Gilbert AZ Kitchen & Flooring Remodel

Watch the Transformation

See the complete before and after transformation in our video walkthrough:

Project Overview

This Gilbert, Arizona kitchen wasn’t just dated—it was limiting the entire first floor. By reworking the layout, updating finishes, and modernizing the style, we turned this space into a warm, welcoming, and functional modern kitchen that serves as the heart of the home for daily living and entertaining.

The original angled island created awkward traffic patterns and wasted counter space. We reconfigured the island to align cleanly with the wall cabinets, creating better flow and maximizing usable workspace. This layout improvement transformed how the family uses their kitchen—eliminating the bottleneck feeling and creating logical work zones that make meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.

We installed 42″ custom upper cabinets from Sollid Cabinetry, featuring Canvas finish on the perimeter cabinets with Chocolate stained island for visual contrast. The taller 42″ uppers (versus standard 30″ or 36″) maximize vertical storage capacity while creating impressive ceiling-height appearance. The two-tone color scheme—light perimeter cabinets with dark island—adds sophisticated depth and prevents monotonous all-one-color kitchens.

For countertops, we selected 2cm quartz with soft off-white veining that provides durable, maintenance-free surface with elegant appearance. The subtle veining adds visual interest without overwhelming, while the non-porous quartz resists staining and requires no sealing—ideal for busy kitchens. We paired this with a stainless steel undermount sink and updated fixtures for clean, modern functionality.

The backsplash features handmade-look 3×12 subway tile in classic ivory, bringing artisanal character and timeless appeal. The slightly irregular edges and subtle color variation of handmade-style tile creates warmth and personality that perfectly manufactured tile cannot match, while the ivory tone bridges the light perimeter cabinets and darker island beautifully.

To tie the entire first floor together, we installed warm wood-look plank tile flooring throughout the kitchen and adjoining living spaces. This continuous flooring creates seamless visual flow between rooms, making the entire first floor feel larger and more cohesive. The wood appearance brings organic warmth while the porcelain construction delivers waterproof durability perfect for kitchen environments.

This remodel brings together timeless design, increased storage, and modern finishes—creating a bright, inviting kitchen perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Ready to transform your own kitchen? Learn more about our kitchen remodeling services and discover how we can bring thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship to your Gilbert home.

Project Highlights

🏗️ Island Layout Redesign

• Angled island reconfigured – Squared to align with wall cabinets
• Improved traffic flow – Eliminated awkward bottlenecks
• Maximized workspace – More usable counter area
• Better functionality – Logical work zones created

🚪 42″ Custom Sollid Cabinetry

• Canvas finish perimeter – Light, bright upper and base cabinets
• Chocolate stained island – Dark contrast for visual depth
• 42″ upper cabinets – Ceiling-height storage maximization
• Two-tone design – Sophisticated color coordination

💎 2cm Quartz Countertops

• Soft off-white veining – Elegant appearance with subtle pattern
• Durable surface – Non-porous, stain-resistant performance
• Maintenance-free – No sealing required, easy cleaning
• Undermount sink – Stainless steel with updated fixtures

🧱 Handmade-Look Subway Tile

• 3×12 subway format – Classic proportions with character
• Classic ivory color – Bridges light and dark cabinetry
• Artisanal appearance – Irregular edges add warmth
• Timeless appeal – Won’t look dated as trends evolve

🪵 Wood-Look Plank Tile Flooring

• Continuous first floor – Kitchen through living areas
• Warm wood appearance – Organic, inviting character
• Porcelain durability – Waterproof, scratch-resistant
• Seamless visual flow – Makes spaces feel larger, cohesive

✅ Complete Kitchen Transformation

• Licensed contractor – ROC #309760, fully insured and bonded
• Layout optimization – Functional improvements throughout
• 4-6 week timeline – Complete remodel efficiently executed
• Timeless modern design – Built for lasting style and value

Why This Design Works for Gilbert Kitchens

Island layout optimization represents one of the highest-impact improvements in kitchen remodeling. Angled or poorly positioned islands create traffic bottlenecks, wasted counter space, and awkward work triangles between sink, stove, and refrigerator. Reconfiguring islands to align with wall cabinets and establish clear pathways transforms kitchen functionality—making meal preparation more efficient while improving traffic flow for multiple users simultaneously.

42″ upper cabinets versus standard 30″ or 36″ heights dramatically increase storage capacity while creating sophisticated ceiling-height appearance. The extra 6-12″ of cabinet space provides room for items used less frequently, reducing cabinet clutter and improving organization. The tall cabinets also eliminate the dust-collecting gap between cabinet tops and ceilings common in standard installations—a practical benefit alongside the visual impact.

