Friday Flatlay: 5 Easy Kitchen Upgrades That Look High-End

Five easy upgrades to elevate your kitchen finishes without overspending.

This one’s for the people who shower before and after a run – you know who you are. You like things clean, considered, and elevated. So today, we’re sharing a few simple ways to make your kitchen feel a whole lot more luxe, without blowing the budget.

Whether you're building your first home or just want to elevate your selections, these tips from our Atelier team are all about smart upgrades that look expensive – but aren’t.

1. Use Large Format Tiles as a Splashback

Let’s start with something that always works: large format tiles as your splashback. They look clean, modern, and refined – and here’s the best part:

• Fewer grout lines = easier to clean
• Creates a seamless, elevated look
• Works beautifully in both warm and cool-toned palettes

Perfect for anyone who likes their kitchen to feel polished with minimal effort.

2. Zellige Look – Without the Zellige Price Tag

Zellige tiles are gorgeous – handcrafted, full of texture and variation – but they can be very expensive. If you love that look, try Gelati tiles from National Tiles. They offer a similar handcrafted vibe, and you can mix matte and gloss finishes for that authentic variation.

Bonus: They come in a fun range of colours, so you can get creative without blowing your tile budget.

3. Tapware: Change One, Not All

There’s a common myth that if you change your tapware colour, you have to match it across your entire house. Not true.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, just update the kitchen tap – it’s the hero of the space and sets the tone for your finishes. A brushed brass or matte black tap in the kitchen can make a huge impact without needing a whole-house update.

Image credit: Three Birds Renovation

4. Coloured Grout & Colour Drenching

Yes, we’re still talking tiles – but this one’s for the detail lovers. Instead of defaulting to white grout, try a coloured grout to complement your tile choice. It makes a subtle but stylish statement.

And if you're feeling bold? Colour drenching is having a serious moment. That means taking one tone and using it across the walls, cabinetry, and even ceilings for a moody, tonal look that feels ultra-designed.

5. Upgrade Your Handles

Changing your cabinetry handles is one of the easiest ways to elevate your kitchen – and it doesn’t cost much. Whether you go brushed nickel, matte black, or something textured, this small swap can instantly take your kitchen from basic to beautiful. It’s a detail people do notice, and it’s worth the upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Design doesn’t have to be expensive to be impactful.
These simple upgrades – tiles, tapware, grout, and handles – can make a huge difference in how your kitchen feels day to day.

Building a new home?
Our Atelier team will guide you through your colour selection – from tiles and tapware to benchtops and cabinetry – so every finish feels just right.