Award-Winning Open Concept Kitchen Remodel in Tempe, Arizona
The Art of Open Concept: A Gray Transitional Kitchen Masterpiece
When homeowners reach a point where hard work has paid off, they begin investing in how they truly want to live.
That was exactly the case with this Tempe couple. After years of service in the Air Force and building a successful avionics business, they were ready to transform their winter home into a space that reflected their lifestyle. The property featured an expansive great room with incredible potential, but the kitchen felt cramped, undefined, and outdated within the oversized space.
They loved to entertain. They envisioned gatherings with friends and family, seamless indoor-outdoor flow to the pool area, and a kitchen that felt both impressive and welcoming.
The result earned Best of Show recognition in 2015, honoring the design, craftsmanship, and execution of this luxury kitchen renovation. It also stands as a strong example of how award-winning design-build remodeling in Phoenix and Scottsdale can transform the way a home functions.
PREMIER HOME REMODELING IN TEMPE, AZ
2015 NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) — Best of Show Winner
Residential Kitchen Remodel | Over $120,001
Project Overview
Project Location: Tempe, Arizona
Project Type: Open Concept Kitchen Remodel
Home Style: Transitional Luxury Home
Scope of Work: Custom cabinetry, open concept kitchen redesign, architectural room divider, luxury island installation, appliance upgrades, lighting redesign, stone backsplash, granite countertops
Remodeling Approach: Design-Build Remodeling
Builder / Remodeler: Homework Remodels
Recognition: 2015 NARI Contractor of the Year — Best of Show Winner
Homeowners considering similar projects may also explore our kitchen remodeling services in Tempe, learn more about open concept remodeling in Tempe, or read about our design-build remodeling process.
Bringing Definition to an Open Concept Space
The greatest design challenge was not size — it was definition.
The kitchen sat inside a massive open great room but lacked architectural presence. Initially, the homeowners considered removing angled walls and adding a dropped ceiling to create more intimacy. However, that structural approach exceeded the budget.
Instead, we introduced a more creative and cost-effective solution: decorative 8-foot columns paired with a custom arched room divider. This architectural element visually separates the kitchen from the dining area without closing off the space. Projects like this often begin with the desire to create better flow while preserving distinct zones, which is one reason homeowners researching open concept kitchen remodeling are often drawn to this type of transformation.
The result created:
- A sense of intimacy within an open floor plan
- A grand focal point that anchors the room
- A seamless transition between kitchen and dining
- Architectural balance aligned with the home’s ceiling height
The columns and arch bring elegance and definition while preserving openness.
Fully Custom Cabinetry Designed to Impress
Cabinetry was central to achieving the homeowners’ vision.
After exploring semi-custom options that fell short in both design and budget alignment, we collaborated with a local cabinetmaker to build fully custom cabinetry tailored to the space.
The finished design includes:
- Pale gray “stone” cabinetry with a subtle black glaze
- A charcoal-stained cherry island for dramatic contrast
- Custom mullions with seeded art glass
- Fluted columns and decorative crown molding
- A built-in hutch that anchors the dining transition
Beyond aesthetics, the cabinetry significantly improves storage, workflow, and organization. Homeowners considering custom kitchen remodeling in Tempe often discover that cabinetry decisions shape nearly every part of how the kitchen looks and functions.
The layered detailing and two-tone finish contribute significantly to the kitchen’s award-winning presence.
A Show-Stopping Island at the Center
At the heart of this kitchen is an expansive, multi-functional island.
The original island offered limited seating and functionality. The new design completely reimagines the centerpiece of the room.
Features include:
- A 48-inch professional gas range top
- Rollout storage for pots and pans
- Integrated dishwasher
- Two drawer stacks for utensils and prep tools
- Pullout trash and recycling
- Open display shelving
- Main sink with hands-free foot pedal operation
- Seating for five or more guests
A raised decorative section adds dimension and visual interest to the granite surface, breaking up the scale while enhancing the island’s sculptural quality.
This island is not just for cooking — it is where conversations happen.
For homeowners interested in similar layouts, our article on kitchen island design features offers additional ideas about how an island can become the true center of a kitchen.
Dedicated Work Centers for Effortless Entertaining
The previous layout lacked clear task zones. Appliances were clustered, and prep space was limited.
The redesigned plan introduces dedicated work centers that streamline daily cooking and large gatherings alike.
Bake Center
Positioned near the double ovens and warming drawer, this area offers generous counter space and dedicated storage for baking essentials.
Beverage Center
Complete with a prep sink, beverage refrigerator, glass storage, and a coffee cubby, this station keeps drinks and hosting supplies accessible without interrupting the main cooking zone.
