With retirement on the horizon, our clients chose to move one more time. This time back to the much-adored community they raised their children and were deeply involved in.  Their goal in retirement is to stay active in serving. Finding a home in the established community they desired, they knew it would require a major facelift to meet their long-term needs. Understanding the goals of her client, their realtor referred them to a trusted resource for this scope of renovation.

Homeowner’s Goals

The homeowner’s goals for the great room included creating an open-concept floor plan for hosting multiple family, friend, and community events that would also enhance the structural aesthetic of the space.  It also included curating a kitchen the homeowner would love to host from with high-end appliances, and a space plan that encourages unity, yet offers a functional work triangle for daily living.  The original layout of the home included a sunken living room floor which was addressed for safety by installing a durable floor throughout.  Other goals for this space included renovating the double-sided wood-burning fireplace and updating the Arizona room.  During the remodel, the larger living area would undergo lighting changes.  We would also address climate balance in each living space due to current imbalance and fluctuations with HVAC, windows, and entry doors.  And through it all, craft a classic and timeless design with a Moroccan style inspiration.

What We Did to Accomplish Our Client’s Goals

To create an open-concept floor plan, walls were removed from the kitchen area as well as the floating soffits from the entry, dining room, and kitchen.  This exposed the beautiful, vaulted ceiling. The coat closet area was repurposed for a more functional wet bar.

To curate a kitchen she would love, we began with the technical details. With a new kitchen island, the layout maintains a work triangle she can maneuver easily.  This also creates an intuitive barrier between her preparation area and the community gathering point. With the size of the island, it provides ample seating and has room for preparation as well as service while still incorporating the hostess in gatherings.

In addition to the technical details, much was added to make this kitchen beautiful.  The dark navy island is the axis around which everything rotates. The medium-tone luxury vinyl floors add depth against the light and dark-painted cabinets with the added benefit that it conceals everyday dust and dog hair.  The backsplash tile adds texture and draws your eye in with the line and soft motion. The layers of lighting saturate all the areas of the new floor plan.

With the floating soffit and walls removed this new, we emphasized the vaulted ceiling with the large-scale pendant fixtures.  The clear glass globes above the island provide a unique design aesthetic emphasizing the Moroccan inspiration, while visually not absorbing too much attention.

Renovation of the Fireplaces

To renovate the living room and library fireplaces, the concrete masonry block hearths and mantels were removed. In the library, the recessed arched opening was framed and had drywall installed.  A new electric fireplace unit was installed on both sides of this double-sided fireplace.  Custom box beam mantles were built, and the Moroccan-inspired blue tile border resembles the tile in the Master Bathroom.  The fireplace wall is purposefully built out and painted the ceiling color with a smooth drywall texture to give it subtle prominence.

Arizona Room Update

The home’s original Arizona room was dark and needed light.  The existing window seat was replaced with a sliding glass door with blinds between the glass while also replacing the two existing doors.  A barn door was installed to close the room off when desired. The new tile floor with some pop was added to coordinate the color palette of the home. The renovated space currently functions as a cozy reading room with a serene view. In the future, it could be reimagined as a casual dining space.

Master Bathroom Renovation

The master bath reflects the Moroccan style influences throughout the house.  The arched double shower is a masterpiece!  Arched glass doors lead you into a zero-clearance two-person shower.  It has a trench drain that effectively keeps the water draining towards the center.  Dual shower fixtures and niches at both ends create a his-and-her space.  A bench runs the full width at the back making this shower accessible at all stages of life. A decorative accent wall panel has a beautiful blue tile that is also used throughout the house.  The floor tile coordinates with the Moroccan-inspired décor.  The dark brown vanity pulls together the floor tile and the ample lighting that comes from three different glass globe pendant lights fills the space with ambiance.

The Result

The renovated open-concept floor plan is flooded with light and functions well for our clients to enjoy; whether just themselves or while hosting a large gathering.  This home is also built with accessibility so that our clients can live in their new home comfortably for a long time. A home to love.

Watch our latest Coffee & Construction video series where Homework Remodel’s Lead Designer, Sheila Lanier, walks you through this Tempe, Arizona whole home remodel from start to finish! Thinking of remodeling? Watching the process will give you a great idea of what goes into it! You can find our Coffee & Construction Tempe episodes on our channel on YouTube, @homeworkremodels

PREMIER HOME REMODELING IN THE GREATER PHOENIX

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 [email protected] 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.