the previous honey oak Shaker doors, while a waterfall-edge island in textured limestone supplants the original wood-trimmed design. Amber blown-glass pendants with brass fittings descend from the ceiling, replacing industrial metal shades. Linear LED strips outline the tray ceiling perimeter and illuminate open shelving with glass backing on the left wall. Tan leather swivel stools now occupy the island instead of black upholstered seats.

Oak Veneer Slabs, Black Marble, and Smoked Glass Pendants Create Modern Calm

Horizontal grain light oak veneer runs floor to ceiling on flat slab cabinetry, replacing the honey oak Shaker doors. A dramatic black marble waterfall edge wraps the island base, contrasting with the pale wood and white quartz perimeter counters. Recessed linear slot lighting traces the upper cabinet edges, while two spherical smoked glass pendants suspend over the island.

The floor shifts from warm oak planks to large format gray tile. Glass-front uppers with bronze frames and internal LED strips showcase barware. Black window frames anchor the patio door, and the industrial rail pendant stretches across the ceiling plane. The black leather backless counter stools gain height and visual weight against the lighter palette.

Recessed Cove Ceilings and Continuous LED Tape Set the Mood

Deep navy blue cabinets wrap the perimeter, fitted with horizontal brass rails inserted into open shelving niches that glow with recessed strip lighting. The range wall features a slab marble backsplash in white with gray veining, framed by a brass pot filler. A waterfall island uses the same marble with dramatic veining that cascades over both ends, housing a wine cooler with glass door.

Four counter stools wear navy velvet upholstery on brass frames with foot lighting beneath the island overhang. Glass globe pendants in smoked gray and brass chains hang from recessed cove ceilings fitted with continuous LED tape. A black framed steel and glass door replaces the window wall, leading to an outdoor terrace.

Book-Matched Stone, Waterfall Edges, and Charcoal Slabs Create a Gallery Feel

Matte charcoal slab cabinets span floor to ceiling on three walls, erasing the oak perimeter entirely. Book-matched stone panels clad the island base in dramatic gray veining that continues over the countertop in a waterfall edge. Open shelving with integrated LED strips replaces upper cabinets above the range, creating display space framed by the same charcoal finish. Gray porcelain tile in a large format covers the floor, and recessed linear lighting runs along the ceiling perimeter. Upholstered swivel barstools in charcoal velvet replace the black wood seating.

Cream Slab Cabinets and Quartz Waterfall Island Anchor Design

Handleless cream slab cabinetry stretches to the ceiling, interrupted only by black metal open shelving that floats above the range. A marble-veined quartz waterfall island anchors the space, paired with tulip-style bar stools on black pedestal bases. Recessed cove lighting traces the ceiling perimeter while oversized globe pendants in matte white drop over the island. Black window frames contrast against the neutral palette.

Emerald Cabinetry, Green Marble, and Light Oak Floors Create Boutique Glam

Flat emerald cabinets with copper bar pulls frame open wood shelving lit by recessed amber strips, while the island cascades green-veined marble on both sides. Globe pendants in translucent green glass hang above velvet stools with rose gold bases. Light oak flooring spans the space, contrasting against the jewel-toned cabinetry and stone.