How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide for Los Angeles Remodels

Key Takeaways:

1. Think about how you use your kitchen before picking cabinets—your needs should guide your choices.
2. Modern kitchen cabinet styles like flat-front doors and clean lines are popular in Los Angeles today.
3. Choose strong, safe materials like formaldehyde-free wood for a healthier and longer-lasting kitchen.
4. Smart storage and lightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li... make cabinets more useful and help your kitchen work better.
5. Work with a trusted team like Bradco to handle your design, build, and installation from start to finish.

Picking the right kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest parts of any kitchen remodeling project. It’s more than choosing colors or styles—it’s about creating a space that works for you. In Los Angeles, where homes range from sleek and modern to classic and cozy, the right cabinets make all the difference.

If you're planning a remodel, this easy remodel guide will walk you through every step to find the perfect fit. Whether you’re updating a few cabinets or doing full kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, this guide has you covered.

Step 1: Know Your Kitchen’s Needs

Start by thinking about how you use your kitchen space. Are you a big cook? Do you entertain often? Need more storage space? The answers shape your choices.

Every kitchen remodel in Los Angeles is unique, from small Venice bungalows to open homes in Calabasas. Look at your floor plan and think about the square footage. This will help decide if you need extra upper cabinets, wider drawers, or built-in organizers.

Step 2: Pick a Cabinet Style

The cabinet style you pick sets the tone for your kitchen. In 2025, modern kitchen cabinet styles are leading the way. These include clean slab doors, no visible handles, and smooth finishes. But traditional or classic styles still shine in homes with historic charm.

Some top options to consider:

• Flat-panel doors: Sleek and great for modern kitchens
• Shaker cabinetsDefinition: A cabinet style featuring simple, clean lines with a flat center panel and square edges....: A timeless, popular style with a touch of detail
• Glass-front cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets with glass doors, allowing for display of dishes and decorative items. Why You ...: Nice for adding depth or displaying dishes

Your design style should match your home, but also reflect your personal style. Mixing styles can also work. Try modern base cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets that sit on the floor and provide storage space below the countertop level. Why... with more detailed upper cabinets for a cool twist.

Step 3: Choose the Right Materials

Cabinet material matters. It affects how long they last and how they look. High-quality materials like solid wood, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) offer great results.

For eco-conscious homeowners, Bradco offers formaldehyde-free cabinets made right here in Los Angeles. This is a great choice for families who care about health and indoor air quality.

Cabinets can also show off texture and warmth with natural materials like oak or walnut. These pair well with neutral colors or a bold color for contrast.

Step 4: Select Your Finish and Color

Color is a major design decision. White cabinets continue to be a safe bet—they make the room feel bright and open. But if you want something bold, go for navy, forest green, or even matte black.

Think about:

• Paint colors that match your walls or countertopsDefinition: Horizontal surfaces in kitchens used for food preparation, commonly made of granite, qua...
• Contrast between upper and lower cabinets
• A pop of color inside open shelving or drawers

Finishes come in matte, glossy, and textured looks. Each creates a different mood. Use samples to see how colors and finishes look with your lighting fixtures and natural light.

Step 5: Plan for Function

Cabinets must work as well as they look. Think about how often you cook, how much counter space you need, and who uses the kitchen. A functional kitchen has smart storage, easy access, and good lighting.

Some ideas for a better flow:

• Pull-out drawersDefinition: Drawers that slide out fully, providing easy access to items stored in the back. Why You... instead of deep cabinets
• Cabinet lighting inside and under shelves
• Hidden trash bins or spice racks
• Soft-close doors and drawers

Also, if your kitchen layout includes a kitchen islandDefinition: A freestanding counter in a kitchen, often used for food preparation, cooking, and stora..., use it for extra cabinets and drawers.

Step 6: Set a Budget That Works

Cabinets often take up a big part of the budget in a kitchen renovation. Think about where to save and where to spend. For example, custom cabinet refacingDefinition: The process of updating existing cabinets by replacing doors and drawer fronts and apply... can refresh your kitchen at a lower cost, while new custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ... may offer more design freedom.

Bradco works with all kinds of budgets and offers both custom cabinetry and full kitchen remodeling services. You don’t have to overspend to get a great look. It's about smart choices and planning.

Step 7: Think Long-Term

When choosing kitchen cabinets, think ahead. Will the style still feel right in five years? Will it stand up to wear and tear? Durable materials and a layout that fits your habits matter most.

Also, trends come and go, but kitchen design should reflect your life. Aim for a mix of timeless looks and small, trendy touches. This keeps your kitchen stylish and practical.

Step 8: Pick a Trusted Team

Working with a skilled team makes your kitchen remodeling journey smoother. At Bradco, we handle everything from design to build. Our expert designers listen, plan, and help bring your ideas to life.

From kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles to full renovations, we guide you through every step. Having one team for everything saves time and avoids stress.

Step 9: Customize Your Space

No two kitchens are the same. That’s why we love offering custom cabinets made in our local factory. Whether you want cabinet lighting, glass fronts, or hidden storage, we can do it.

Want to make your kitchen a better fit for your family? Add special drawers for kids’ snacks, or hidden spice pull-outs by the stove. With custom cabinetry, your space becomes smarter and more useful.

Step 10: Final Touches That Count

Last, add those small details that bring everything together. This includes:

• Hardware that fits your style (sleek metal or vintage knobs)
• Light fixtures over the kitchen island
• Trim or moldings for a finished look
• Open shelving or display space for a bit of flair

These finishing touches give your kitchen its final personality. It’s not just about function—it’s about feeling at home.

Let’s Build the Kitchen You’ve Been Dreaming About

If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project in Los Angeles, Bradco Kitchens & Baths is ready to help. We offer expert design, local cabinet manufacturing, and in-house construction—all under one roof. From modern kitchen cabinet styles to classic looks, we turn your vision into reality.

Visit Bradco Kitchens & Baths and see how we can bring your next kitchen project to life. Let’s make your kitchen work better for you today and for years to come.