Remodeling your kitchen in Los Angeles means choosing from an array of luxury options—but not all premium upgrades deliver the same return. Whether you’re renovating in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Encino, smart selections in materials and appliances can transform your kitchen from standard to spectacular. This guide covers the best high-end choices for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, finishes, and appliances that truly elevate your kitchen’s value and experience.
Premium Cabinetry: Form, Function & Finish
Cabinetry is often the largest expense—and with good reason. In LA’s luxury market, the right cabinets set the tone for the entire kitchen.
Top High-End Options:
- Custom Frameless Cabinets: Sleek and seamless with more interior storage space
- Inset Doors: Timeless style where doors sit flush inside the frame
- Soft-Close Drawers & Doors: Now standard in luxury design
- Custom Internal Organization: Pull-outs, spice drawers, appliance garages
Best Materials for Premium Cabinets:
| Material | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Maple/Oak | Warm, natural, classic | Durable and customizable |
| Walnut | Dark, rich, luxurious | Shows grain beautifully, high-end finish |
| Rift-Cut White Oak | Minimal, organic-modern | Trendy in 2025, great for earthy palettes |
| High-Gloss Lacquer | Modern, sleek, reflective | Stunning in ultra-contemporary kitchens |
Countertops: Beauty Meets Durability
In high-end remodels, countertops are more than work surfaces—they’re focal points.
Top Luxury Countertop Materials:
- Quartzite: Natural, durable, and more heat-resistant than quartz
- Marble: Classic elegance, especially Calacatta and Carrara
- Porcelain Slabs: Sleek, ultra-thin, scratch and heat-resistant
- Concrete (Polished or Stained): Edgy, modern, and fully customizable
- Quartz (Premium Brands): Low maintenance, wide color range
| Material | Avg. Cost (Installed) | Luxury Factor | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | \$100–\$200/sq. ft. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate–High |
| Quartzite | \$90–\$160/sq. ft. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate |
| Quartz | \$80–\$120/sq. ft. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
| Concrete | \$90–\$150/sq. ft. | ⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| Porcelain | \$100–\$180/sq. ft. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very Low |
Flooring: Style Underfoot
High-end kitchen flooring should be stylish, comfortable, and resilient.
Top Picks for LA Luxury Homes:
- Engineered European Oak: Warm, wide-plank hardwood look with better moisture resistance
- Large-Format Porcelain Tile: Clean, modern, and perfect for radiant heat systems
- Polished Concrete: Ideal for lofts and ultra-modern designs
- Natural Stone (Travertine, Slate): Adds a timeless and earthy touch
Backsplashes & Walls: Architectural Statement Pieces
Go beyond basic subway tile. Premium remodels in LA often include:
- Full-Height Stone Slabs: Quartzite, marble, or granite as backsplash
- Zellige or Moroccan Tile: Handmade look, full of color and depth
- Metallic Accents: Brushed brass or copper tiles for drama
- Textured Panels or Fluted Stone: Architectural texture for depth
A bold backsplash can turn a standard kitchen into a design masterpiece.
Luxury Appliance Must-Haves
In Los Angeles, smart, stylish, and powerful appliances are a hallmark of luxury kitchens.
Refrigeration
- Built-in Columns: Seamlessly blend into cabinetry
- Smart Fridges: Internal cameras, touchscreen displays, inventory tracking
- Brands: Sub-Zero, Thermador, Gaggenau
Cooking
- Professional Ranges: Dual-fuel, 6+ burners, high BTU output
- Double Wall Ovens: Great for entertaining
- Induction Cooktops: Fast, efficient, and ultra-modern
- Brands: Wolf, Miele, La Cornue, BlueStar
Dishwashing
- Integrated Panels: Hidden within cabinetry
- Double Drawer Models: Clean small loads efficiently
- Quiet Performance: Below 42 dB is ideal
Smart Home Integration
Today’s high-end kitchens are also connected. Key upgrades:
- Voice-controlled faucets (Delta VoiceIQ, Moen U)
- Smart ovens that preheat remotely
- Lighting scenes controlled via smartphone
- Appliance maintenance alerts sent to your device
- Touchless trash and recycling systems
Tech not only adds luxury—it streamlines daily life.
Designer Finishes and Hardware
High-end finishes create a tactile, refined experience. Popular in 2025:
- Brushed Brass or Bronze: Elegant, warm tone
- Matte Black: Sleek and dramatic
- Polished Nickel: Timeless with high shine
- Textured Handles: Leather-wrapped or knurled metal
- Custom Hardware: Engraved or boutique artisan pieces
When to Splurge vs. Save
Knowing where to invest helps prioritize your budget:
| Splurge | Save (But Still Look Great) |
|---|---|
| Countertops (centerpiece surfaces) | Backsplash (mid-range tile options) |
| Cabinetry (custom storage, design) | Hardware (affordable designer dupes) |
| Professional range or cooktop | Wall oven or microwave drawers |
| Flooring (durability + impact) | Ceiling lighting (can be upgraded later) |
FAQs About High-End Kitchen Materials
Is marble too risky for a kitchen?
It can stain and etch—but many LA homeowners love its timeless beauty and are happy to maintain it.
Are high-end appliances worth it?
Yes, especially in luxury neighborhoods where buyers expect brands like Wolf and Sub-Zero.
Can you mix finishes in a luxury kitchen?
Absolutely. Mixed metals and layered materials are a huge 2025 trend.
What luxury item adds the most value?
A smart layout with premium cabinetry and quartzite or marble counters delivers both form and function.
Build a Kitchen That’s Worth Every Penny
In Los Angeles, luxury kitchens are personal, purposeful, and full of character. Whether you’re planning a full renovation in Westwood or upgrading appliances in your Venice Beach condo, the right high-end choices will make your kitchen not just beautiful—but unforgettable. Let our expert design-build team help you invest where it counts.
