When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, inspiration is everything. Whether you're dreaming of a total transformation or just gathering ideas for a future update, HEX General Contractors has completed some truly gorgeous renovations throughout Sacramento and the Bay Area. Below are seven standout design elements from recent HEX kitchen projects to spark your imagination and help you envision what your own space could become.

1. Glass Door Cabinets Add Elegance

Kitchen renovation in Sacramento, California by HEX General Contractors with fluted glass cabinet doors.

In this project, glass-front upper cabinets are used to perfection. These fluted glass panels offer a stylish compromise between the openness of floating shelves and the practicality of traditional closed cabinetry. They let homeowners display their favorite dishware while still maintaining a clean, refined look. The semi-transparency helps open up the visual space, adding airiness without sacrificing storage. It’s a smart solution that blends beauty, functionality, and just the right amount of flair.

Design tip: Glass-front cabinets are ideal for homeowners who want to show off their collection of ceramics or glassware while adding a sense of vertical openness.

2. Open Shelves Are a Smart Design Tool

Open kitchen shelving paired with white custom cabinets in a kitchen renovated by HEX General Contractors in Sacramento, California.

This kitchen renovation features strategically placed open shelving at the kitchen’s entrance. These wood shelves allow the kitchen to feel more open while providing visual direction by acting as lines of reference that lead your eyes to the rest of the kitchen.

Design tip: Open shelving helps soften the transition between kitchen and living spaces, making the kitchen feel more open and inviting.

3. Skylights Make a Huge Impact

This standout HEX project features a row of skylights that floods the kitchen with natural light. These ceiling windows make the entire space feel more expansive and bring a direct connection to the outdoors. Paired with sleek white countertops and a wall of windows, this kitchen feels fresh, open, and bright.

Design tip: Skylights aren’t just for luxury homes. In Sacramento’s sunny climate, they’re a smart way to make your kitchen feel bigger while reducing daytime lighting costs.

4. Wooden Beams Bring Rustic Warmth

Exposed wooden beam installed by HEX General Contractors in a white renovated kitchen in Sacramento, California.

In this HEX remodel, a dark wooden ceiling beam was installed and highlighted to bring warmth and architectural interest to the space. Against a backdrop of modern white finishes, this rustic feature creates contrast, grounding the kitchen as its own space with charm and character.

Design tip: If your home has exposed beams or potential for them, consider highlighting that feature in your remodel. It adds character and contrast while warming up an all-white palette.

Breakfast nook with custom built-in storage benches in a Sacramento, California kitchen remodel by HEX General Contractors.

5. Breakfast Nooks Deliver Functional Charm

This charming breakfast nook nestled between custom built-in benches is a homerun. It’s a cozy, functional space perfect for coffee, casual meals, or quiet moments with a book. With built-in storage below the seating, it offers form and function in equal measure.

Design tip: If your kitchen has a window alcove or underused corner, consider turning it into a cozy breakfast nook. It adds comfort and value, especially for families or entertainers.

6. Hidden Appliance Cabinetry Creates a Seamless Look

Custom appliance panels with built-in cabinetry for a hidden refrigerator in a Sacramento, California kitchen remodel by HEX General Contractors.

Here's a demonstration of the power of custom cabinetry: a completely concealed refrigerator behind matching paneling. This design trick creates a seamless, uninterrupted flow in the kitchen, making the space feel high-end and uncluttered.

Design tip: Panel-ready appliances offer a clean, minimalist look and are ideal for modern kitchen designs. It’s a subtle way to elevate your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Large hanging round globe pendant lights in a Sacramento, California kitchen renovated by HEX General Contractors.

7. Statement Lights Elevate the Kitchen

In another recent HEX kitchen renovation, round globe pendant lights over the island command attention in the best way. These striking fixtures bring bold elegance to the space without overpowering it. Paired with gold-toned fixtures and warm wood accents, they help establish a modern yet welcoming aesthetic.

Design tip: When remodeling your kitchen, don’t underestimate the power of statement lighting. It can define your style, tie together finishes, and provide the perfect blend of form and function.

Dreaming of a New Kitchen? HEX Can Help.

Sacramento homeowners are embracing kitchen remodels that blend practicality with personality—and HEX General Contractors is proud to bring those visions to life. Whether you want statement lighting, more storage, or a totally new layout, we’ll guide you through every decision and detail. Our team specializes in premier craftsman renovations with decades of experience in our local community.

Reach out today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your kitchen dreams together!