A roundup of inspiration for the heart of your home.

ORGANIC EXCELLENCE

Interior designer: Stephanie Larsen, Stephanie Larsen Interior Design 

This renovation was driven by a desire to use color in a balanced, visually engaging way, while creating a layout that adapted to the homeowner’s daily needs. The existing footprint was reimagined, relocating the refrigerator from an awkwardly angled niche to a more practical location. Expanding the floor plan allowed for a larger central seating area around the island. Existing cabinetry was replaced with custom rift-cut white oak, raising the cabinet heights for added drama and storage space. 

“Creating a space that feels calming and restorative doesn’t mean you have to avoid using color,” says Larsen. “By anchoring a space in natural materials and layering in chromatic details with intentionality, you can cultivate an aesthetic that feels both grounding and vibrantly expressive—it’s not an either-or choice; there is a way to have it all.”

SEDONA-INSPIRED SPLENDOR

Interior designer: Jaimee Rose, Jaimee Rose Interiors

“If this kitchen had a simple, quiet countertop, it would feel depressing,” says Rose of this Sedona home. “We needed an exuberant nod to the majesty of the stone outside,” The palette was inspired by the locale’s geology. “The eye had to connect with the scenery, and we did that by making stone the grand statement of the kitchen: a marble that pulls hues from the Sedona rocks but lets the mountain take the lead.”

The home channels high vibes and mystical energy, hallmarked with natural stone, rustic wood beams and the force of the divine feminine. It was also a remodel, so Rose was challenged to create that magic quickly. “Look at what is good and keep what you can,” she advises. “New countertops can change everything. And don’t choose boring lighting. Ever.” 

REFINED MINIMALIST

Interior designer: Maria Zambrano, Maria Z Interiors

With strong contemporary and architectural influences, this kitchen was thoughtfully planned to accommodate a large family, allowing multiple activities to coexist: cooking, eating, conversation and enjoying a quiet coffee—while honoring each area as its own distinct, yet connected, element.

“The design was guided by a precise balance, creating a sense of perfect symmetry throughout the space,” says Zambrano. “The juxtaposition of natural walnut, stone and light feels both inviting and warm.” The limited palette of charcoal, grays and warm wood demonstrates that complexity is not required for richness. “The control of the material selection yields refinement,” the designer says.

NOT YOUR USUAL NEUTRAL

Interior designer: Kaitlyn Wolfe, Kaitlyn Wolfe

Designed for an Italian couple in a neighborhood known for its midcentury architecture with Tuscan influences, this project blends both design languages into a home that feels timeless and personal. “We embraced the warmth and romance of Italy through a palette of sun-washed yellow tones, vintage furnishings, terrazzo, natural stone and handcrafted details, while honoring the home’s architectural context with clean midcentury lines,” says Wolfe. The result is a modern interpretation of Italian living that celebrates the clients’ heritage while seamlessly fitting into its unique surroundings.

The petite space gets a boost of charm and versatility with a moveable island with a circular cutout. Rift-cut white oak cabinetry and terrazzo countertops are additional ingredients. “You can create a warm, stylish kitchen in any size,” Wolfe says. “It’s all about layering materials, adding personal details and invoking thoughtful design.”

MINIMALIST LUXURY 

Interior designer: James McIntyre, James McIntyre Interior Design

When renovating a midcentury bungalow, McIntyre created a bridge between the 1960s and present-day sensibilities. “Natural contemporary styling works well in a midcentury home,” McIntyre observes. “There is no need to jump right away to a cliche color palette from the ’60s—move the design forward into the future.”

In this kitchen, appliances are in unity with minimal oak block-style cabinets. The island serves as the entertaining nucleus of the home. Midcentury-inspired cage
pendants are framed by bronze glass surround, which adds a note of bling to the neutral palette. Curved Lucite bar stools appear to float. 

MODERN LINES, RICH PALETTE

Interior designer: Whitney Ford, Whitney Ford Design

“We designed a warm, modern chef’s kitchen for clients who wanted an elevated, contemporary feel,” says Ford, “but it was important that the space still felt inviting and livable for their growing family.” Ford eliminated the original pantry to gain space, integrating storage solutions within cabinetry. The redesign includes two islands—one focused on prep, cooking and daily kitchen function; the other is oriented toward the adjacent living space for gathering and connection. Walnut cabinetry, greige porcelain countertops, warm brass finishes, paneled appliances and tambour detailing contribute to the sophisticated design.

SPANISH INFLUENCES

Interior designer: Brittny Smith, Homesmith Design

“Some of the most memorable spaces come from thoughtfully layering finishes, textures and styles—rather than following a single trend,” says Smith. “Design a home that resonates with you and reflects how you want to live, not simply what’s popular on social media.”

