Ahwatukee AZ Kitchen Remodel – Modern Finishes

Watch the Transformation

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

Project Overview

This returning Ahwatukee client invited us back—this time for a full kitchen renovation. We opened up the space, upgraded every surface, and delivered a bright, modern, high-function kitchen that feels like a brand-new home. When clients trust you enough to invite you back for additional projects, it represents the ultimate validation of quality work and professional service.

The transformation began with removing the dated soffits that boxed in the upper cabinets. Soffits were common in 1980s-90s kitchens but create outdated, cramped appearance by lowering ceiling lines. Removing them and installing taller upper cabinets dramatically opens vertical space while providing substantially more storage capacity. The clean, ceiling-height cabinetry creates custom-built appearance and modern aesthetic that dated soffit construction cannot match.

We extended the peninsula to create better workspace flow and functionality, adding a pull-out trash cabinet for convenient waste management. The peninsula expansion provides additional prep and serving space while the integrated trash cabinet eliminates unsightly waste bins and frees up floor space. We also built additional functional storage on the back side of the peninsula, maximizing every opportunity to increase the kitchen’s organizational capacity.

For surfaces, we selected elegant light-vein quartz countertops paired with premium marble herringbone mosaic backsplash for timeless style and sophisticated appearance. The quartz provides durable, maintenance-free performance with subtle veining that adds visual interest, while the marble herringbone creates stunning focal point with classic pattern and natural stone beauty. The herringbone layout—tiles arranged in V-shaped pattern—brings artisanal sophistication that standard subway tile cannot achieve.

We replaced old track lighting with modern energy-efficient recessed lighting to brighten and open the space. Track lighting from the 1990s-2000s created cluttered ceiling appearance and uneven illumination. Contemporary recessed cans provide clean, streamlined look with better light distribution throughout the kitchen. The improved lighting makes the space feel larger, brighter, and more inviting for both cooking and entertaining.

To create cohesive flow throughout the home, we painted the entire interior (minus bedrooms) in fresh, light colors that complement the new kitchen finishes. This whole-home approach ensures the kitchen renovation integrates seamlessly rather than feeling disconnected from surrounding spaces. The result is a transformed kitchen and living space that’s more open, brighter, highly functional, and absolutely Mustache Approved.

Ready to transform your own kitchen with soffit removal and premium finishes? Learn more about our kitchen remodeling services and discover how we can bring modern design and quality craftsmanship to your Ahwatukee home.

Project Highlights

🏗️ Soffit Removal & Taller Cabinets

• Dated soffits removed – Opened up vertical space dramatically
• Taller upper cabinets – Ceiling-height for more storage
• Clean built-in look – Custom appearance throughout
• Modern aesthetic – Eliminates outdated 1980s-90s styling

🏝️ Peninsula Expansion & Storage

• Peninsula extended – Better workspace flow and function
• Pull-out trash cabinet – Convenient integrated waste management
• Backside storage added – Additional functional organization
• Maximized capacity – Every opportunity for storage captured

💎 Quartz Countertops

• Elegant light-vein quartz – Subtle visual interest
• Durable surface – Non-porous, stain-resistant performance
• Maintenance-free – No sealing required, easy cleaning
• Timeless style – Works with classic and contemporary designs

✨ Marble Herringbone Backsplash

• Premium marble mosaic – Natural stone beauty and character
• Herringbone pattern – V-shaped layout adds sophistication
• Stunning focal point – Artisanal detail elevates design
• Classic elegance – Timeless pattern with lasting appeal

💡 Modern Recessed Lighting

• Replaced track lighting – Eliminated dated, cluttered look
• Energy-efficient recessed cans – Clean, streamlined ceiling
• Better light distribution – Even illumination throughout
• Brightens space – Makes kitchen feel larger and inviting

🎨 Fresh Interior Paint

• Entire interior painted – Minus bedrooms for scope
• Light, modern colors – Complements new kitchen finishes
• Cohesive flow – Kitchen integrates with surrounding spaces
• Whole-home approach – Complete transformation throughout

✅ Complete Gut Renovation

• Licensed contractor – ROC #309760, fully insured and bonded
• Returning client – Trusted for multiple projects
• 6-8 week timeline – Comprehensive renovation efficiently executed
• Open, bright, functional – Feels like brand-new home

Why This Design Works for Ahwatukee Kitchens

Soffit removal represents one of the most impactful updates in kitchen remodeling for homes built in the 1980s-90s. These bulkheads served no structural purpose—they merely hid ductwork or created visual break between cabinets and ceiling. Removing them and installing ceiling-height cabinetry transforms kitchen appearance from dated and cramped to modern and spacious. The extra vertical storage capacity (typically 12-18″ additional height) provides genuine functional benefit alongside the dramatic aesthetic improvement.

