How to make a kitchen more unique, according to interior designers

Making a kitchen more unique doesn't always feel like an easy task. In a room filled with lots of hard surfaces and sleek finishes, there needs to be a careful balance of characterful details and functional design.

And it's actually easier to do than you might expect. There's no reason your kitchen ideas shouldn't be filled with character and personality – after all, these aspects are key to creating a unique design.

But what's the best way to do it? We've asked interior designers for their favorite ways to add a unique touch to kitchens of every size and style – and their suggestions don't disappoint.

5 ways to make your kitchen more unique

Making a kitchen more unique means infusing it with your personality and style. And it doesn't even have to be the bones of your space – decor and accessories are the perfect place to experiment and bring in a few unique elements.

1. Add unexpected textures and finishes

Every kitchen is filled with smooth, hard surfaces, so introducing a more unexpected finish will instantly give your kitchen a more unique look. Look to this year's kitchen trends and opt for a textural finish like fluted cabinets for a truly striking design.

'A kitchen should feel as personal as any other space in a home; after all, it’s where we gather, create, and connect. One of my favorite ways to make a kitchen truly unique is through custom millwork and statement finishes,' says Vyanca Soto, of Market Studio Interiors.

'A fluted or reeded wood island instantly adds depth and texture, turning a functional piece into a show-stopping centerpiece. Pairing it with an unexpected stone slab, perhaps something with bold veining or a honed finish, further elevates the space.'

2. Decorate with vintage decor

Decorating with vintage is an instant way to add something more unique to your kitchen – after all, it's rare to find more than one of the same piece. This is a really versatile option, too.

For a larger dose of vintage style, you could incorporate a traditional table or butcher's block as a kitchen island, install a thrifted plate rack, or bring in a vintage cupboard as a pantry.

There are lots of smaller ways to bring vintage pieces into a kitchen as well, such as textiles, ceramics, and even hardware. In this scheme, a mixture of vintage delft tiles as a backsplash and a traditional AGA have created the vintage kitchen look, instantly giving it a more unique style.

3. Introduce unique lighting fixtures

Kitchen lighting is more than just functional – stylish fixtures are an important piece of your design and are a great place to introduce a more unique feature. From pendant lights to sconces and even lamps, the right styles will instantly add a more personalized finish.

'I love incorporating statement lighting,' says Vyanca. 'Swapping out standard pendants for sculptural fixtures with an artisanal feel instantly shifts the ambiance and makes the space feel curated.'

Try to look for one-of-a-kind or pieces only available in small quantities for something different. 'For smaller updates, sourcing from local artisans or boutique brands can add a layer of uniqueness that mass-produced items often lack,' Vyanca suggests.

4. Experiment with hardware

Making your kitchen more unique doesn't have to include major changes. Instead, look to the finer details that, while small in size, can have a huge impact. And kitchen hardware is always a great place to start.

'Another impactful, relatively easy change is rethinking cabinetry hardware: oversized pulls, mixed metals, or even leather-wrapped handles add an unexpected layer of luxury,' says Vyanca.

The key here is to introduce styles, colors, or materials that are less obvious. It could be classic brass handles with a more decorative form, or perhaps adding pop of color through patterned cabinet knobs.

5. Accessorize with unique kitchenware

The decorative details are where you can really infuse your style and personality into a kitchen. It's these characterful details that will set your space apart from other designs and give it a unique feel.

Kitchenware is the perfect place to introduce playful designs. They double up as functional pieces, so you don't have to worry about them cluttering your space. Look to items like canisters, oil cruets, and bowls for a dynamic display.

In this kitchen, open shelves provide the perfect place to create a decorative feature. Framed art, ceramics, and even glassware line the shelves, creating stylish storage that doubles as decor. On the countertop, an elevated fruit bowl, oil dispenser, and marble tray all create a more personalized finish to the space.

Making a kitchen more unique is all about bringing in your own finishing touches that reflect your style. 'Making a kitchen feel more special is about layering materials, textures, and lighting in a way that reflects the homeowner’s personality, balancing function with a touch of the unexpected,' says Vyanca.

Whether you opt for a bold design with custom millwork or add character with vintage pieces and collected decor, there are so many beautiful ways to add a unique touch, even if it's subtle.