The Unfolding Dream: Crafting a Premier Hacienda-Style Kitchen in the Greater Phoenix Area

NARI OF GREATER PHOENIX CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR $100,000 – $250,000

A Twelve-Year Vision Takes Shape

For twelve patient years, a vision had been gently simmering in the minds of our Scottsdale homeowners. Daydreams of culinary creation, inspired by countless images and fueled by a deep desire for a space that truly reflected their lifestyle, had been carefully nurtured. Since they first purchased their home, a major kitchen overhaul had been a long-term aspiration, a significant investment in their daily lives, and the heart of their dwelling. Through diligent saving and the meticulous curation of a robust Pinterest portfolio—a digital scrapbook of their aesthetic desires—this long-held dream was finally on the cusp of becoming a tangible reality.

Finding the Perfect Partner on Houzz Pro

Their search for the perfect partner to bring this vision to life led them to our Houzz Pro page, a testament to our expertise and commitment to exceptional kitchen design in the Greater Phoenix area. Our initial meeting was characterized by a thoughtful exchange of ideas and well-articulated questions, revealing the depth of their planning and consideration. Among their many aspirations, the most pressing concern revolved around the strategic relocation of their stove. This pivotal element would significantly impact the functionality and flow of their new kitchen. Our design approach immediately addressed this, promising the creation of a more efficient and ergonomic work triangle, the cornerstone of a well-designed culinary space.

Defining the Desired Transformation

Beyond the stove’s placement, their priority list painted a vivid picture of their desired transformation:

• Embracing Open Concept Living: The removal of a dividing wall to foster a sense of seamless connection and open flow between adjacent living areas.
• Creating a Functional Family Landing Zone: A semi-private yet easily accessible zone near the garage for storing shoes, keys, backpacks, and charging devices.
• Repurposing Architectural Details: Converting an existing arched niche at the desk area into a charming and architecturally consistent doorway leading into the dining room.
• Enhancing Indoor/Outdoor Connection: Expanding a small door into a significantly larger opening to the backyard to better enjoy the Arizona climate.
• Designing a Central Gathering Island: Incorporating a substantial island—ideally in a round or L-shaped configuration—for mealtime gatherings and prep work.
• Prioritizing Organization and Illumination: Maximizing storage and introducing a thoughtful, layered lighting plan.

These goals created the blueprint for a uniquely personal and architecturally inspired Spanish Mediterranean kitchen remodel.

A Seamless Design Process Guided by Client Vision

Designing their new open-concept kitchen was a seamless and enjoyable process for our NARI-certified Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (MCKBR) design professional. This ease was primarily attributed to our client’s clear articulation of her hopes and desires, providing well-defined parameters that served as a solid foundation for our creative expertise.

We embraced their vision of a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and Spanish hacienda design influences—envisioning a space characterized by creamy, inviting cabinetry accented with the rich warmth of blue and copper details. The overarching vibe they sought was one of relaxed homey comfort. This welcoming space would be aesthetically pleasing and highly functional—a true hub for cooking, living, and entertaining.

The Focal Point: Stove and Custom Ventilation

Addressing the crucial element of the stove and ensuring proper ventilation became a focal point of the design. We strategically positioned the stove against a prominent wall, transforming it into a striking visual feature anchored by a beautiful, custom-crafted copper hood. This artisanal vent hood served both functional and aesthetic purposes.

To complement this focal point, navy blue tile accents were installed behind the cooktop, echoing the color used on the painted island cabinets. This established a strong, cohesive design language throughout the kitchen. Ductwork for the range hood was ingeniously routed within a soffit that discreetly traversed an adjacent wall before exiting at the back patio—preserving a clean, uninterrupted ceiling in the main space.

Creating a Functional and Harmonious Entry

To create a more practical entry point from the garage, the original door was relocated. It had previously opened into an awkward hallway that also served as the main route between the kitchen and dining room. Our designer recommended extending the wall adjacent to the garage entry to form a more defined and private landing zone.

This new wall offered valuable real estate for integrating a refrigerator and a dedicated coffee bar—two elements essential to the family’s daily routine. This strategic repositioning resulted in a more intentional, welcoming arrival space while freeing up the primary kitchen work area. Repeating the arched door motif already found elsewhere in the home created continuity and a refined sense of balance.

The Beauty of Reimagined Architecture

We saw incredible potential in an existing desk niche with an arched top that was previously underutilized. With its perfect dimensions and proximity to the dining room, this niche was transformed into a new doorway—enhancing flow and visual connection between the two rooms.

This small architectural change yielded a huge return, with the new arched opening now mirroring the existing doorway on the opposite wall. Together, these balanced arches anchor the space, drawing the eye through the room and reinforcing the Spanish Mediterranean design narrative.

Maximizing Indoor/Outdoor Living with Expansive Doors

Our homeowner hoped to improve backyard access and connect the interior kitchen with the outdoor entertaining space. While a second set of French doors was initially suggested, our team proposed a more dramatic and space-efficient solution: a 12-foot-wide, three-panel sliding glass door.

This configuration offers maximum light, unobstructed views, and flexibility in use. It opens wide enough to blur the line between indoors and out, inviting in natural breezes and sunlight. It also preserves traffic flow around the large kitchen island, ensuring that neither movement nor sightlines are obstructed. Now, the kitchen feels twice as spacious—full of light, air, and the serene tones of the desert landscape.

Designing a Functional and Social Island

The large, L-shaped navy blue island became the true heart of the home. Its generous proportions allowed for a variety of functions without overwhelming the space. One side houses the main kitchen sink, dishwasher, and a pull-out trash center—all backed by deep storage cabinets. The other side features additional rollout storage and a comfortable overhang for casual dining.

This island comfortably seats four people and still feels intimate—ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday baking sessions. The L-shape supports flow toward the large sliding doors and maintains an ergonomic work triangle. Rich in color and purpose, the island is both a social magnet and a hardworking kitchen asset.

Prioritizing Organization and Thoughtful Illumination

Storage was a key part of this kitchen remodel. The cabinetry design included tall pantry cabinets with roll-out trays, deep drawers for pots and pans, and narrow cabinets for cookie sheets and trays. Each zone was planned with daily use in mind—everything has its place.

Lighting was addressed with equal care. We installed evenly spaced recessed can lights for general illumination and under-cabinet task lights for food prep. Together, these layers ensure the kitchen is bright, welcoming, and easy to work in regardless of the time of day. Finishing touches, like dimmable switches, let the homeowners control mood and energy use.

A Dream Realized: Living with Ease and Comfort

Our homeowners are thrilled with the final result. They now enjoy a kitchen that reflects their vision, supports their lifestyle, and celebrates the warm textures and colors of the Southwest. Their new hacienda-style kitchen is more than a room—it’s an experience, a gathering place, and a sanctuary.

The thoughtful planning, architectural updates, and custom elements all contribute to a design that feels timeless and tailored. This premier Spanish Mediterranean kitchen in the Greater Phoenix area exemplifies what can be accomplished when inspiration, trust, and expertise align. We’re proud to have helped bring this long-awaited dream to life.

Ready to begin your Spanish Mediterranean kitchen remodel in the Greater Phoenix area?

Premier Hacinda Style Design for Spanish Mediterranean Kitchens in the Greater Phoenix Area

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.