Ideas that hold up over time, with examples from kitchens we have built.
Short answer: the kitchen ideas that last are warm materials, smart layouts and storage that fits how you cook. Here are the ideas we are seeing, with real examples from kitchens we have built in Los Angeles.
Wood grain cabinets bring warmth to a kitchen. In a Long Beach kitchen we built, wood grain cabinets sit with a large island with seating and hardwood floors. In a Torrance kitchen, we added a wood slat accent wall to an open plan kitchen.
A marble waterfall island turns the island into the center of the room. In our Torrance kitchen for HGTV with Tarek El Moussa, we opened the floor plan and put a marble waterfall island in the middle of it. Natural stone has variation and some types need sealing, so we show you the actual slab before you commit.
Taking out the wall between the kitchen and the family room or dining room is one of the biggest changes you can make. If the wall is load bearing, we bring in structural engineering and pull a permit. For Valley ranch homes, see our guide to a Sherman Oaks kitchen remodel.
For singer Carnie Wilson, we gutted a 400 square foot kitchen down to the studs, reconfigured the cabinets to fit a 72 inch built in refrigerator and opened a wall to create a passthrough to the dining room. Built in and panel ready appliances look integrated, but they need exact cabinet cutouts, so we confirm the specs before the cabinets are ordered. See the full Carnie Wilson kitchen project.
Recessed lights, under cabinet lighting and pendants on planned circuits make a kitchen easier to use and nicer to be in. Good lighting is planned with the electrical, not added at the end.
Wide plank wood or tile carried into the family room makes the kitchen and the living space feel like one room.
Simple pulls, soft close hinges and a restrained backsplash let the cabinets and counters do the talking. Choose finishes you will still like in ten years.
For cost, see our remodel cost guide, and for timing, our timeline guide.
Layout changes that open the kitchen, better storage and good lighting usually change daily life the most. Which ideas fit best depends on your home and your budget.
Kitchen remodels start at $50,000 for a cosmetic refresh and $200,000 for a full remodel, and custom remodels start at $450,000. All pricing includes labor and construction materials only. Finishes are determined by your selections.
Natural stone has more variation and some types need sealing. Quartz is consistent and low maintenance. We show you samples and talk through how you use the kitchen.
Ready to start? See our kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles page and our portfolio.
Want a real number and schedule for your project? Schedule a discovery call →, or read our kitchen & bathroom remodel cost guide.
Tell us about your project and we'll set up a discovery call to talk it through. Serving LA and the Valley.