How to design your kitchen perfectly?

Of all the rooms in a house where decorative sleight of hand can have the biggest visual impact, the kitchen rules, says designer Elaine Griffin. "That's because kitchen cabinets come in standard sizes with standard door options," she adds. In other words, they're built boring, and it's up to you (and a hefty portion of your budget) to bring them to life.

But cabinets aren't the only kitchen amenity where customization is critical, Griffin says. Here, she lays out 7 things to consider if luxe is the look you're going for with your kitchen design.

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1. START WITH THE RIGHT LAYOUT

When a perfectly laid out kitchen if your number one priority, the rest is easy, Griffin says. The work triangle – the distance between the stove, the sink and the refrigerator – should be as small a footprint as possible. And as a rule (though there are exceptions), the refrigerator should be closer to the room's entrance, since it's typically the kitchen-goer's primary destination.

2. GO FOR HEIGHT

"I cry when I see 36-inch tall upper cabinets in anything but the lowest-ceilinged spaces," Griffin says. "The 42-inch models are a way better option (plus, those six additional inches equal another shelf of storage space). In lofty spaces (9-foot ceilings and up), stacked upper cabinets deliver more storage still.

3. KNOW WHEN TO SPLURGE

After the cabinetry (and not counting the floor), the backsplash takes up the biggest amount of a kitchen's visual real estate. so you're going to want to make it count. When it comes to backsplashes, Griffin has a singular piece of advice: "Splurge, splurge, splurge," she says. "Backsplashes are major opportunities to express your style and personality without breaking the bank, because they're small enough to not require a ton of material to finish them." (We're especially fond of the trendy slab look.)

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4. DON'T NEGLECT THE DETAILS

Hardware is like earrings for your kitchen cabinetry, delivering major bang for your buck. This is especially true in rentals, where changing your kitchen hardware can add more upscale elegance than anything else, according to Griffin.

5. LIGHT IT UP

When we first walk into a kitchen, we look up at the ceiling and check out the lights. "Almost. Every. Time," Griffin says. For that reason, stunning light fixtures over islands, the breakfast nook and the sink are important. "This isn't a moment for the utilitarian!" But you'll want to establish a visual hierarchy of ceiling light fixtures, she says. "One zone will act as the 'star' and the others 'supporting characters,' to keep your kitchen from looking like a Christmas tree."

6. BE FLOORED

Kitchen flooring is where faux reigns supreme, Griffin says. Wooden floors — which should be the same as those in the rest of the house — make sense in today's open layouts, but 12-inch ceramic tile could lend your kitchen an equally luxe look, if you have them laid out on the diagonal, as Griffin recommends.

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 7. THINK LONG-TERM

Because the finish will visibly wear better, buy the best-quality sink you can afford. On the other hand, shop for price, finish and shape – in that order – when choosing a faucet.

Cooking, chatting, creating – your kitchen is the heart of a home. It can be practical and functional too, and the great thing about it is that it can also serve as a space where everyone congregates. If you find yourself quickly preparing meals or struggling to find enough space, getting creative with kitchen design ideas can help transform your kitchen into an inviting space filled with lively conversation. Some new decor and a few fresh accessories can create an ideal area for relaxing with your morning coffee or socializing over a delicious home-cooked meal.

8. A Clean, Fresh Start

You don't need to spend a fortune to create a relaxing kitchen space that's perfect for the whole family to hang out in. So before you go out and splurge on all-new everything, take a minute to assess if the things you have are really creating the kind of space you want. Sort through your drawers and cabinets, clear off all the counter tops and take time to really think about whether or not you need everything you're hanging on to.

Once you've completed the first sweep, give it a good scrub down – it's amazing what a little elbow grease can do to brighten up a space. Then use organizers, canisters and racks to maximize storage space and keep things tidy so it's easier to find things when you need them.

9. Tasty Treats

Is there anything better than lingering over small bites with friends? Make your kitchen feel extra inviting by keeping handful of snackable treats on hand. A festive bowl of fruit, a jar of candies or a tin of homemade crackers make for great eye candy and even better snacking. Show them off and keep them on hand in stylish serving pieces.

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10. Light Up Your Life

Bright spaces feel so open and relaxing! Even if you're not blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can make any room feel  airy and light by choosing breezy drapes for your windows to let more natural light in. Use light colors to boost the effects of natural light and add extra lighting fixtures to open up the space. Add an extra pendant light above your table or kitchen island to create a cozy atmosphere any time.

11. Create Cozy Seating Areas

Channel a little of that living room feeling in your kitchen with a cozy seating area where you can kick back and relax. If you've got the space, add a pair of armchairs in a corner to create an instant reading nook. If not, you can boost the cozy feeling by adding a couple of throw pillows to your existing seating. Look for upholstered chairs or add lots of cushions to wooden chairs and benches.

12. Vibrant & Bright

Plants help you feel calm and relaxed, and they liven up your kitchen space. Add potted plants or a small herb garden to windowsills and countertops to brighten your space. Add vases filled with fresh or faux flowers on your tabletop, counters or shelves. Decorate your tabletop with garlands and wreaths – even after the holidays – to add a festive touch at any time of the year.

13. Turn on Some Tunes

A little bit of music can make any kitchen feel like the perfect place to hang out. Whether you're blasting your favorite hits from high-tech electronics or just unwinding with a podcast straight off of your phone, it's so nice to have some music as you cook up delicious dishes or catch up with loved ones.