Florida Kitchen Remodel: Lighting, Islands, Sinks, and Countertops (SW Florida)

Written By Michael Wittmann

Planning a kitchen remodel in SW Florida? Here’s a Florida-smart guide to what’s trending—and what actually works—covering under/in-cabinet lighting, raised vs. one-level bar tops, sink styles & materials, and quartz vs. granite for coastal living.

Florida Kitchen Trends (Built for SWFL Living)

Coastal-modern palettes
Warm whites, soft sands, and eucalyptus greens pair with light woods (white oak, rift-cut oak) for an airy, sun-friendly look.

Large-format surfaces
Porcelain slab backsplashes and quartz countertops minimize grout and wipe clean after beach days and big family meals.

Island-first layouts
Peninsula conversions to single-level islands are popular in SW Florida kitchen remodeling—better sightlines to the lanai and more usable prep space.

Durable, easy-care floors
Porcelain tile and premium LVP handle sand, spills, and humidity without fuss.

Mixed metals—kept simple
Stick to two finishes (e.g., brushed nickel + matte black) for hardware, faucets, and lighting to keep things cohesive.

Lighting That Works: Under, In, and All Around

Under-cabinet task lighting (must-have)

  • Use continuous LED strips with diffusers for even light—no “spotty” scallops.

  • Aim ~250–450 lumens/ft at 2700–3500K for warm, comfortable light; pick CRI ≥ 90 so food colors look right.

  • Hardwire with a wall dimmer; avoid battery puck lights.

In-cabinet & glass-front lighting (nice upgrade)

  • Low-wattage LED strips on sensors highlight displays and help you find items at night.

  • Place strips near the front frame for better distribution.

Toe-kick night lights

  • Low-level strips at the toe-kick offer safe path lighting during overnight kitchen runs.

Pro tip: Coordinate lighting early. Switch locations, dimmers, and drivers affect backsplash and cabinet planning.

Raised Bar vs. One-Level Counter: Which Is Better?

One-Level Counter (Trending in SW Florida)

  • Pros: Larger continuous work zone, better for baking/entertaining, universal-design friendly, clean sightlines to living/lanai.

  • Cons: Mess is more visible from adjacent spaces.

  • Good for: Islands and peninsula conversions; most homes moving from 42" raised to a 36" single level.

Raised Bar (42")

  • Pros: Hides prep mess and outlets; separates zones for seating vs. work.

  • Cons: Chops up space; less flexible for large platters/appliance use; can limit pendant heights.

  • Good for: Busy family kitchens that prefer visual separation or need outlet concealment.

Design check: If you drop a raised bar, plan electrical/code-compliant outlets along the island/peninsula and confirm overhangs and stool heights.

Sink Styles & Materials: What Holds Up in Florida

Styles

  • Undermount (go-to): Seamless cleanup with stone or solid-surface tops.

  • Apron-front (farmhouse): Great statement; confirm cabinet support and precise fit.

  • Workstation sinks: Built-in ledges for cutting boards, racks, and colanders—huge for small kitchens.

Bowl configurations

  • Single bowl (large): Best for sheet pans and big pots.

  • 60/40 or 50/50: Handy if you hand-wash often or want a divided workflow.

  • Depth: 9–10" is versatile; add a bottom grid to protect the base.

Materials

  • Stainless (16–18 gauge): Tough, easy to clean, coastal-proof; look for sound-dampening.

  • Composite granite: Very durable and heat-resistant; lighter colors may show water spots—wipe dry.

  • Fireclay: Classic and glossy; heavy and can chip if abused—use a grid.

  • Cast iron (enamel): Beautiful finish; can chip; confirm cabinet support.

Quartz vs. Granite: The Florida Reality

Quartz (engineered stone)

  • Pros: Non-porous, no sealing, consistent patterns, excellent for busy households.

  • Cons: Prolonged UV exposure can discolor; use shading/films near big windows and avoid outdoor use.

  • Best for: Low-maintenance kitchens that want a uniform, modern look.

Granite (natural stone)

  • Pros: Unique movement and color, excellent heat resistance, performs well in bright spaces.

  • Cons: Needs periodic sealing; pattern randomness can complicate seam layout.

  • Best for: Homeowners who love natural variation and don’t mind basic maintenance.

Edge & thickness notes

  • 3cm thickness is standard in SWFL.

  • Clean, eased edges are timeless; consider mitered waterfalls for a modern island feature.

Practical Tips That Save Time (and Budget)

  • Lock appliance specs early: Cabinet & electrical plans depend on them.

  • Order long-lead items first: Custom cabinets, slabs, and special fixtures drive your start date.

  • Ventilation matters: Proper ducted hoods keep grease off cabinets and glass.

  • Plan seating heights: 36" counter stools vs. 42" bar stools; choose before ordering the island top.

  • Use contractor-grade fixtures: Serviceable, warrantied parts beat online no-name deals every time.

Ready to Plan Your Remodel?

If you’re exploring a kitchen remodel in SW Florida, we can help you design, specify, permit, and build with Florida-smart materials and details.

  • Free estimate & design consultation

  • Licensed trades and clean, professional job sites

  • Spec-grade fixtures and coastal-ready finishes

Let’s turn your kitchen into the most loved room in your home.

Michael Wittmann
Next

Bonita Springs Bathroom Remodel & Renovation Guide: Trends and Picking the Right Contractor