One of the few bright spots in today's down-turned construction industry is that it is now easier and more affordable for many homeowners to remodel their homes. Those contractors formerly involved in building new homes are now competing for remodeling dollars. In the fall and winter off-peak seasons, rivalry becomes even livelier. That's good news for homeowners in the beach cities of Orange County, including Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar and Huntington Beach, who want to complete a kitchen remodeling project before the holidays.

While it is always important to interview several contractors before starting a renovation project, it has become easier to find quality contractors now, too. The stagnant economy has helped weed out less reputable and less experienced contractors. Those who are still thriving are likely to be more professional and to offer better service. Home renovations remain a good investment. Homeowners can expect to recoup up to 75 percent of their kitchen renovation investment upon the sale of their home.

Kitchen cabinets are sure to be a major feature of a kitchen remodel, and homeowners will want to ensure cabinet designs are in step with area trends. When considering a beach city kitchen renovation, it helps to keep abreast of the current styles of kitchen cabinets in Huntington Beach and other Orange County beach cities. In a survey of top designers conducted by a leading architectural magazine, designers talked about their priorities when undertaking a kitchen design project.

Most designers prefer a streamlined look and work hard to balance a feeling of openness while providing enough storage and counter space. It is important to integrate modern, open kitchens into adjacent living areas, so styles that are aesthetically pleasing are as important as furnishings that merely function well. This is especially important in beach cities, where a natural, open look best fits the light and lifestyle.

White lacquered cabinets are a favorite design, as are cabinets featuring glass. Both serve to open up kitchens, making them feel lighter and brighter. Aside from the style, homeowners must make a number of decisions when selecting kitchen cabinets in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas. Cabinets can be paneled or flat, inset or mounted, with exposed hinges or hidden hardware.

The last thing homeowners want when renovating a kitchen is to wind up with a cluttered and cramped space. Custom cabinets provide storage solutions, with configurations for odd-shaped items like baking sheets, over-sized pots and food bins, as well as with built-in trash compactors, warming drawers or freezer drawers, trash and compost bins and wine coolers. Cabinets with "garage door" openings for small appliances keep countertops sleek and uncluttered.

Both for their form and for their functionality, stainless steel remains the design material of choice for larger appliances like stoves, dishwashers and refrigerators. To achieve the feel of a well-designed room, rather than a sterile laboratory, materials like stone, granite or marble are a good choice for countertops, adding a look of natural elegance to a kitchen. Wood flooring remains popular both for its look and its functionality and feel.

An emphasis on sleek, modern cabinets and appliances, combined with the use natural material for other kitchen components, help to ensure that a kitchen remodeling project will add function, convenience and beauty to a kitchen for years to come.