From Marlin Grove to the National Spotlight: An HGTV-Featured Mid-Century Modern Remodel in Phoenix AZ

In the heart of Marlin Grove, one of Phoenix’s most beloved architectural neighborhoods, stands a home originally crafted by iconic Arizona architect Ralph Haver. Known for clean lines, low-pitched roofs, and open-concept living, Haver’s homes are treasures of Southwest mid-century modernism. But like many homes of its time, this one had begun to show its age—with outdated finishes, dark rooms, and awkward functionality.

When Homework Remodels stepped in, the goal wasn’t to reinvent—it was to reawaken. The result? A nationally celebrated remodel featured on HGTV’s “Bang for Your Buck,” hosted by Lisa LaPorta, and a proud participant in the Modern Phoenix Home Tour. It’s a space that honors Haver’s design legacy while embracing the elegance, energy, and expectations of modern living.

Embracing Haver’s Principles: Clean Lines and Open Living

This remodel centered on three key areas of the home: the kitchen, guest bathroom, and great room. Each presented a unique challenge: how to preserve mid-century integrity while delivering fresh functionality.

Instead of imposing a new style, we studied Haver’s original intent. We preserved the exposed beams and large openings that blurred the line between indoors and out. We allowed natural light to guide the new layout. And we selected materials that could pass as vintage while performing like new.

HGTV on set of our Kitchen Remodel
The mosaic glass tile back-splash was accented by the touch-to-activate under-cabinet lighting. A boxed fluorescent ceiling light was removed and replaced with cable lighting that would not conflict with the exposed ceiling beams.
Bold touches of orange cabinetry, as well as stainless steel kick plates, accented this unique kitchen.
Floating cabinets let light in where there was none.
Kitchen back splash
We created a much more open concept in the home's living space
This was a whole home remodel with HGTV focusing on the Kitchen

The Kitchen: An HGTV-Worthy Transformation

At the heart of the renovation—and of the home—is the kitchen, which had once been cramped, boxy, and visually disconnected from the rest of the home. We began by removing a bulky island that blocked both views and flow, unlocking a dramatic sense of space that extended into the great room. This transformation was so effective that it even earned a segment on HGTV’s “Bang for Your Buck” with Lisa LaPorta, showcasing how smart design can significantly increase a home’s value.

The new layout brought together open sightlines, improved function, and bold personality. With its frameless UltraCraft cabinets in high-gloss acrylic and a vibrant splash of orange accent cabinetry, the space now sings with mid-century flair. Stainless steel toe kicks introduced a subtle industrial contrast, while the cabinetry’s sleek lines stayed true to the home’s roots. Topped with durable quartz countertops, the new island became a monolithic feature—wrapped on three sides and fully integrated into the flow of the space. It offered the perfect blend of sculptural form and everyday function, demonstrating the kind of impactful change Lisa LaPorta often highlights on “Bang for Your Buck.”

Floating Cabinetry: Art, Architecture, and Storage Combined

One of the remodel’s most talked-about features is the floating cabinetry in the dining area. Supported by a steel frame anchored into the block wall, the cabinets appear to hover mid-air, blurring the boundary between architecture and furniture. This innovative design solution is exactly the kind of clever space utilization that homeowners seek, and that shows true “bang for your buck.”

More than just storage, these floating units serve as display space for artwork and décor, further connecting the kitchen and dining areas. When we replaced an unused exterior door with a picture window, the light transformed the entire space—casting soft shadows, highlighting textures, and framing views of the yard in classic Haver style.

Lighting That Reflects Design Integrity

Mid-century homes are about atmosphere as much as form, and that meant the lighting had to be purposeful. The original fluorescent ceiling box was replaced with a modern cable lighting system—suspended across the exposed beams and adjustable to highlight different zones of the room. This strategic lighting approach contributes significantly to the home’s overall feel and functionality, a key factor in maximizing appeal and value.

Under the cabinets, LED lighting strips added both task illumination and dramatic flair. A mosaic glass backsplash behind the cooktop bounced light back into the space, adding subtle texture and shimmering visual warmth.

Cohesion Through Flooring and Flow

We unified the kitchen and great room with large-format porcelain tile flooring, eliminating visual interruptions and bringing seamless flow to the home. The tile choice paid homage to Haver’s material palette while offering low-maintenance durability for everyday living. This simple yet impactful detail reinforced the idea that modern upgrades don’t need to shout. They can whisper, elegantly, across surfaces that support both movement and memory.

The Influence of Ralph Haver: Still Present, Still Powerful

Ralph Haver’s design language emphasized openness, efficiency, and modest elegance. In our remodel, we honored that legacy by celebrating his key tenets:

  • Prioritizing indoor-outdoor harmony
  • Embracing bold colors as accents, not distractions
  • Choosing honest materials—brick, steel, quartz—that age gracefully
  • Maintaining a sense of play and creativity throughout the space

Every detail was filtered through the lens of Haver’s legacy, and in doing so, we didn’t just remodel a home—we continued a story that began decades ago.

From Local Treasure to National Recognition

This project’s success wasn’t just visible in the final result—it was celebrated far and wide. HGTV featured the kitchen on “Bang for Your Buck,” showcasing the remodel’s smart design, aesthetic appeal, and added value, with host Lisa LaPorta undoubtedly impressed by the transformation. Later, the home was chosen for the Modern Phoenix Home Tour, a curated collection of homes that represent the best of mid-century restoration in the Valley.

That kind of attention isn’t given lightly—it’s earned through respect for history, attention to craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of what makes a home feel both iconic and livable. This project truly proved its “bang for your buck” on a national stage.

Thinking About Remodeling Your Mid-Century Home?

Whether you live in Marlin Grove, Arcadia, Uptown Phoenix, or Paradise Gardens, your mid-century home holds design DNA worth preserving. But restoring it doesn’t mean replicating the past. It means collaborating with experts who understand how to bring out its best—honoring the original while making space for your life today.

At Homework Remodels, we specialize in mid-century and historic home renovations throughout the Phoenix area. We bring:

  • A deep appreciation for architectural heritage
  • Proven design-build expertise
  • Award-winning craftsmanship and attention to detail

Let’s Bring Your Mid-Century Vision to Life

If you’re ready to reimagine your Haver home—or any mid-century gem—our team is here to guide you from start to finish. Whether it’s a kitchen, bath, or full home transformation, we believe in design that honors history and elevates everyday living. Just like the homes featured on HGTV’s “Bang for Your Buck”, we aim to deliver exceptional value and timeless appeal.

PREMIER HOME REMODELING IN THE GREATER PHOENIX

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.