Mid-Century Modern Magic:

A Phoenix Home Remodel Featured on HGTV’s “Bang For Your Buck”

Nestled in the heart of central Phoenix’s charming Marlin Grove neighborhood, a distinctive mid-century modern residence, originally crafted by the renowned architect Ralph Haver, underwent a stunning transformation that revitalized its interior and garnered national attention. This remarkable remodel, by Homework Remodels, a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous execution, was showcased on HGTV’s popular show “Bang For Your Buck,” hosted by the discerning Lisa LaPorta. The episode highlighted how this homeowner achieved exceptional value and style in their kitchen and great room renovation, ultimately recognizing it as a prime example of wise investment.

The homeowners envisioned a space that honored the home’s inherent 1950s character while embracing a more contemporary, open flow and a touch of high-end European sophistication. The original layout, typical for the era, featured a more compartmentalized kitchen, somewhat isolated from the main living areas. The remodel aimed to break down these barriers, creating a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining area, and the newly envisioned great room.

Deconstructing the Divide: Creating an Open Concept

The first crucial step in achieving this open concept was strategically removing the original, boxy kitchen island. This dated feature impeded traffic flow and visually separated the kitchen from the adjacent spaces. Its removal was pivotal, immediately opening up sightlines and creating a sense of spaciousness.

Replacing the cumbersome island and the existing cabinetry was a suite of sleek, frameless UltraCraft cabinets boasting a sophisticated acrylic finish. This contemporary choice injected a dose of modern elegance into the mid-century framework. Adding a playful yet impactful element were bold accents of orange cabinetry, strategically placed to create visual interest and a nod to the vibrant color palettes often found in mid-century design. These pops of color provided a dynamic contrast to the otherwise clean and sophisticated aesthetic. Stainless steel kick plates further enhanced the modern feel, adding a touch of industrial chic and durability to the cabinetry base.

The centerpiece of the revitalized kitchen became a substantial new island, and its form and function were carefully considered. Topped with a luxurious quartz countertop, the material elegantly wrapped around three sides of the island, creating a waterfall effect that added a touch of drama and visual continuity. The same premium quartz was used for all the kitchen countertops, ensuring a cohesive and high-end look.

The Illusion of Suspension: Floating Cabinets and Light

Extending beyond the immediate kitchen area, the design cleverly incorporated “floating cabinets” in the adjacent dining space. These unique cabinets were not floor-mounted but appeared to hover gracefully against the dining room’s block wall. This innovative design was made possible by a robust tubular steel framework discreetly integrated between the kitchen cabinets and the wall.

This design choice served a dual purpose: it provided valuable storage without visually cluttering the space, and more importantly, it maximized the flow of natural light. An underutilized exterior door in the dining area was replaced with a large picture window, flooding the area with daylight. The floating cabinets let this light permeate above and below the cabinetry, extending its reach into the kitchen and creating a brighter, more airy atmosphere throughout the interconnected spaces. This thoughtful detail was key to achieving the desired open and inviting feel.

Illuminating the Details: Layered Lighting Design

Beyond natural light, the remodel paid close attention to artificial illumination, creating layers of light to enhance both functionality and ambiance. The mosaic glass tile backsplash, a visually striking feature, was subtly highlighted by touch-to-activate under-cabinet lighting. This provided task lighting for food preparation and added a warm glow that accentuated the texture and color variations in the tile.

Addressing the original, less-than-stylish boxed fluorescent ceiling light in the kitchen was a priority. This outdated fixture was removed and replaced with a contemporary cable lighting system. This choice was deliberate, ensuring that the lighting would not interfere with the home’s exposed ceiling beams, a quintessential mid-century modern architectural detail that the homeowners were keen to preserve and showcase. The cable lighting offered a more streamlined and flexible lighting solution, casting a soft and even light across the kitchen and into the adjoining spaces.

HGTV’s “Bang For Your Buck”: A Testament to Value

Homework Remodels remodeled the exceptional transformation of this Marlin Grove home. caught the attention of HGTV, leading to its feature on “Bang For Your Buck.” In this episode, host Lisa LaPorta and a local real estate expert meticulously evaluated three kitchen remodels within a similar price range. The show provided viewers with a detailed look at each renovation’s features, materials, and overall impact, ultimately judging which homeowner achieved the most significant return on their investment, both in terms of aesthetic appeal and potential increase in home value.

The remodeled Haver home stood out for its thoughtful integration of modern design elements with the home’s original character, the high-quality materials used throughout (such as the UltraCraft cabinetry and quartz countertops), and the clever design solutions by Homework Remodels that maximized space and light. Lisa LaPorta and her guest realtor were particularly impressed by the seamless flow created by the open concept, the sophisticated yet functional kitchen design, and the attention to detail in the lighting and finishing touches.

The Bang For Your Buck kitchen Remodel segment showcased the stunning visual transformation and highlighted the wise choices the homeowners and the design team made. The decision to invest in high-quality cabinetry and countertops, the innovative use of floating cabinets to enhance light and space, and the carefully considered lighting design all contributed to a remodel that was both beautiful and a wise financial investment. Ultimately, the episode recognized this Phoenix home remodel as an exemplary case of achieving significant “bang for your buck,” demonstrating how strategic design and quality execution can result in a truly exceptional living space.

This featured remodel is an inspiring example for homeowners in the Greater Phoenix area and beyond. It illustrates the potential to revitalize mid-century modern homes with contemporary sensibilities while respecting their architectural heritage. For those considering a home, kitchen, or bathroom remodel, the success of this project underscores the value of thoughtful planning, quality materials, and a vision that balances aesthetics with functionality and long-term value.