A Culinary Oasis in Tempe, AZ: Crafting an Open Concept Galley Kitchen

“Spacious and comfortable” is how our homeowner, a seasoned professional in the food industry, described her dream kitchen in Tempe, AZ. Her vision was clear: to create a welcoming, open-concept galley kitchen that maximized the existing square footage, moving far beyond the “sterile industrial” aesthetic that reminded her of her work. Instead, she yearned for deep, rich hues and high-end finishes. Her core request was an open floor plan centered around an island large enough to seat five at dinner and provide ample space for entertaining crowds. From our first meeting, her commitment to this focal point was evident, with blue tape already marking its pre-designated location on the floor. For her, the island was not just a piece of furniture; it was the heart around which the rest of her dream kitchen would be designed in her Tempe, AZ home.

The Existing Challenge: Outdated, Awkward, and Unorganized

The reality of the existing kitchen was a stark contrast to her aspirations. It suffered from out-of-date finishes, was closed off from the dining room by an awkward peninsula, and desperately needed a new space plan to accommodate better-organized storage. This common scenario in older Tempe homes often creates bottlenecks and limits functionality, especially for those who enjoy cooking and entertaining.

Our NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath designer began the design phase with an in-depth consultation, asking several key questions to understand our client’s unique needs. We delve into how clients intend to use their new space, specific requests regarding appliances, finishes, and lighting, and how their current storage solutions are performing. We determine if it’s a multiple-cook kitchen, how often they entertain, and the typical size of their gatherings. All this information is crucial in designing a truly bespoke open concept galley kitchen. Our designer meticulously captured our client’s vision for her dream kitchen by touching on everything from door styles and stains to color schemes and countertop materials.

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The Blueprint for a Dream: A Personalized Space Plan for an Open Concept Galley Kitchen

Based on these detailed discussions, an individualized space plan was developed to address every aspect of our client’s wish list and integrate the island as the central element of her new open concept galley kitchen. This plan included:

• A baking center: Dedicated space for her culinary passions.
• New double-stacked Cherry Cabinets: Maximizing vertical storage.
• Additional prep and counter space: Essential for cooking and entertaining.
• Plenty of lighting: A layered approach including general, task, ambient, and decorative illumination.
• An island that seats five comfortably: The non-negotiable focal point.
• An eye-catching backsplash at the cooktop: Serving as a visual focal point.

From Plan to Reality: Precision and Preparation

Once our homeowner was thrilled with the design and space plan for her Tempe, AZ open concept galley kitchen, we moved into the rigorous planning phase. This included developing detailed electrical and plumbing plans and comprehensive product selection. We prepare a fixed-price contract for our remodel, ensuring cost transparency and clarity. We prioritize shopping with our clients, assisting them in making educated decisions about every item going into their soon-to-be-remodeled home. This collaborative selection process ensures that every finish, fixture, and appliance aligns with their vision and budget. Once product selection is complete, we coordinate with our trade partners to acquire precise quotes for this specific scope of work. With commitments from subcontractors secured, we build a thorough set of specifications to highlight all the project details. Upon client approval and contract negotiation, our Production Manager creates the comprehensive timeline, keying in our Project Manager for precise subcontractor scheduling.

The Island Magic: Overcoming Hidden Challenges

With all preparations complete, work began with demolishing the existing kitchen. It was here that we ran into our first significant challenge. While attempting to locate the sink drain tie-in, our Project Manager quickly discovered that the drain was buried much more profoundly than anticipated. Our Plumber and his team had to scope the drain, presenting the possibility of delaying the critical construction of the island within this open concept galley kitchen. With hours of persistence and the expertise of our very skilled trade partner, we were able to locate the drain and complete the plumbing installation without significant delay. This unexpected hurdle was managed seamlessly, ensuring the project remained on track.

