Why Kitchen Cabinets Are David Bromstad's Secret To A Luxe Home

David Bromstad does not shy away from bold choices when it comes to home design. Since winning HGTV's "Design Star," he has built a name for himself with his signature vibrant aesthetic mixed with a playful but polished approach to interior spaces. Through shows including "Color Splash," "Rock the Block," and the very successful "My Lottery Dream Home," Bromstad has shared his best tips for creating a dream home as well as the common design mistakes everyone should avoid.

But when it comes to creating a high-end feel at home, Bromstad believes investing in thoughtful design is much better than splurging on pricey items or renovations. In the kitchen, for example, he suggests increasing the length of kitchen cabinets to make the space feel more upscale. In a Season 12 episode of "My Lottery Dream Home," Bromstad works with a couple who is very particular about having a kitchen big enough to host family gatherings. When they propose extending the kitchen cabinets to the ceiling, the celebrity designer quips, "You know what? Thank you for saying that, 'cause I was going to suggest it. ... When you go to the ceiling with your cabinets, it just feels expensive."

Based on his statement, Bromstad does not only see kitchen cabinets as storage but also as visual anchors that can make or break a space. He also understands that as the heart of the home, elevating the kitchen through cabinetry design can significantly enhance the entire home's atmosphere from ordinary to opulent.

At first glance, you may think that extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is just a minor design tweak. But in practice, such a transformation can make a big difference in the overall appearance and functionality of the kitchen. For someone like David Bromstad, who does not necessarily equate luxury to lavish spending, full-length cabinetry delivers on that philosophy. From a design standpoint, tall cabinets instantly draw the eye upward, adding verticality to the room and making it seem more expansive than its original size. Such an effect is especially notable in homes with high ceilings.

Kitchen cabinets that do not reach the ceiling can sometimes make the space feel chopped or incomplete. By extending them to the top and visually "completing" the space, you are giving your cabinets a custom, built-in look typically found in designer homes and luxury apartments. Covering the gap above them also gives your kitchen a modern update by hiding such an outdated eyesore.

More than the luxe appeal, ceiling-height cabinets eliminate the awkward, dust-collecting gaps above standard kitchen cabinets. These gaps typically become a catch-all for clutter and may require frequent cleaning once they start accumulating dirt. Nevertheless, instead of wasted vertical space, you gain bonus storage for seasonal cookware and utensils, rarely used appliances, and even décor items when you extend the cabinets to the ceiling. 

David Bromstad's luxe cabinet trick is not that hard to pull off without a big budget. If you are planning a kitchen update or remodel, don't go for custom cabinetry since this tends to be pricey. There are smart workarounds that can give you the same ceiling-height effect sans blowing your budget. For instance, if you are starting from scratch, check out the ready-made tall cabinet options and upper extension cabinets that are accessible to you. Many cabinet manufacturers now offer modular units designed for fast installations. These units are not as expensive as custom-made ones. However, you need to ensure that they are the right size for your kitchen before spending money on them.

If full replacement is not in the cards, and if the gap between your existing unit and ceiling is not that wide, consider adding trim or crown molding instead. This can literally bridge the gap between the two and create the illusion of having tall, custom-built cabinets without the hefty price tag. Should you go this route, invest in a fresh coat of paint to unify the existing cabinets and the added trim. A shade that contrasts the walls can all the more draw the eye upward and amplify the vertical impact of your makeshift ceiling-high kitchen cabinets. Underrated paint colors to consider include matte mushroom beige, deep charcoal gray, and teal blue. Meanwhile, unique kitchen color combinations worth trying include mustard and black, peach and mint, and dark blue and copper.