A Cover-Worthy Transformation: Award-Winning Kitchen Shines in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine

This award-winning kitchen remodel isn’t just a testament to exceptional design and craftsmanship; it’s a story of how vision, dedication, and deep respect for architectural heritage can culminate in a breathtaking space that graced the cover of Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine. This project seamlessly blends historic charm with modern functionality, solidifying its place as a true design inspiration and a case study in preservation-minded remodeling.

A Journey Back in Time: Restoring a Historic Kitchen in Phoenix’s Willo Neighborhood

Set in the heart of the Willo Historic District in downtown Phoenix, this Spanish Colonial Revival-style home had weathered multiple remodels over the decades—each adding something but ultimately taking it further from its roots. The kitchen, despite having a solid layout and high-quality cabinetry from a prior remodel, felt stylistically disconnected from the rest of the home. Our homeowners wanted a kitchen that spoke the same architectural language as their beloved Spanish hacienda-style residence.

Understanding the significance of the Willo neighborhood and the architectural weight of Spanish Colonial Revival homes was crucial. These homes are known for their textured plaster walls, earthy color palettes, rich wood cabinetry, and patterned tile work. Our design team knew that honoring these details was not only a matter of style—it was an act of stewardship for a historically designated home

Willo Historic Home Remodel

The Existing Kitchen: Out of Sync with History

Functionally fine but aesthetically lacking, the kitchen didn’t reflect the home’s heritage. Previous updates had introduced contemporary elements that clashed with the home’s historic architecture. The cabinetry layout worked well, but the finishes and materials lacked the texture, warmth, and character of a 1920s-era Spanish Colonial interior.

Though the cabinetry was structurally sound, the finish was chipped and out of place. The countertops were utilitarian rather than inspirational, and the flooring—comprised of layers from different eras—didn’t match the home’s traditional elegance. The result was a kitchen that felt like a modern insertion in an otherwise richly historic environment.

Reimagining Authenticity: Materials and Design Choices

After extensive research into period-appropriate materials and design techniques, our plan focused on six key upgrades:

1. Handcrafted concrete tile flooring from Mexico, featuring a bonded marble finish
2. Black soapstone countertops, including a new custom peninsula with a downdraft cooktop
3. Custom sink cabinet with an integrated soapstone sink
4. Refinished original cabinetry in historically appropriate colors
5. Wall alcove with soapstone top for appliance storage
6. Hand-troweled wall texture and faux painting to evoke aged plaster walls

These choices were inspired by upscale Spanish Colonial homes and tailored to fit this unique Willo property.

Flooring Transformation: Art Beneath Your Feet

The new half-inch thick concrete tile, handmade in Mexico and bonded with marble, instantly set a historic tone. We removed several layers of prior flooring—including tile, plywood, and adhesives—to maintain height alignment with adjacent rooms, then installed a custom mortar bed for the new tiles.

One of the highlights of this installation was the integration of decorative “rug” patterns, created with alternating tile designs that mimic the look of area rugs but inlaid into the floor. These required careful onsite design adjustments and precision placement. This attention to detail turned the floor into a literal work of art—a surface rich with heritage and visual rhythm.

Cabinetry: Seamlessly Blending Old and New

Preservation and transformation were equally prioritized. We retained and refinished as many of the original cabinets as possible, updating their finish to reflect better authentic hacienda palettes in warm wood tones and creamy neutrals. Select custom cabinets were introduced—most notably the new soapstone sink cabinet and a modern trash-recycle pullout that replaced outdated trash compactors.

One standout feature was the new peninsula cabinetry, which was designed to resemble a freestanding furniture piece in keeping with the home’s period feel. The countertop was lowered to table height for a more inviting and practical workspace, requiring unique solutions for the downdraft cooktop installation below.

Countertops and Backsplash: Historic Materials with Modern Purpose

All countertops were replaced with black soapstone, chosen for its durability, natural matte patina, and historic relevance. Soapstone ages gracefully and darkens over time, bringing depth and warmth to the space. A new wall alcove provided a dedicated appliance space, topped with soapstone for continuity and ease of cleaning.

The backsplash featured colorful, hand-painted tile, adding vibrancy and a Spanish character to the otherwise understated surfaces. These tiles became jewelry for the kitchen—small accents that made a significant impact. Combined with the stone countertops and refined cabinetry, they unified the entire palette.

Fitting Modern Appliances into Historic Spaces

One of the most technically demanding aspects was fitting modern appliances within the framework of an old home. Installing a downdraft cooktop at table height in the new peninsula required hours of custom sheet metal fabrication to accommodate venting without losing valuable storage. Similarly, the microwave required the wall behind it to be recessed so that the new cabinet face would remain flush.

These behind-the-scenes efforts demonstrate the kind of craftsmanship and problem-solving needed when blending historic preservation with contemporary performance.

Architectural Finishes: Wall Texture and Lighting

The walls received a custom-troweled texture with faux finishing to mimic the look of aged plaster, lending warmth and tactile richness. These subtle details create a timeless backdrop that enhances the authenticity of the entire room.

Lighting fixtures were selected to match the period, including wrought iron-inspired pendants and warm ambient sconces, casting a soft glow that flatters the textured walls and colorful tile. These lighting choices contributed to the feeling that the kitchen had always belonged in the home.

From Willo Neighborhood Treasure to Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine Recognition

The completed kitchen not only captured the admiration of our homeowners but also that of industry professionals. It was chosen to grace the cover of Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, a publication known for spotlighting the Southwest’s most inspiring interiors.

This recognition affirms the power of thoughtful, historically conscious remodeling. It also celebrates the uniqueness of Phoenix’s Willo neighborhood—where each home has a story and every detail matters.

A Living Link to the Past

This remodel demonstrates that true transformation doesn’t require sacrificing function for style—or vice versa. Through thoughtful restoration, innovative upgrades, and expert craftsmanship, we delivered a kitchen that both honors the past and serves the needs of modern living.

Gracing the cover of Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine was a proud moment, but the true reward lies in knowing we created a space that finally reflects the soul of this beautiful home in one of Phoenix’s most treasured neighborhoods.

Want to bring historic charm back to your kitchen?
Contact Homework Remodels for a no-obligation consultation. We specialize in award-winning kitchen remodels in Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods—including Willo, Encanto-Palmcroft, and F.Q. Story.

HISTORIC HOME REMODELING IN THE WILLO DISTRICT

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.