Statement Kitchens We Love

by Alyson Pitarre

What are the elements that make a next-level kitchen?

Recently, the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury team turned to the world’s best and brightest real estate pros (Luxury Property Specialists, of course) for an answer to that question for Best of the Best 2023, a guide to the most desirable amenities and features that define today’s most luxurious homes. Not surprisingly, Luxury Property Specialists said that “a chef’s kitchen with unique features” ranked high on their affluent clients’ lists for must-haves.

As for what qualifies as a unique feature, that’s a matter of personal taste, but the most sought-after kitchens tend to have these qualities in common:

A double kitchen island with ample space for cooking, gathering and entertaining
Stylish oven ranges and designer appliances
Statement range hoods with pops of color and other one-of-a-kind touches

“Kitchens are the heart of the home, no matter the price point,” said Michael Altneu, vice president, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. “Luxury consumers want their kitchens to be places that are not only high-functioning spaces for cooking, but also nurturing spaces for connecting with family and friends.”

Below, we present some of our favorite statement kitchens that offer the perfect dose of culinary magic. Altogether, they represent the best of the best kitchens on the market right now from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury network—from a restaurant-inspired masterpiece in Beverly Hills to a crisp, clean white contemporary open kitchen format in New England.

1028 Ridgedale Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The elegant French bistro-like ambiance of this Beverly Hills kitchen gave us double vision in more ways than one – starting with the mirrored panel accents and ending with two gorgeous kitchen islands. Both islands serve as centerpieces for a choose-your-own culinary experience. Each island contains its own sink and access to top-of-the-line gourmet cooking appliances where guests can watch the chef in action, but where they differ are the seating options: one island offers bar stool seating and the other has a built-in banquet for in-kitchen dining. For more formal affairs, there’s an adjacent formal dining room and even an al fresco setting awaiting your diners.

Listed by Jade Mills, Coldwell Banker Realty in Beverly Hills

320 S Hibiscus Drive
Miami Beach, FL.

The sleek and modernist chef’s kitchen in this Ralph Choeff designed waterfront estate, on guard-gated Hibiscus Island, epitomizes the essence of Miami Beach luxury living. Blurring the lines between indoors and out, the open kitchen delivers the wow factor on every front. Balancing the stunning water views that extend straight out to the water, a warm and soothing palette of materials communicates effortless beachy calm. Sandy-hued travertine countertops, backsplash and center island with eat-in seating for five is juxtaposed against streamlined appliances integrated into custom Dolce Vita Italian cabinetry, including a Miele induction cooktop, three sinks, two dishwashers, Miele refrigerator/freezer, double Miele ovens, a steam oven and a microwave/oven.

Listed by Jill Hertzberg and Danny Hertzberg, Coldwell Banker Realty in Miami Beach

45 E 30th Street Unit PHB
New York, NY 10016

While it’s been said that New Yorkers tend to spend as little time as possible where they actually sleep, the chef’s kitchen in this fashionably renovated 4,412-square-foot NoMad quadruplex penthouse might make them think twice. A built-in wall of Sub-Zero refrigerators (complete with a custom wine refrigerator) have been integrated into custom wood cabinetry as a sunroom-like wall of windows offers a striking visual counterpoint. Glassos countertops, an artisan tile backsplash and an oversized white marble island topped by classic brass pendant lighting lend an understated elegance. Added bonus: a private outdoor seating area and entertaining space are accessed from the kitchen.

Listed by Arlene Reed and Rebecca Blacker, Coldwell Banker Warburg

19955 Cottagewood Avenue
Deephaven, MN.

Photo by Dean Riedel, 360-VIP

In this sophisticated custom Minnesota lakefront retreat designed by Andrea Swan + built by Streeter, the open kitchen serves as the main entertaining hub and a showcase for the breathtaking views overlooking the south-facing shoreline and beach. A generously appointed island is multi-functional with seating, shelving, a curved apron sink, plus plenty of storage space. A statement hood over the range and brass lighting fixtures add depth. A prep pantry with a second sink keeps the entire space endlessly pragmatic.

Listed by Jeffrey Dewing, Coldwell Banker Realty in Wayzata

Photo by Dean Riedel, 360-VIP

3187 17 Mile Dr
Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Photo by Sherman Chu

Rustic wood beams and stonework in this modern Mediterranean home in Pebble Beach keep the kitchen grounded in the historic past while two Bosch French door wall ovens and a stainless steel Sub-Zero move it refreshingly into the present. An extra spacious breakfast bar/island invites conversation as the cook prepares a meal. In the distance, natural light spills in through floor-to-ceiling windows from the dining and living room and expansive outdoor living spaces. A location along famed 17 Mile Drive doesn’t hurt either.

Listed by Tim Allen, Coldwell Banker Realty, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Photo by Sherman Chu

62 Stanely Rd.
Newton, MA 02468

Photo by Drone Home Media

Nothing says “of-the-moment luxury” like a clean, crisp white kitchen, open to a dining area and family room. Adorned with two islands (one with seating and a prep sink while the other has open counters and lower cabinets for storage), effortless quartz and classic stainless steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, this Newton, Mass.-kitchen was created in 2023 as part of a new build that sought to bring together contemporary design and a flexible floorplan that could adapt to a modern-day family’s changing needs.

Listed by Beth Petrone and Marcey Hunter, Coldwell Banker Realty Wellesley

46 Deep Sea
Newport Beach, CA.

What’s the perfect complement to unobstructed Pacific Ocean views? Answer: a meticulously detailed kitchen that blurs the lines between indoors and out. This exquisitely executed kitchen in Newport Beach captures the essence of its oceanfront existence with a breezy layout that opens to a living room, dining room and courtyard, and an oversized center island topped with sleek white slab Caesarstone and surrounded by European white oak cabinetry in a custom gray stain. Other statement-making touches include a state-of-the-art filtration system, multiple refrigeration drawer pullouts, a built-in espresso machine and a full prep kitchen with a hidden powder bath for staff use. Designed for the sophisticated entertainer who wants to take full advantage of its Southern California coastal setting, the custom manse also offers an additional full kitchen in the garage that can be used for larger catered events.

Listed by Garrett Weston, Coldwell Banker Realty in Newport Beach

938 Old County Road
Severna Park, MD 21146

Photo by Chesapeake Home Images

The timeless sense of style, old-world sensibility, and the je ne sais quoi of French provincial style have long captured the hearts of interior designers and homeowners alike. In this gated 20-acre waterfront Maryland estate just minutes from downtown Annapolis and less than an hour from Washington, D.C., the echoes of a French manor reign throughout its over 23,000 square feet, right down to its most functional space: the kitchen. Two large marble-topped islands will inspire your inner-Julia Child as ornate cabinetry, mouldings and a built-in buffet give it an aristocratic-yet-lived-in quality as French doors lead out to expansive verandas and views overlooking the Severn River.

Listed by Day Weitzman and Robert Weitzman, Coldwell Banker Realty in Annapolis