Freezer and Pantry Center
Expanded storage ensures food prep remains organized and accessible.
Walkways were carefully designed at 44 inches wide — spacious enough for two cooks to work comfortably, yet subtly discouraging guests from crowding the prep area.
The layout is thoughtful, balanced, and intuitive. This kind of planning is one of the strengths of a design-build remodeling process, where layout, storage, and workflow are coordinated from the earliest design stages.
Premium Appliances and Elevated Details
This luxury kitchen remodel features a high-end appliance package that supports both everyday cooking and large-scale entertaining.
Selections include:
- Dacor cooking appliances
- SubZero column refrigerator
- Dedicated freezer drawers
- JennAir beverage center
Additional enhancements elevate functionality:
- Pop-up downdraft exhaust
- Concealed pop-up outlets with HDMI access
- Dual soap dispensers
- Foot levers for faucet and disposal
- Pre-plumbed water line for a future built-in coffee machine
These details reflect a kitchen designed for serious use — not just appearance.
Interior Accessories That Keep Everything Organized
True luxury often reveals itself in what you do not immediately see.
Interior cabinet accessories include:
- Full-extension drawer glides
- Deep rollout trays
- Vertical dividers for baking sheets
- Dual pop-up appliance lifts
- Integrated trash and recycling systems
These elements eliminate countertop clutter and ensure every item has a designated place.
Organization was just as important as visual impact.
Granite, Stone, and Layered Lighting
The stunning Fashion Bordeaux granite chosen for the island anchors the design with rich movement and depth. Its warm undertones complement the charcoal-stained cherry base while contrasting beautifully with the pale gray cabinetry.
The backsplash combines honed silver travertine with frosted platinum and amethyst jewel accents — a subtle personalization reflecting the homeowner’s favorite color.
Lighting completes the transformation:
- Decorative chandelier over the island
- Above-cabinet LED ambient lighting
- Under-cabinet LED task lighting
- Recessed can lights throughout
Layered illumination ensures the kitchen feels inviting while providing excellent visibility for cooking and entertaining.
Homeowners exploring luxury kitchen remodeling in Tempe often discover that lighting is one of the most important finishing layers because it influences both daily use and the overall mood of the room.
The Finished Result
Today, this Tempe luxury kitchen stands as a true centerpiece of the home.
It is:
- Architecturally defined
- Warm yet refined
- Designed for entertaining
- Built for everyday function
- Rich in custom craftsmanship
The columns and archway add presence. The island invites gathering. The work centers improve efficiency. The finishes elevate the entire great room.
Most importantly, it supports the lifestyle the homeowners worked so hard to achieve.
This project also stands alongside other award-winning Homework Remodels kitchens, including our historic Spanish Colonial kitchen renovation in Phoenix’s Willo Historic District and our award-winning Spanish Colonial kitchen remodel in Willo, showing the range of our work from luxury open-concept spaces to preservation-minded historic renovations.
Project Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Project Name | Open Concept Luxury Kitchen Remodel |
| Project Location | Tempe, Arizona |
| Project Type | Open Concept Kitchen Renovation |
| Remodeling Method | Design-Build Remodeling |
| Builder | Homework Remodels |
| Completion Year | 2015 |
| Construction Budget | Over $120,001 |
| Recognition | 2015 NARI Contractor of the Year — Best of Show |
| Special Features | Massive custom island, architectural column divider, two-tone cabinetry, SubZero refrigeration, Dacor appliances, beverage center |
Related Award-Winning Kitchen Remodels
Homework Remodels has completed numerous award-winning kitchen renovations across the Phoenix area.
You may also enjoy exploring:
- Historic Spanish Colonial Kitchen Renovation — 2012 Best of Show Winner
- Historic Galley Kitchen Remodel in Willo — 2018 CotY Winner
- Spanish Colonial Kitchen Remodel in Willo — 2025 RotY Winner
- Kitchen remodeling in Tempe
- Open concept remodeling in Tempe
Considering a Luxury Kitchen Remodel in Tempe?
If your kitchen feels undefined within an open floor plan, lacks functional work zones, or no longer reflects your lifestyle, a fully custom remodel can transform how you live and entertain.
A successful high-end kitchen renovation should focus on:
- Architectural definition within open spaces
- Custom cabinetry tailored to your needs
- Dedicated prep and beverage stations
- Thoughtful traffic flow
- Integrated premium appliances
- Interior storage solutions
- High-impact focal materials
When design and craftsmanship align, the result is more than a remodel. It becomes the centerpiece of how you live and entertain.
To begin planning your own project, learn more about Homework Remodels’ design-build remodeling process or explore our award-winning remodeling portfolio.
PREMIER 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.