Because luxury isn’t just how a kitchen looks—it’s how it lives.
By Rachel Blindauer

There’s a reason kitchen design feels so personal: it’s the heart of a home, but also its most visible investment. From the marble slab you splurge on to the microwave you’d rather not see, every design choice carries weight—and tells a story about how you live.

Over the past 15 years designing kitchens from San Francisco to Sarasota, I’ve come to believe the best ones aren’t necessarily the biggest. They’re the most considered. Below, I’m breaking down the design decisions that matter most—from renovation costs to the quiet elegance of a bookmatched backsplash—and how to make your kitchen feel layered, luxurious, and lived-in.

Kitchen Renovation Costs: What You’re Really Paying For

Size matters—but so does intention.
Larger kitchens generally cost more to renovate, but small ones can be surprisingly expensive when you factor in premium finishes, custom cabinetry, or layout changes. In my own projects, the true cost driver isn’t square footage—it’s scope.

Key Factors That Influence Kitchen Renovation Costs:

• Materials: From $5/sq ft tile to $150/sq ft marble, your selections drive cost. My tip: choose a hero material—like a dramatic countertop or backsplash—and scale back elsewhere to balance the budget.

• Permitting & Location: Renovating in Boston costs more than in Missouri. Local permitting, labor rates, and building codes impact both timelines and totals.

• Extent of Renovation: Cosmetic upgrades (paint, hardware) are different beasts than gut remodels. Once you move plumbing or remove walls, the budget needs room to breathe.

What You Must Budget For:

• Countertops & Backsplashes

• Cabinetry (stock, semi-custom, or custom)

• Appliances, Fixtures & Faucets

• Flooring & Lighting

• Professional design guidance

“The smartest renovations don’t just meet your needs now—they anticipate how you’ll live five years from now.”
—Rachel Blindauer

Backsplash Design: The Details That Quietly Elevate Your Kitchen

A backsplash is more than a protective surface—it’s a visual anchor. I approach it not as an accent, but as an architectural layer: a line, a texture, a tone that binds the room together.

Design Tricks That Look Expensive (But Aren’t):

• Interesting patterns like herringbone or hexagon create movement and interest without inflating tile costs.

• Full-height wraparounds—especially behind a hood or open shelving—instantly elevate the space and feel more bespoke.

• Contrasting grout in a clean, neutral palette (think soft gray on white) adds tailored precision.

Luxury-Level Moves:

• Natural stone backsplashes add soul. I love using the same stone as the countertop to create a sense of flow—and when possible, I bookmatch marble slabs across backsplash seams for a jaw-dropping, museum-level effect. It’s the kind of quiet extravagance that doesn’t need to announce itself to be felt.

• Reclaimed wood or patinated metal can add warmth and age to modern kitchens—especially when paired with matte stone or artisan tile.

For simple upgrades that don’t require renovation, visit No-Reno, No-Demo Design Hacks That Actually Transform Your Space.

Hidden Microwaves: Aesthetics Meet Function

Most microwaves weren’t designed with your cabinetry in mind—and it shows. Unless they’re beautifully integrated, they tend to sit awkwardly in an otherwise seamless kitchen.

Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Options:

• Drawer microwaves in the island free up upper space and blend into the lower cabinetry. It’s also a safer option for families.

• Built into tall cabinetry to match millwork creates an integrated look that doesn’t interrupt your eye line.

• Recessed into the wall makes use of hidden volume and works well in pantries or appliance walls.

• Trim kits can create a built-in look even on standard models.

Fully Concealed Options:

• Inside a pantry or hutch—perfect for traditional or transitional kitchens.

• Behind appliance garage doors—sliding or lift-up styles keep counters clear and clutter-free.

• On a pull-out shelf—especially helpful for tight spaces or galley kitchens where depth is limited.

“Design isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you don’t.”
—Rachel Blindauer

Marble Countertops: Beauty, Myth, and Maintenance

Marble is like a silk dress—it’s not for everyone, but when handled with care, nothing looks more timeless. When I install marble in kitchens, I treat it as both artwork and surface.

What to Know:

• Larger slabs cost more because they’re harder to quarry, transport, and install without cracking.

• No two slabs are the same. I always order extra to ensure continuity if future repairs or additions are needed.

• Yes, it chips and etches—especially with sharp corners or acidic spills. Use cutting boards, trivets, and pH-neutral cleaners.

Why I Still Love It:

• Bookmatching the veining across countertops and backsplash slabs is one of my favorite ways to add drama and elegance. It turns the kitchen into a gallery—one that’s still functional and grounded.

• Etching, staining, and oxidation are natural occurrences. If you prefer perfection, consider honed or leathered finishes to mask minor marks and age gracefully.

“A perfectly aged marble counter tells a story—not just of meals cooked, but of a life well-lived.”
—Rachel Blindauer

Final Thought: Great Kitchens Aren’t Made. They’re Composed.

Your kitchen isn’t just where meals happen. It’s where time is marked, guests gather, and the days begin and end. The design should reflect not just taste—but intent.

Whether it’s in the quiet luxury of a bookmatched backsplash or the smart concealment of a microwave, a well-designed kitchen feels whole. And when done well, it never screams. It whispers.

If you’re ready to create a kitchen that feels effortless—but lives beautifully—book a consultation here.