A Culinary Revival: Modernizing a Mesa, AZ Kitchen

A Mesa Kitchen with History and Heart

This custom kitchen, the central hub of our client’s home in Mesa, AZ had faithfully served the family for years. It had hosted countless meals, celebrations, and everyday moments. However, its reliability came into question during a pivotal holiday gathering—Thanksgiving dinner. Midway through preparing the annual feast, the aging propane-fueled cooktop and oven began to fail, creating stress and frustration instead of cherished memories. This tipping point made one thing clear: it was time to bring this treasured kitchen into the modern era.

The Catalyst for Change: Appliance Failure

The failed holiday meal wasn’t just a frustration; it revealed deeper functional limitations of the outdated kitchen. The propane appliances, while once effective, were no longer dependable. The immediate priority became clear: upgrade to a modern, reliable cooktop and oven capable of handling everyday cooking as well as high-stakes holiday meals. But the homeowners’ vision extended far beyond this first necessity.

Expanding the Vision: Sub-Zero Columns and Better Flow

Years of daily use and wear were taking their toll on the existing cabinetry, whose once-beautiful solid wood doors were now visibly worn and damaged. Recognizing the opportunity for a holistic transformation, the homeowners decided to fully renovate. A coveted feature topping their wish list was a pair of Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer columns, envisioned for a wall previously underutilized in the old layout. Integrating these luxury appliances would not only elevate the kitchen’s aesthetic but also improve workflow and maximize food storage.

Reimagining the Layout: A Functional Space Plan

The updated space plan focused on improving usability without sacrificing the warm and welcoming atmosphere that made the kitchen the heart of the home. We introduced extensive interior cabinet storage solutions, optimizing functionality at every station. Base cabinets featured pull-out drawers, adjustable dividers, and custom inserts to make storage seamless and intuitive. From prep work to cleanup, every zone was designed for effortless interaction.

Glass-Front Cabinets: Personalized Display and Depth

To avoid a monolithic wall of cabinetry and bring personality into the space, we incorporated glass-front cabinet doors in select upper cabinets. These display areas allow the homeowners to showcase meaningful objects, adding texture, color, and charm. Whether it’s vibrant dishware, heirloom ceramics, or seasonal decor, these features turn storage into storytelling and help make the kitchen truly feel like home.

A Bold Aesthetic: The Dark Hood and Island

The kitchen’s new visual identity is grounded by dramatic design elements, particularly the dark island and range hood. These contrasting components add sophistication and modern edge to the lighter surroundings. The hood not only serves a crucial function but also becomes a sculptural focal point, drawing the eye with its rich finish and distinctive silhouette.

The central island, in a matching dark tone, anchors the space while offering an expansive prep area, seating for guests, and additional storage. Its surface is clad in a unique material with a tactile texture and contrasting sheen, setting it apart from the lighter perimeter counters and enhancing its role as a design centerpiece.

A Show-Stopping Backsplash: Porcelain with Personality

Behind the new cooktop, a large-format porcelain backsplash makes a bold statement. Its intricate veining and subtle movement mimic natural stone while offering all the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. This choice of material elevates the space visually while providing a practical surface that withstands heat, splashes, and daily use.

The Perfect Finishing Touch: Brushed Gold Hardware

Faceted brushed gold cabinet pulls act as the “jewelry” of this kitchen. Carefully chosen for their warmth and elegance, these hardware pieces provide a soft contrast to both the dark and light cabinetry. The faceted design catches and reflects light, adding a touch of sparkle without overpowering the space. Their consistent use throughout ties the cabinetry together into a unified, polished whole.

Performance Meets Reliability: Cooktop and Oven Selection

With appliance performance at the core of this remodel’s motivation, great care was taken to select a cooktop and oven that would meet the family’s high standards. The new appliances offer consistent heating, reliable temperature control, and modern features that make every meal easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, the homeowners now have tools they can count on.

Sub-Zero Columns: Seamless Cold Storage

Integrating Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer columns marked a substantial functional and visual upgrade. Custom cabinet panels conceal the units, allowing them to blend into the surrounding cabinetry while offering high-performance food preservation. With state-of-the-art features like humidity-controlled drawers and dual refrigeration systems, these appliances ensure optimal freshness and organization.

Positioned in an area that was previously underused, the Sub-Zero columns now create a highly functional food storage zone that enhances the overall kitchen layout.

Cabinetry Reimagined: Function and Form

Rather than repair old cabinetry, we opted for a full replacement—allowing us to implement modern storage innovations throughout. Each cabinet was custom designed to accommodate the family’s needs, including deep drawers for cookware, specialty spice racks, vertical tray dividers, and dedicated areas for small appliances.

The cabinetry’s refined finish and classic door profiles offer a timeless look that complements the new countertops, hardware, and backsplash. This decision laid the foundation for the entire kitchen’s transformation, supporting not just beauty but better daily living.

Thoughtful Lighting: Illuminating the Experience

Lighting was carefully considered to enhance both functionality and ambiance. Recessed can lights provide overall illumination, while under-cabinet lights brighten work areas and accent the gorgeous backsplash. These layered lighting solutions ensure that every corner is well-lit, whether the homeowners prepare meals or entertain guests.

A Kitchen Transformed: Ready for the Next Chapter

With construction complete, the kitchen has emerged as a stunning, cohesive space where style meets performance. From the dramatic dark accents and sparkling brushed gold hardware to the expansive Sub-Zero storage and thoughtfully designed cabinetry, every detail reflects the homeowners’ vision.

More than just a renovation, this kitchen represents a culinary revival. It has been transformed from a beloved but outdated room into a state-of-the-art gathering place, ready to serve the family for many more years of celebrations, quiet mornings, and shared meals.

This project reflects our commitment to building kitchens that are as beautiful as they are livable—spaces where memories are made, every detail serves a purpose, and design stands the test of time.

KITCHEN REMODELING IN MESA, AZ

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (602) 478-5102 or emailing steve@homeworkremodels.com to discuss your remodeling project.  We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!   To help you plan your remodel, you can find informative blogs on our website here.