From Ordinary to Outstanding: Design Tips for a Wow Factor Kitchen

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and want something that feels far from standard, you’re not alone. More homeowners are moving beyond safe, expected styles and looking to create wow factor kitchens that impress at first glance—but also feel great to live with day after day. So how do you design a space that really stands out? From clever layouts and material choices to statement features and subtle upgrades, this article explores the key elements that turn an everyday kitchen into something extraordinary.

Start With the Wow: What Makes a Kitchen Stand Out?

When we talk about kitchens with wow factor, it’s easy to assume we mean bold colours or flashy gadgets. While those can help, a kitchen with impact is more about a clear, confident vision—an attention to detail that runs through everything from the lighting to the layout. The best wow factor kitchens look seamless, but they’re built on smart planning and carefully chosen materials. 

So if you’re starting with a blank slate, think about how you want your kitchen to feel. Open and bright? Cosy and moody? Industrial? Luxurious? Scandinavian simplicity? The clearer your direction, the easier it is to make decisions that add up to something cohesive—and ultimately, eye-catching. 

1. Choose a Standout Layout

You don’t need a huge kitchen to make an impact—but you do need a layout that works. This might mean removing a wall to create a broken-plan space, or rethinking how your current layout flows. 

Top tip: Wow factor kitchens often have a strong focal point. This could be a dramatic kitchen island, a long run of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, or a bespoke feature like a bar area or built-in banquette. 

If you’re starting from scratch, ask your kitchen designer about kitchen zoning: cooking, prep, storage, and socialising should each have a defined area. Brands like Alku and Ashley Ann are an excellent choice for functional kitchens that still feel luxurious and bespoke. 

2. Go Big on Materials and Finishes

Flat white cupboards with laminate worktops can be clean and practical—but they rarely make a visual impact. To take your kitchen from ordinary to outstanding, opt for textures and tones that feel a step up in quality. 

Materials that Make a Statement: 

• Matt lacquer or velvet-touch doors (as seen in Ballerina, Brigitte, and Next125 ranges)
• Real wood veneers or wood-effect finishes (offered by brands like Bauformat and Nobilia) 
• Stone, ceramic or quartz worktops with bold veining or layered textures 
• Integrated handles or rail systems for a sleek, uninterrupted look 

Mixing materials can be very effective for designing wow factor kitchens too. For example, pairing rich wood-effect base units with flat matt wall units adds depth without overpowering the space. 

3. Let Lighting Do the Talking

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen design—but one of the easiest ways to establish a wow factor kitchen! If you want your kitchen to feel inviting, upscaled, or just plain impressive, don’t rely on a single ceiling fitting. 

Lighting Ideas for Wow Factor Kitchens: 

• Layered lighting: Combine spotlights, under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and plinth lighting to define different zones. 
• Statement pendants: Use bold lighting above an island or dining table to draw the eye and anchor the space. 
• Hidden lighting: LED strips inside drawers, under shelves or along the floor plinths add a subtle glow that elevates the whole design. 

Whether you’re going for industrial-style pendants or soft, recessed LEDs, a good lighting plan will always make your kitchen feel more considered. 

4. Elevate with Colour & Contrast

Neutral kitchens will always have a place—but if you want wow factor kitchen design, don’t be afraid to experiment with colour. This doesn’t have to mean painting everything navy blue or forest green (although those can work brilliantly). Often, a bold contrast or unexpected accent colour is enough to create interest. Ideas to try include: 

• Deep green or midnight blue base units with white or oak wall cupboards 
• Warm terracotta or blush tones paired with natural wood accents 
• Charcoal grey doors with brass or bronze hardware for a sophisticated edge 

Brands like JJO, Ashley Ann, and Brigitte offer versatile ranges that let you mix colour and texture to create a design that feels one-of-a-kind. 

5. Introduce Architectural Features

One way to create a kitchen with wow factor is to treat it more like a living space than a purely functional one. That means thinking beyond cupboards and worktops and considering the architecture and styling of the space itself. For example, you could: 

• Build a bespoke feature wall with open shelving, a drinks cabinet, or even a fireplace 
• Introduce fluted glass or reeded detailing for texture and interest 
• Use panelling or cladding to define part of the room 
• Incorporate a ceiling coffer or lighting trough to add drama 

These are the kinds of details that elevate a kitchen from nice to memorable. 

6. Add Smart Storage (That Looks Good Too)

Storage might not sound exciting, but beautifully designed kitchen storage solutions are often what sets high-end kitchens apart. Think bespoke larder units, hidden drawers inside deep pan drawers, and seamless integrations that feel effortless to use. 

Brands like Nobilia, Bauformat Burger, and Ballerina are known for their clever engineering and practical layouts. Pull-out corner units, integrated waste systems, and internal drawer lighting can all boost everyday function without cluttering your design, ensuring you have a functional wow factor kitchen.

7. Integrate Top-Quality Appliances

Kitchen appliances are often treated as an afterthought—but in a wow factor kitchen, they deserve a place in the spotlight. Built-in ovens, flush induction hobs, and minimalist extractors create a sleek and refined finish. Look for models with frameless glass, integrated controls, and matching finishes. Many homeowners choose: 

• Boiling water taps to free up worktop space 
• Integrated coffee machines for a luxe lifestyle touch 
• Ventilated induction hobs to avoid bulky extractor hoods 
• Handleless fridges and dishwashers to maintain flow 

Whatever you choose, align appliance finishes with your overall palette for a cohesive look. 

8. Pay Attention to the Details

When you walk into a kitchen with wow factor, it’s often the little touches that stand out: a book-matched splashback, a brass rail for utensils, matching socket covers, or perfectly mitred corners. Consider: 

• Colour-matched open shelving to echo accent colours 
• Pocket doors that hide small appliances or bar areas 
• Built-in seating with storage 
• Custom wine racks, spice drawers or knife blocks 

These thoughtful additions don’t just impress—they make your kitchen easier to live with, too. 

9. Don’t Forget the Backdrop

Finally, remember your kitchen doesn’t sit in isolation. Flooring, walls and adjacent spaces can all contribute to that wow factor feel. Flooring especially makes a huge difference: opt for large-format tiles, herringbone wood, or polished concrete to instantly set the tone. 

Paint and wallpaper can also play a role. A statement wall in a bold hue or subtle mural can add depth without overcrowding the space. 

Final Thoughts: Kitchens That Stand Out for the Right Reasons

Creating a wow factor kitchen is about more than just flashy features. It’s about layering good design, functional choices, and striking materials in a way that reflects your lifestyle and personality. Whether you’re working with a compact space or a grand open-plan layout, the right planning and product selection can elevate your kitchen from the everyday to the exceptional. 

At My Kitchen Specialist, we partner with trusted, reputable kitchen retailers across the kitchen sector. From bespoke cabinetry and stylish accessories to premium appliances, our partners collaborate exclusively with leading manufacturers whose high standards align with our own. Whether you love the precision of Nobilia, the texture-rich options of Bauformat, or the bespoke feel of Ashley Ann, we can help you design a kitchen that’s anything but ordinary. 

Ready to Create a Kitchen with Wow Factor?

Get started by visiting your local kitchen showroom, where experienced designers can guide you through layouts, finishes, and product choices. It’s your kitchen—make it one worth talking about.