RL Remodeling’s clients span the California coast from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego to Santa Barbara. Dana Laksman, General Manager at RL Remodeling, notes that while no two clients are alike, there are features she finds are requested in multiple projects a week.
The most notable shift is away from the stark white-washed kitchens. Laksman notes she often deters clients from this design choice, which leaves little to hide.
Instead, she notes that warm-toned and two-toned kitchens are in style, sourcing materials such as natural white oak or walnut.
Another design choice she installs often is the oversized kitchen island. ” In 2026, we are building them bigger, sometimes with a second prep sink or a lower table extension,” said Laksman. This feature is applauded for its functionality and natural pairing with open-concept layouts.
Lastly, clients are moving towards a more built-in style for appliances that blend into the rest of the space. There are exceptions, of course. “We reserve the one visible statement for the range and its hood, which we treat as the sculptural centerpiece of the room,” said Laksman.
