Forget cabinet hardware.

Stickle said he's been installing cabinets in high-end kitchens that open automatically with just a touch.

The minimalistic look has also led to a more integrated kitchen, according to Jason Maltas, president of luxury home builder Gordon Gibson Construction in California, with hidden storage spaces for everything.

"Think of those things like ladles and spoons that would usually be on the counter top in a vase," he said. "Instead now, they are integrated in a drawer that pops up next to the range and there's a space cut into the drawer for every utensil."