Tempe Open Concept Galley Kitchen Remodel
Transforming a Closed Kitchen into a Warm, Inviting Gathering Space
2017 NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Winner
Residential Kitchen Remodel | $60,001–$100,000
When a Kitchen Feels Like Work Instead of Home
The right kitchen doesn’t just change how you cook—it changes how people gather.
For this Tempe homeowner, the vision was deeply personal.
After years working in the food industry, she didn’t want a kitchen that felt efficient but cold. She wanted something entirely different—a space that felt warm, welcoming, and connected to the people around it.
But the existing kitchen made that difficult.
Walls and a large peninsula enclosed the space, separating it from the dining and living areas. Even with adequate square footage, the kitchen felt confined. Cooking meant stepping away from conversation, and entertaining required constant movement between rooms.
She knew exactly what she wanted instead.
From the very first design meeting, she had marked the floor with blue tape—defining the location of a large island that would become the heart of the home.
Projects like this reflect the transformative potential of kitchen remodeling in Tempe, where layout decisions shape how a home is experienced.
A Recognized Approach to Design-Build Remodeling
This project was recognized with the 2017 NARI Contractor of the Year award, highlighting excellence in both design and execution.
More importantly, it reflects the value of a coordinated process.
Because the remodel involved wall removal, plumbing relocation, cabinetry design, and lighting integration, every decision needed to align from the beginning. This level of integration is central to design-build remodeling in Tempe, where planning and construction are developed together.
Opening the Kitchen to the Home
The most transformative change came from removing the barriers that defined the original layout.
Eliminating the wall between the kitchen and dining room created a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. What was once a confined space now feels open, bright, and connected.
Natural light travels deeper into the home. Movement between rooms becomes effortless. And most importantly, the homeowner can now remain part of the conversation while preparing meals.
This transformation reflects the principles behind open concept remodeling in Tempe, where connection between spaces defines how a home feels.
The Island That Defined the Entire Design
At the center of the new layout is the island that inspired the entire project.
Positioned precisely where the homeowner had envisioned it, the island provides generous workspace for cooking while offering seating for up to five people. It becomes a natural gathering point—allowing guests to engage with the cooking process without interfering with it.
The quartz countertop introduces a soft marble-like pattern, while mitered waterfall edges extend down both sides, creating a clean and dramatic visual statement.
Every detail of the island was designed to support both function and simplicity.
A built-in sink, integrated dishwasher, concealed storage, and hidden outlets ensure that the space remains highly functional without disrupting the clean lines of the design.
Cabinetry That Brings Warmth and Depth
The cabinetry plays a central role in defining the character of the kitchen.
Rich cherry wood finished in a warm fireside stain introduces depth and warmth, balancing the lighter tones of the countertops and backsplash.
Because the kitchen features vaulted ceilings, the cabinetry was extended vertically with stacked upper cabinets. This approach increases storage while creating a strong architectural presence that draws the eye upward.
Glass-front cabinets with interior lighting provide space for displaying personal items, adding both personality and visual interest to the room.
These decisions transform the cabinetry from simple storage into a defining architectural element.
A Backsplash That Anchors the Design
Behind the cooktop, the backsplash introduces a layered composition that anchors the space.
Arabesque glass tile reflects light, while Carrara marble accents add subtle contrast and refinement. Together, these materials create texture without overwhelming the design.
Above the cooktop, a stainless-steel hood is framed with a custom wood hood cap. This detail allows crown molding to continue seamlessly across the cabinetry, reinforcing the sense of continuity.
A wall-mounted pot filler adds both convenience and a professional-level detail that enhances the cooking experience.
Lighting That Shapes the Atmosphere
Lighting was a critical component of the transformation.
Previously, the kitchen relied on basic flood lighting that left the space feeling flat and unevenly lit.
The new design introduces layered lighting that adapts to different uses throughout the day.
Recessed LED lighting provides consistent illumination across the space. Pendant lights above the island create a focal point while supporting gathering and conversation. Under-cabinet lighting enhances visibility for cooking while adding warmth.
Interior cabinet lighting highlights displayed items, creating depth and visual interest—especially in the evening.
Together, these layers allow the kitchen to feel bright and functional when needed, while also transitioning into a more relaxed and inviting environment.
Overcoming Challenges During Construction
As with many remodeling projects, unexpected conditions emerged during construction.
The plumbing system presented a challenge when the drain line was discovered deeper than anticipated. Accessing it required additional excavation before the island could be installed.
Despite this complication, the issue was resolved efficiently without impacting the overall schedule.
The project also required careful coordination while the homeowner traveled during portions of the remodel. Communication with family members and trade partners ensured decisions remained aligned with the original vision.
Even late-stage adjustments to cabinetry were accommodated, reflecting a commitment to delivering a finished space that fully met the homeowner’s expectations.
Design-Build Remodeling Insight
Open-concept kitchens succeed when structure, layout, and lifestyle are considered together.
Removing walls is only part of the process. The real transformation comes from how the new space is organized—how people move through it, gather within it, and use it every day.
When these elements are aligned through a design-build approach, the result feels natural rather than forced.
For a deeper understanding of how planning shapes remodeling outcomes, explore the Homeowner Core Guides.
The Result: A Kitchen Designed for Connection
Today, the kitchen feels entirely transformed.
The space is open, bright, and welcoming. The island supports cooking, conversation, and gathering. The materials introduce warmth and character. Storage is organized and accessible.
Most importantly, the kitchen reflects the homeowner’s original vision—a place where cooking and connection happen together.
What was once a closed, isolated space has become the center of the home.
What Makes an Open Concept Kitchen Successful?
A successful open concept kitchen is not defined by openness alone.
It requires thoughtful planning, structural coordination, and a layout that supports how people actually live. When those elements come together, the kitchen becomes more than a workspace—it becomes the heart of the home.
Explore Related Remodeling Possibilities
Homeowners exploring similar projects often continue with:
- Open concept kitchen remodeling in Tempe
- Whole-home remodeling in Tempe
- Home addition contractors in Tempe
Considering an Open Concept Kitchen Remodel in Tempe?
A well-designed kitchen should do more than look beautiful—it should support how you live every day.
At Homework Remodels, we guide homeowners through a thoughtful design-build process that aligns layout, materials, and construction from the beginning.
Project Specifications
Project Name: Open Concept Galley Kitchen Remodel
Project Location: Tempe, Arizona
Project Type: Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling Method: Design-Build Remodeling
Builder: Homework Remodels
Award: 2017 NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Winner
Key Features: Wall removal for open layout, large quartz waterfall island, seating for five, cherry cabinetry, stacked upper cabinets, arabesque glass and marble backsplash, custom hood, layered lighting