What It Really Looks Like Inside Mike Holmes' Own Gorgeous Kitchen

We've all wondered what it really looks like inside popular HGTV stars' homes, especially when searching for some home renovation inspiration. When it comes to those master renovations, there's one celebrity contractor you can always rely on to share the best ideas and advice — HGTV's Mike Holmes. With decades of building-industry expertise and his experience fixing botched renovations on "Holmes Family Rescue," Holmes has mastered the art of a kitchen upgrade. It's no surprise then that the renovation of his own kitchen turned out nothing short of spectacular — featuring practical and cohesive kitchen fixtures, quartz countertops and backsplash, and a thoughtful layout and interior design.

Holmes always brings a considerate and functional approach to his renovations, so they not only look incredible, but work efficiently, too. With expert tips up his sleeve and the stellar example set by his own kitchen, you're sure to find inspiration for your next kitchen makeover.

Practical & cohesive kitchen fixtures

Mike Holmes took a mindful approach when selecting fixtures for the sinks in his kitchen renovation. He opted for stainless steel taps that not only complement the bar-area faucet, but also balance with the kitchen's overall aesthetic. Holmes has recently advised that stainless steel is a top choice for kitchen sinks for its durability and easy maintenance, and that opting for a higher-grade version can bring your kitchen's functionality to the next level. Speaking of his functional methods, Holmes specifically chose to include a protective grid at the bottom of the sink, as a simple addition that prevents scratches and extends the sink's lifespan.

To maintain a sense of cohesion throughout all of the kitchen, you may wonder if kitchen faucets should match cabinet hardware. While it's not a necessity, Holmes' decision to coordinate these fixtures added a harmonious look to his space. That said, his kitchen fixtures do offer a great model for how to mix metal tones in design. If you're inspired to try this, it's best to pick a main metal tone and a secondary one that supports it, giving your space a more balanced look. For instance, he chose copper for standout features like the vent hood, which brings a warm, commanding tone to the space. He offsets this with the subtle, cool shine of stainless steel fixtures for some added sophistication. This combination not only brings depth, but also nails a look that's both modern and timeless.

Quartz countertops and backsplash

In his own home renovation, Mike Holmes chose quartz for both his kitchen countertops and backsplash, extending the material with a stylish waterfall edge. This design feature sweeps the quartz from the countertop down to the floor along the sides of the island, so it shows off the material's quality and adds elegance throughout the kitchen. If you're considering a waterfall countertop for your kitchen, it's helpful to know that they're both a stylish and functional option. It protects the sides of cabinets from spills and impacts, and can even add to the overall value of your home. Quartz is the gorgeous countertop choice Holmes recommends for kitchens and bathrooms, mainly for its low maintenance and durability compared to granite. It's also a more affordable option in comparison to other materials, while still offering the timeless appeal of stone for a luxurious look.

If you want quartz countertops in your kitchen remodel, it's important to pick the right cabinet colors to complement them. Take a cue from Holmes' design and consider using a variety of colors beneath the quartz — earthy green for the island, crisp white for the perimeter cabinets, and dark wood for the bar area. When mixing cabinet colors with quartz, it's best to stick with neutral colors, so the variety doesn't appear overwhelming. Keep in mind the color palette of your entire kitchen, and make sure your color choices align well — or else too many different cabinet colors can start to clash.

Thoughtful layout & interior design

Holmes carefully planned his kitchen renovation to create a spacious, inviting area. By removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, and maximizing the natural light from surrounding windows, the space instantly opened up. His goal was to bring the outdoors inside, and accomplished it by using a nature-inspired color palette of green, brown, and warm colors. To get a similar look in your kitchen, focus on maximizing natural light and picking colors that reflect your favorite outdoor atmospheres. Whether they're warm shades of desert sands or coastal blues, these palettes can make your space feel more connected to the outdoors.

For the flooring, Holmes went with a herringbone pattern, which was one of the room's most challenging installations, and a testament to expert craftsmanship. One of Holmes' best tips for a seamless home renovation is that taking the easy way out won't get you the result you want. This complex flooring further proves his advice, giving the renovation a unique focal point that ties the open layout together and is well worth the extra work. The lighting was carefully chosen, too — not just for style, but to keep the space open and ensure that everyone can see each other and talk without any obstructions. If you want something similarly practical and stylish, Amazon has great dupes for Holmes' fixtures, like this Wellmet Black Crystal Chandelier, which adjusts to best fit your space.

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