Features We’d Want in Our Own Kitchen Remodel (From a Santa Cruz Contractor’s Perspective)

As kitchen remodeling contractors in Santa Cruz County, we’ve seen—and built—it all: from cozy beach bungalow kitchens to sprawling chef-inspired layouts in the Santa Cruz Mountains. But when it comes to our own dream kitchen? That’s when we get particular.

Here’s what we’d want in a kitchen remodel—and what we recommend to homeowners who want a beautiful, functional, and lasting space that reflects Santa Cruz style and lifestyle.

1. A Layout That Actually Works

Function always comes first. Whether you’re cooking solo, entertaining guests, or helping kids with homework at the island, your layout should fit your lifestyle. Open concept? Great. But we also believe in zoning—dedicated areas for prep, cooking, cleanup, and hangout space.

Pro Tip: Consider how traffic flows through your kitchen, especially if it connects to your outdoor living space (a must in Santa Cruz).

Eric Lamascus, CEO of Elite Construction, and Alison Stanford, our lead designer, reviewing detailed floor plans for a custom kitchen remodel. Thoughtful collaboration like this ensures every layout is tailored for maximum functionality, flow, and efficiency—key elements of a successful kitchen design in Santa Cruz homes.

2. Quality Cabinets That Last

This isn’t the place to cut corners. Your cabinets get used every single day. We recommend semi-custom or custom cabinets with solid construction and soft-close hardware. Bonus points for full-extension drawers and smart storage inserts (hello, spice pull-outs and hidden trash bins).

Local Love: We partner with Santa Cruz-based cabinet makers and designers to source durable, beautiful cabinetry that fits your space and budget.

Locally built custom wood shelves featured in a recent Santa Cruz kitchen remodel. Designed for both beauty and function, they highlight the quality craftsmanship and durable materials we prioritize in every cabinetry project.

3. Quartz or Natural Stone Countertops

Santa Cruz homes often blend casual beach style with clean, modern finishes. Quartz is a favorite for its low maintenance and wide range of patterns. Prefer a natural touch? Marble or granite brings organic warmth—just know they require a bit more care.

This sleek quartz countertop adds a clean, modern touch to this Santa Cruz kitchen remodel. Paired with stainless steel appliances and natural wood cabinetry, it's the perfect blend of style, durability, and low maintenance—ideal for coastal living.

4. An Oversized Island (with Power & Seating)

We’d be lying if we said we didn’t dream of a massive island. It’s the command center of the kitchen: prep station, breakfast bar, homework zone, wine-and-cheese board holder. Make sure it has outlets, plenty of storage, and at least three comfortable stools.

This oversized island is the heart of the kitchen—complete with sleek white quartz countertops, deep storage drawers, bar stool seating, and an integrated sink. It's a multifunctional space for prepping meals, hosting friends, or sipping coffee in the morning sun.

5. Efficient Storage—Not Just More Cabinets

We love a pantry cabinet, vertical tray storage, and drawers instead of lower cabinets. Everything should be reachable, not hiding in the back. Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, appliance garages—smart storage is a game-changer.

A smart kitchen layout featuring a pull-out lazy Susan corner cabinet for easy access to pots and pans—no more digging in the back. Paired with a built-in beverage fridge and clean modern finishes, this Santa Cruz kitchen shows how efficient storage can elevate everyday functionality.

6. High-Performance Appliances (That Fit Your Lifestyle)

You don’t need the priciest appliances—but you do want reliable, energy-efficient models that make life easier. Induction cooktops, convection ovens, and built-in drawer microwaves are on our shortlist. And if you're a coffee aficionado? Built-in espresso station, anyone?

This kitchen upgrade includes a built-in espresso machine, under-counter beverage fridge, and sleek modern cabinetry—perfect for those who value convenience, performance, and great coffee. A tailored appliance setup like this adds everyday luxury without going over the top.

7. Lighting That Layers

One ceiling light won’t cut it. Every great kitchen has three types of lighting: ambient (general), task (under-cabinet or pendant), and accent (above cabinets or open shelves). We recommend dimmers for flexibility and warmth.

This kitchen showcases the power of layered lighting: ambient recessed lights, pendant lights over the island, and subtle under-cabinet illumination. Together, they create a warm, functional space that adapts to cooking, dining, and entertaining.

8. A Mix of Natural & Durable Materials

Think wood tones mixed with matte tile. Open shelving paired with slab cabinet fronts. The goal? A space that feels modern, yet grounded—fitting for our coastal Santa Cruz surroundings.

This modern coastal kitchen balances natural textures and lasting materials—featuring wood-look base cabinets, a durable quartz countertop, and a calming sea glass tile backsplash. It’s a fresh, functional space that reflects Santa Cruz’s laid-back, design-forward vibe.

9. A Connection to the Outdoors

We’re lucky to live in a place where indoor-outdoor living is a way of life. A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to open up a wall with folding or sliding glass doors, add a passthrough window, or create a prep area near the patio.

Folding glass doors open this Santa Cruz kitchen to the surrounding deck and lush landscape, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. With vaulted ceilings, natural wood finishes, and easy access to the patio, it’s a perfect example of coastal California living.

10. Design That Reflects You

At the end of the day, the best kitchens aren’t just trendy—they’re personal. Whether you want bold tile, vintage hardware, or reclaimed wood shelving from a local sawmill, we love helping homeowners bring their style to life.

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen in Santa Cruz County?
We bring decades of design-build experience, local sourcing, and construction expertise to every project. Let’s build a kitchen that works for your life—and looks good doing it.

📞 Contact us for a free consultation and let’s start designing your dream kitchen.