By Adar Builders – Your Local General Contractor for Smart, Stylish Remodels
Summer in Los Angeles can be downright brutal—and while we’re all about enjoying a chilled drink in the shade, someone’s gotta make the magic happen in the kitchen. Whether you’re tossing up fresh salads, whipping up lemony pastas, or grilling steak for backyard pita wraps, one thing’s for sure: the kitchen can heat up fast.
So how do you design a kitchen that actually feels cool and breezy in the middle of a SoCal summer? At Adar Builders, we specialize in home renovations that are both beautiful and functional. As your trusted local general contractor, here are our top six design tips to help keep your kitchen fresh, airy, and summer-ready—without cranking your A/C into overdrive.
1. Open Up the Space—Literally
Let’s start with the layout. If your kitchen still feels boxed-in, it might be time for a refresh. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to open your kitchen to the main living space. This creates better airflow, more natural light, and a sense of openness that instantly cools down the vibe.
Pro tip: Add a built-in niche with a concealed range hood above the stove. It’s sleek, effective, and tucks away that powerful ventilation system, keeping your open concept clutter-free while drawing hot air straight out of the room.
2. Let the Heat Escape—Naturally
Hot air rises—it’s not just science, it’s smart design. We love incorporating clerestory windows—those slim, high windows near the ceiling. They allow warm air to rise and flow right out, while still letting in plenty of daylight. It’s a subtle architectural move that keeps your kitchen cooler without relying entirely on air conditioning.
And if you’re going for a remodel in a historic or mid-century home? Clerestory windows are a timeless upgrade that blends beautifully into classic or modern aesthetics.
3. Strategic A/C Vents Are Everything
Not all HVAC systems are created equal—especially in kitchens. As a general contractor who’s designed hundreds of kitchens, we always recommend targeted air conditioning. That means placing vents where you stand the most: near the stove, island, prep zone, or breakfast nook.
It may seem like a small tweak, but it makes a huge difference in everyday comfort—especially during a heatwave when you’re mid-recipe and breaking a sweat before the oven even preheats.
4. Maximize Window Power
Your kitchen windows aren’t just for the view—they’re a tool. During cooking, open windows act like a natural exhaust system, letting out steam and heat quickly. Consider adding a full wall of windows near your stove or cooktop, especially if you’re not using an overhead vent.
Bonus: When you add a cozy barstool setup or a pass-through window, you’ve basically created a breezy, casual café-style vibe that works year-round.
5. Upgrade to a Pro-Level Range Hood
If you’re serious about cooking, this is your moment to go big. A professional-grade range hood isn’t just a splurge—it’s a game-changer. It pulls steam, heat, grease, and even cooking smells out fast, helping your kitchen feel cooler in every season.
Want to take it up a notch? At Adar Builders, we can design a custom enclosure to house a larger hood without compromising your style. Whether it’s wrapped in wood, tile, or hidden in sleek cabinetry, it’ll do the job and look amazing doing it.
6. Make the Switch to Induction
Gas cooktops have their charm, but when it comes to staying cool? Induction cooktops are the clear winner. They only heat the pan—not the air around it. So while you’re cooking up a storm, the rest of your kitchen stays blissfully breezy.
Induction is also super sleek, safe (great for homes with kids!), and ideal for energy-conscious homeowners. And yes—you can still sear that steak to perfection.
Final Thoughts: A Kitchen That Works in Every Season
You shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and style. With the right layout, smart ventilation, and thoughtful material choices, your kitchen can be the place to hang out—even in the dead of summer.
At Adar Builders, we design kitchens that look great, feel even better, and stand up to the everyday demands of real life. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete kitchen remodel
or just want to upgrade your cooking experience, we’re the local general contractor that knows how to deliver high-end results—without the stress.
Ready to build the breezy kitchen of your dreams?
Let’s design something beautiful together. Contact Adar Builders today to schedule a consultation.