The gorgeous island now stands as the undeniable centerpiece of the open concept galley kitchen, featuring a beautiful Rohl 1 1/2 bowl undermount Fireclay sink and a modern Delta, high-arc, single-handle, pull-down faucet. The heat- and scratch-resistant Silestone Pulsar quartz countertop is a marvel of fabrication, and it is carefully installed so that no seams distract from its natural marble-like pattern. The dishwasher and a cleverly concealed pull-out trash and recycling center are beneath the lovely quartz. This island truly delivers on the homeowner’s vision, providing ample space for entertaining and extra seating for her guests. Complete with mitered waterfall ends, cleverly hidden outlets, and suede barstools, this island undeniably steals the show, perfectly balancing elegance with incredible functionality.

Maximizing Storage and Style: Cherry Cabinets and Modern Finishes

Having incredible 12-foot vaulted ceilings to work with gave our designer plenty of room to add much-needed storage space in this Tempe, AZ home. Cherry cabinets with a Fireside stain and a Shaker-style door profile were selected for their deep, rich hues, aligning perfectly with the homeowner’s desire for a warm, inviting aesthetic in her open concept galley kitchen. These cabinets were meticulously stacked 45 inches high to maximize storage and minimize clutter, reaching toward the impressive ceiling. Several wall cabinets feature clear glass inserts and LED tape lighting to highlight the exotic decorative art objects our homeowner has collected during her travels abroad, adding a personal touch and visual depth to the space.

Sleek crown moldings, a light rail, and a linear backsplash further reinforced the aesthetic of clean, modern lines. Above the cooktop, the hood is capped by a wood panel that allows the crown molding to continue seamlessly around the top of the kitchen, creating a cohesive and polished look. The backsplash is stunning, containing a modern mix of gray arabesque glass tile and a linear-cut Carrera marble. Its reflective qualities beautifully accent the Cherry cabinets and highlight the wall-mounted Delta pot filler, strategically located at the cooktop for convenience in this open concept galley kitchen.

Navigating Challenges: Communication and Client Satisfaction

Our client was traveling during much of the construction phase of her Tempe, AZ open concept galley kitchen, which limited direct communication between her and our project manager at times. Her brother was an invaluable on-site liaison, interacting with job site personnel to ensure everything met her exacting critique. Once, upon her return home, she reviewed the project and requested a few cabinet detail changes. With these items already completed, a Change Order was written, and our trade associate was brought back to revise the work. This flexibility and commitment to client satisfaction ensured her happiness even when it meant redoing completed work. Ultimately, our homeowner was thrilled with the final details, and the project was still completed on time. This experience underscored the importance of transparent communication and a flexible approach to meeting client expectations, no matter the obstacle.

Illuminating the Dream: Layered Lighting and Comfort

After enduring a kitchen illuminated only by floodlights, our homeowner was thrilled with the new lighting fixtures we incorporated into the design package for her open concept galley kitchen. We installed recessed LED can lights in the kitchen ceiling to provide excellent general illumination, brightening this once ill-lit space. Our designer specified under-cabinet, in-cabinet, and above-cabinet LED tape lighting for the cabinetry, all on dimmer switches, allowing for versatile ambiance control. Over the island, we installed three beautiful, modern pendants on a dimmer to provide focused light and a decorative touch. Practical additions included plug strips under the wall cabinets for small appliances, keeping cords neatly out of sight. At the height of the vaulted ceilings, we strategically placed a compact fan to help with airflow heat dispersion and provide ambient lighting, further enhancing comfort in the spacious kitchen.

The Grand Finale: A Gem of Functionality and Style in Tempe, AZ

Carefully designed to meet and then exceed every one of our homeowner’s wishes, this brilliant gem of an open concept galley kitchen is now the undeniable highlight of her Tempe, AZ home. Entertaining is a breeze, with the expansive island serving as a central hub for guests. Daily meal prep is much more manageable, thanks to the thoughtful layout and ample prep and counter space. Clutter is nowhere to be found, a testament to the intelligent storage solutions and deep, organized cabinetry.

The space is now more functional and well-organized, reflecting the homeowner’s sophisticated taste and practical needs. Our homeowner’s dream of an open concept galley kitchen has become her vibrant reality, including some island magic that ties the entire design together. This kitchen is not just a place to cook; it’s a comfortable, inviting, and highly efficient space where memories will be made and culinary delights will be shared for years to come in Tempe, AZ.

AWARD-WINNING HOME REMODELING IN TEMPE, 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.