4 Min Read
Designing your dream kitchen is about more than choosing finishes. It’s about blending function, comfort, and personalized style. Whether you’re browsing modern kitchen ideas, planning a renovation, or researching custom kitchen cabinetry, today’s homeowners are looking for more than trends. We know that you want beautiful, high-performing spaces that feel uniquely yours. Below, you'll find design tips for your kitchen and other advice for an incredible remodel.
In this blog, you can expect:
What Should You Include in a Custom Kitchen?
The most successful kitchen designs combine smart planning, personalized features, and materials that deliver both function and beauty.
At G&L and Sons Renovations, we help homeowners throughout Montclair, NJ, and surrounding towns create dream kitchens that are as beautiful as they are practical. Below are the most important features to include when planning your custom kitchen remodel.
Custom Kitchen Cabinetry
Semi-custom kitchen cabinetry is one of the most important investments you can make in your kitchen. Especially in historic Essex County homes with unique dimensions and architectural details, semi-custom cabinets provide a seamless fit and maximize every inch of space. They also add a tailored, high-end look that sets your kitchen apart from standard remodels while keeping the price down.
We work with you to design semi-custom cabinetry layouts that offer smart storage and complement your home’s overall style.
Luxury countertops
When it comes to surfaces, quartz and granite countertops remain the top choice for homeowners seeking both style and performance. These materials are among the best countertops for resisting stains, heat, and scratches. Plus, they pair beautifully with modern or traditional cabinetry.
When you work with our remodeling company, we guide you in selecting colors and finishes that complement your space and stand the test of time.
Kitchen Remodel Must-Haves That Maximize Function
A successful kitchen remodel includes more than just visual upgrades. Today’s kitchen remodel must-haves are all about improving daily function. Think soft-close drawers, under-cabinet lighting, pull-out pantry systems, hidden trash and recycling stations, and appliance garages that keep counters clear.
These features not only make cooking and cleaning easier but also contribute to the sleek, uncluttered look that today’s homeowners want.
Be sure to check out our portfolio for more kitchen remodeling inspiration.
Open-Concept Kitchen Design Tips That Enhance Flow
Open-concept kitchen design is still one of the most popular choices in New Jersey's remodeling market. Creating a sense of flow between your kitchen and adjacent spaces, like dining and living areas, makes the space feel larger and more connected.
Key open-concept kitchen design tips include using consistent flooring, choosing coordinated color palettes, and designing visual lines that guide the eye smoothly from one area to another. We’ll help you develop a layout that works for everyday living and entertaining alike.
Timeless Modern Kitchen Design Ideas
Blending modern kitchen design ideas with timeless style helps create a kitchen that feels current without becoming dated. Popular combinations include white or natural wood cabinetry with matte black or brass hardware, quartz countertops with clean edge profiles, and minimalistic lighting paired with warm accent materials.
We work closely with clients to curate finishes that are not only on-trend but also aligned with their home’s architecture and long-term goals.
Smart, Energy-Efficient Appliances
Today’s custom kitchens aren’t complete without smart, energy-efficient appliances that combine convenience with sustainability. From Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and refrigerators that allow remote monitoring to induction cooktops that use less energy and deliver faster results, these appliances bring both modern function and long-term savings.
Choosing Energy Star–rated appliances reduces utility costs while supporting a greener home. Smart dishwashers and ventilation systems can also be programmed to operate during off-peak hours, lowering your energy footprint without compromising performance.
Appliances are just one way to create an efficient, green kitchen that helps you conserve resources and keep your home sustainable.
Best Kitchen Layouts for a Remodel
One of the most critical decisions in any remodel is choosing the right layout. The best kitchen layouts support how you cook, gather, and move through your space every day.
What are the latest kitchen design trends in Montclair?
Open-concept kitchens remain a top trend. Homeowners are removing walls and expanding floor plans to connect their kitchen with living and dining spaces. This creates flow, maximizes light, and enhances entertaining.
Other popular layouts include:
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Galley kitchens that use space efficiently
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L-shaped kitchens with central islands
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U-shaped kitchens with plenty of counter space and storage
We’re also seeing a rise in requests for modern kitchen design with sleek cabinetry, hidden appliances, and minimalist hardware. Our clients love the flexibility of combining contemporary style with classic finishes to create kitchens that feel both timeless and fresh. The kitchen is an easy place to incorporate aging-in-place ideas, and a remodel is a great way to start.
What Kitchen Upgrades Add the Most Value in Montclair?
If you're planning to invest in your home, it makes sense to prioritize kitchen upgrades that boost both daily use and property value.
The top upgrades we recommend include:
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Luxury kitchen cabinetry, custom-built to match your home’s architecture
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High-performance countertops, like quartz and granite, that combine beauty with low maintenance
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Open-concept layouts that increase usable space and appeal to modern buyers
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Integrated lighting plans and energy-efficient appliances
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Smart storage features that improve functionality and organization
At G&L and Sons Renovations, we help homeowners make smart decisions that add lasting value to their homes while meeting everyday needs. It's important to focus on the upgrades that you will use the most and that will add the most to your lifestyle.
Your local Remodeler
Our team is a trusted design-build firm serving Montclair and the surrounding communities. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for detailed craftsmanship, personalized service, and smooth remodeling experiences. No matter which of our remodeling services you choose, our goal is for you to have a fantastic experience.
From custom kitchens and bathrooms to full-home renovations, our process is clear, collaborative, and designed to deliver results you’ll love for years to come. Take a look at our remodeling cost guide and start researching your upcoming project.
Contact G&L and Sons Renovations
Ready to begin your custom kitchen remodel? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more.
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