This kitchen blends subtle Spanish influences with modern design. Soft cream perimeter cabinetry provides an understated backdrop, while a contrasting dark island anchors the space and adds depth. Patterned backsplash tile introduces texture and character, complemented by a sculptural plaster range hood and floating shelves with brass rails that add just the right amount of character. Contemporary lines and simple silhouettes give the kitchen a fresh, forward-thinking feel, while maintaining warmth and approachability.

TIMELESS CONNECTION

Interior designer: Isabel Dellinger Candelaria, Earth & Images

“This kitchen was designed to feel collected rather than decorated,” says Dellinger Candelaria. “We wanted the room to foster connection—a kitchen designed not just for cooking, but for gathering, lingering and creating memories.”

The aesthetic draws from the Spanish roots of Santa Barbara that feels both sophisticated and livable. Cream-painted cabinetry, patterned tile, reclaimed wood and richly stained millwork create a dialogue between refinement and rusticity. “The room is grounded by natural materials and a palette inspired by the Southwest, yet it avoids becoming theme-driven,” the designer says. “Instead, it feels timeless, welcoming and deeply connected to its surroundings.”

MODERN HERITAGE

Interior designer: Mary Marsh, Lillian James Design Group

“I’m drawn to architectural interventions that completely change how a space feels, and this one did exactly that,” says Marsh. “Opening the ceiling and introducing warm wood transformed what was once a fairly ordinary kitchen into a room with character, volume and warmth. It’s proof that sometimes the biggest impact isn’t adding more, it’s reimagining the architecture that’s already there.”

The cabinetry balances warm rift white oak with painted warm white cabinetry, blending traditional craftsmanship with a fresh, updated aesthetic. Classic pendant lighting reinforces the timeless character while adding another layer of charm.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, allowing the natural beauty of each element to shine. “Finishes will evolve over time, but a well-designed space with beautiful proportions and purposeful functionality will always feel relevant,” Marsh says.

SOURCES

• ORGANIC EXCELLENCE—General Contractor: QC Quality Construction, Sedona, qcqualityconstruction.com
• Interior designer: Stephanie Larsen, Stephanie Larsen Interior Design, Scottsdale, stephanielarseninteriors.com
• SEDONA-INSPIRED SPLENDOR—Architect: DesignTank, Phoenix, designtank.co
• Builder: Moore Made Development, Scottsdale, mooremadedevelopment.com
• Interior designer: Jaimee Rose, Jaimee Rose Interiors, Phoenix, jaimeerose.com
• Cabinetry: Jack Davis, Saguaro Skies Cabinetry and Design, Mesa, saguaroskies.com
• Stone fabrication: MJ Stone, Queen Creek, facebook.com/mjstone05
• Stone slabs: pietrafina.com
• Chandeliers: hvlgroup.com
• REFINED MINIMALIST—Interior designer: Maria Zambrano, Maria Z Interiors, Paradise Valley, mariazinteriors.com
• Countertop fabrication: Pagpagno’s Marble & Granite, Scottsdale, papagnos.com
• Cabinetry: Linear Fine Woodworking, Phoenix, linearfinewoodworking.com
• Accessories: The Collector’s House, Scottsdale, thecollectorshouse.biz
• NOT YOUR USUAL NEUTRAL—Interior designer: Kaitlyn Wolfe, Scottdale, kaitlynwolfe.com
• MINIMALIST LUXURY—Interior designer: James McIntyre, James McIntyre Interior Design, Scottsdale, jamesmcintyreinteriordesign.com
• MODERN LINES, RICH PALETTE—Builder: RDH Builders Arizona, Scottsdale, rdhbuilders.com
• Interior designer: Whitney Ford, Whitney Ford Design, Scottsdale, whitneyforddesign.com
• SPANISH INFLUENCES—Interior designer: Brittny Smith, Homesmith Design, Mesa, homesmithdesign.com
• Backsplash tile: Tabarka Studio, Scottsdale, tabarkastudio.com
• TIMELESS CONNECTION—General contractor: True Performance Construction Inc., Phoenix, trueperformanceconstruction.com
• Interior designer: Isabel Dellinger Candelaria, Earth & Images, Phoenix, earthandimages.com
• Tile: Handcrafted Tile Inc., Phoenix, hctile.com
• Countertop (Black Pearl): Arizona Tile LLC, Tempe, arizonatile.com
• Appliances: Sub-Zero Wolf, Scottsdale, subzero-wolf.com
• Plumbing fixtures (by Kohler): Ferguson, Scottsdale, fergusonhome.com
• MODERN HERITAGE—Architect and builder: Greg Woods, Woods Architecture LLC; Woods Development, Phoenix, woodshomesaz.com
• Interior designer: Mary Marsh, Lillian James Design Group, Scottsdale, lillianjames.com
• Cabinetry: Distinctive Custom Cabinetry, Phoenix, distinctivecc.com
• Slab fabrication: Custom Stone Works, Gilbert, customstoneworksaz.com