Two-tone cabinetry (light perimeter, dark island) has emerged as sophisticated alternative to all-white kitchens. The color contrast creates visual depth and interest while the darker island grounds the space and hides wear better than all-white installations. This approach provides personality without the overwhelming feeling that can result from very dark cabinets throughout. The light perimeter keeps kitchens feeling bright and open while the dark island adds drama.

Continuous flooring throughout the first floor makes homes feel substantially larger by eliminating visual breaks between rooms. When kitchen, dining, and living areas share the same flooring, the eye travels uninterrupted across the entire space—creating perception of expanded square footage. This open-concept approach aligns with modern living preferences for connected spaces rather than compartmentalized rooms.

Gilbert Kitchen Remodeling Expertise

This kitchen is one of many comprehensive transformations we’ve completed throughout Gilbert, from Agritopia to Val Vista Lakes, from Whitewing to Power Ranch. Our experience with layout optimization, custom cabinetry, and whole-floor renovations means we can help homeowners create kitchens that serve as beautiful, functional hearts of their homes.

We know which materials perform best in Arizona’s climate, and our relationships with quality cabinet manufacturers like Sollid and trusted suppliers ensure access to premium products without delays. This local expertise translates directly into better design recommendations, expert installations, and superior outcomes for Gilbert homeowners pursuing kitchen transformations.

Ready to Transform Your Gilbert Kitchen?

Whether you’re planning island redesign, two-tone cabinetry, complete kitchen renovation, or any remodeling project, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760) serving Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley, we have the expertise to handle layout optimization and comprehensive transformations with quality craftsmanship.

Get Your Free Estimate Today →

We’ll schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your goals, assess your space, provide detailed recommendations, and answer all your questions. No pressure, just honest advice from experienced professionals who’ve completed hundreds of successful kitchen remodels throughout Gilbert and the Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I redesign my kitchen island layout?

Consider island redesign if your current island creates traffic bottlenecks between kitchen zones, wastes counter space with awkward angles, makes it difficult for multiple people to work, or doesn’t align logically with wall cabinets. Layout improvements often deliver the biggest functional impact in kitchen remodels. Professional design consultation can identify whether your island layout is optimal or limiting your kitchen’s potential.

Are 42″ upper cabinets worth the extra cost?

42″ uppers provide significant value through substantial storage increase (6-12″ more cabinet space), ceiling-height appearance that feels more custom/luxurious, elimination of dust-collecting cabinet-to-ceiling gap, and improved proportion in kitchens with 9-10′ ceilings. The modest cost increase ($1,500-3,000 over standard height) delivers lasting functional and aesthetic benefits. For kitchens with 8′ ceilings, 36″ or 39″ uppers work better.

Should I use two-tone cabinetry in my kitchen?

Two-tone cabinetry (light perimeter, dark island) works beautifully when you want visual interest beyond all-white kitchens, sophisticated depth without darkness throughout, contrast that creates focal points, and practical durability (dark islands hide wear). Best practices: keep perimeter light for brightness, use island for dark contrast, ensure colors coordinate rather than clash. This approach has replaced all-white as the sophisticated standard.

Should I extend kitchen flooring throughout my first floor?

Continuous first-floor flooring makes spaces feel substantially larger, creates modern open-concept appearance, simplifies design decisions (no transitions to coordinate), and often costs less than multiple flooring types. Benefits are greatest in open floor plans where kitchen, dining, and living areas connect. For homes with distinct separate rooms, transitions between spaces can work fine. Consider your home’s layout and lifestyle.

Have more questions? Visit our kitchen remodeling FAQ page for comprehensive answers about island layouts, cabinet heights, and complete kitchen renovations.

Follow Our Work

Want to see more kitchen transformations and get ideas for your own remodel? Follow us on YouTube for complete project walkthroughs, design tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at our remodeling process:

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Explore Our Kitchen Remodeling Services

Interested in a similar transformation? We specialize in comprehensive kitchen remodeling and cabinet services throughout the East Valley. Our services include:

🍳 Kitchen Services

• Virtual Showroom 3D Design Consultation – See your kitchen before we build
• Complete Kitchen Remodeling →
• Kitchen Cabinet Installation →
• Kitchen Cabinet Refacing →
• Kitchen Cabinet Painting →
• Kitchen Countertop Installation →
• Tile Backsplash Installation →
• Tile Flooring Installation →

📍 Service Areas

We provide professional kitchen remodeling services throughout the East Valley:

Gilbert | Chandler | Mesa | Tempe | Scottsdale | Ahwatukee