Marble herringbone backsplashes create stunning focal points that elevate kitchens beyond builder-grade installations. While subway tile provides timeless appeal, herringbone pattern adds artisanal sophistication through its V-shaped angled layout. Natural marble brings organic variation and luxury that ceramic or porcelain cannot match. This combination—premium natural stone in classic pattern—represents investment in lasting beauty that won’t look dated as trends evolve.

Peninsula expansions deliver disproportionate value by adding workspace and storage without requiring additional floor space. Extending existing peninsulas by 1-2 feet provides meaningful prep area increase while built-in features like pull-out trash cabinets eliminate clutter and improve workflow. The backside storage opportunities (shelving, cabinets accessible from living area) maximize the peninsula’s utility from both kitchen and living room perspectives.

Whole-home painting when renovating kitchens ensures cohesive design flow throughout first floors. When you invest in beautiful new kitchen finishes but leave surrounding walls in dated colors, the contrast emphasizes rather than integrates the renovation. Fresh paint in coordinated colors throughout living areas, dining rooms, and hallways creates unified appearance that makes the entire home feel refreshed rather than showing obvious new/old contrast.

Ahwatukee Kitchen Remodeling Expertise

This kitchen is one of many comprehensive transformations we’ve completed throughout Ahwatukee, from the Foothills to Lakewood, from Mountain Park Ranch to Club West. Our experience with soffit removal, premium backsplash installations, and whole-home coordination means we can help homeowners create kitchens that feel like brand-new homes.

We work with trusted tile suppliers to source premium marble mosaics and have relationships with quality cabinet manufacturers. Our painting crews coordinate seamlessly with kitchen installations to deliver complete transformations. This integrated approach translates directly into superior outcomes for Ahwatukee homeowners pursuing comprehensive kitchen renovations.

Ready to Transform Your Ahwatukee Kitchen?

Whether you’re planning soffit removal, marble herringbone backsplash, peninsula expansion, 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 Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley, we have the expertise to handle 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 Ahwatukee and the Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove the soffits in my kitchen?

Yes, if your kitchen has soffits (bulkheads above cabinets) common in 1980s-90s homes. Benefits of removal include dramatically opens vertical space, allows ceiling-height cabinets (12-18″ more storage), creates modern, clean appearance, and eliminates dated styling. The only reasons to keep soffits are if they hide essential ductwork that cannot be rerouted (rare) or budget is very tight. Otherwise, soffit removal delivers one of the highest visual impacts in kitchen remodeling.

Is marble herringbone backsplash worth the extra cost?

Marble herringbone provides premium appearance and lasting value through natural stone beauty with organic variation, sophisticated V-shaped pattern beyond basic subway, artisanal character that elevates design, and timeless appeal that won’t date. The extra cost (typically $1,500-3,000 over standard subway) delivers genuine luxury and can increase home value. However, marble requires sealing and more maintenance than porcelain. Consider your budget and willingness to maintain natural stone when deciding.

How much does soffit removal cost?

Soffit removal typically costs $2,000-5,000 depending on kitchen size, whether ductwork requires rerouting, electrical work needed, and drywall repair/painting required. While this adds to renovation budget, the impact on kitchen appearance and storage capacity makes it worthwhile investment for most homeowners with dated soffit kitchens. The taller cabinets do cost more than standard height, but the storage increase and modern appearance justify the expense.

Should I paint my whole house when remodeling my kitchen?

Painting main living areas (first floor minus bedrooms) when renovating kitchens creates cohesive design flow, prevents new/old contrast that highlights dated colors, refreshes entire home’s appearance, and typically costs $3,000-6,000 for comprehensive painting. This relatively modest investment makes the entire home feel renewed rather than showing obvious kitchen-only update. Consider at minimum painting kitchen, dining, and adjacent living areas in coordinated colors.

Have more questions? Visit our kitchen remodeling FAQ page for comprehensive answers about soffit removal, premium backsplashes, and complete kitchen renovations.

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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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Proudly serving Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and throughout the Phoenix East Valley with licensed, professional kitchen remodeling services.