Arcadia Whole Home Renovation + Addition

A Phoenix Arcadia Home Remodel: Blending Views, Lifestyle, and Universal Design

NARI OF GREATER PHOENIX CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Residential Addition Over $250,000

In the heart of Arcadia—one of Phoenix’s most sought-after neighborhoods—stood a home with promise. It had the bones and the views but lacked the layout and features to match its location or support the lifestyle of its new owners. After five years as a rental, it was ready for transformation.

The couple who purchased the property envisioned something greater: a timeless yet functional remodel that would invite the outdoors in, support accessibility, and deliver comfort and elegance in equal measure. With clear goals and a collaborative spirit, we set out to design a comprehensive Arcadia home remodel and addition—one that aligned with their passions, preferences, and long-term plans.

A Lifestyle-Centered Whole Home Remodel in Arcadia

Our clients had distinct needs that harmonized beautifully. She wanted a retreat grounded in universal design principles to accommodate her mild cerebral palsy. He, a home chef and frequent host, longed for a spacious, professional-grade kitchen built for gathering and creativity.

Their shared vision prioritized panoramic backyard views, a luxurious and private master suite, fluid indoor-outdoor connections, and a home that balanced visual beauty with everyday function. At the same time, it was critical to resolve recurring drainage issues in the rear yard—a detail as practical as it was essential.

[More about the project follows the photos.]

[Before Photo] Original Exterior of Award Winning Whole Home Remodel in Arcadia

[Before Photo] Original Exterior of Award Winning Whole Home Remodel in Arcadia

Shaker Style Craftmanship throughout the house

Shaker Style Craftmanship throughout the house

Entry is brighter with a new front door with side light panel in the Mid-Century Modern style. Entry is brighter with a new front door with side light panel in the Mid-Century Modern style.

Entry is brighter with a new front door with side light panel in the Mid-Century Modern style. Entry is brighter with a new front door with side light panel in the Mid-Century Modern style.

[Before Photo] of Entry Way and Front Living Area [Before Photo] of Entry Way and Front Living Area

Back exterior of the new addition, low threshold 8ft. tall multi-slide glass doors add light and accessibility to the backyard.

Back exterior of the new addition, low threshold 8ft. tall multi-slide glass doors add light and accessibility to the backyard.

New accessibility to pool and patio

New accessibility to pool and patio

Back exterior of the new addition, low threshold 8ft. tall multi-slide glass doors add light and accessibility to the backyard.

Back exterior of the new addition, low threshold 8ft. tall multi-slide glass doors add light and accessibility to the backyard.

[Before Photo] Back Exterior of Whole Home Remodel

[Before Photo] Back Exterior of Whole Home Remodel

Original guest bathroom was gutted and refreshed with new shower and custom vanity that matches the cabinetry in the laundry/kitchen storage room. Original guest bathroom was gutted and refreshed with new shower and custom vanity that matches the cabinetry in the laundry/kitchen storage room.

[Before Photo] Original Guest Bathroom before it gets an update. [Before Photo] Original Guest Bathroom before it gets an update.

New kitchen island boasts of a pull-out trash bin, sink with instant hot water, dishwasher, pull-out pantry shelves and microwave drawer that gives our clients accessibility to age-in-place.

New kitchen island boasts of a pull-out trash bin, sink with instant hot water, dishwasher, pull-out pantry shelves and microwave drawer that gives our clients accessibility to age-in-place.

Relocated kitchen into the new addition from the other side of the room. Designed with built-in chef-grade Thermador appliances with all the bells and whistles our passionate chef loves.

Relocated kitchen into the new addition from the other side of the room. Designed with built-in chef-grade Thermador appliances with all the bells and whistles our passionate chef loves.

Thermador gas cooktop with more storage drawers for cookware underneath and pot filler located above the stovetop.

Thermador gas cooktop with more storage drawers for cookware underneath and pot filler located above the stovetop.

Relocated kitchen into the new addition from the other side of the room. Designed with built-in chef-grade Thermador appliances with all the bells and whistles our passionate chef loves.

Relocated kitchen into the new addition from the other side of the room. Designed with built-in chef-grade Thermador appliances with all the bells and whistles our passionate chef loves.

Pull out pantry next to stove

Pull out pantry next to stove

[Before Photo of Kitchen] New Kitchen was relocated to other side of addition with chef grade Thermodor appliances and lots of accessible storage!

[Before Photo of Kitchen] New Kitchen was relocated to other side of addition with chef grade Thermodor appliances and lots of accessible storage!

The new stunning kitchen is a chef focused hub of operation. With a tight work triangle for optimal cooking experience.

The new stunning kitchen is a chef focused hub of operation. With a tight work triangle for optimal cooking experience.

[Before Photo] Wall removed to add in a new kitchen island and open up the space.

[Before Photo] Wall removed to add in a new kitchen island and open up the space.

The new view from the kitchen to the front door...this space is so open now!

The new view from the kitchen to the front door...this space is so open now!

New wet bar with across from kitchen with dining area in between. New wet bar with across from kitchen with dining area in between.

[Before Photo] Transformation of previous kitchen location to a new wet bar for this award winning whole home remodel.

[Before Photo] Transformation of previous kitchen location to a new wet bar for this award winning whole home remodel.

Room serves as overflow kitchen storage area along with an additional refrigerator for our chef, always ready to entertain! Room serves as overflow kitchen storage area along with an additional refrigerator for our chef, always ready to entertain!

Room serves as overflow kitchen storage area along with an additional refrigerator for our chef, always ready to entertain!

Room serves as overflow kitchen storage area along with an additional refrigerator for our chef, always ready to entertain!

[Before Photo] This room transformed into a laundry center and kitchen overflow storage room.

[Before Photo] This room transformed into a laundry center and kitchen overflow storage room.

New entertainment area with a spectacular view from the low-threshold 8 ft. tall multi-slide glass door.

New entertainment area with a spectacular view from the low-threshold 8 ft. tall multi-slide glass door.

[Before Photo] This photo shows part of the existing space at back of house that the addition was built onto.

[Before Photo] This photo shows part of the existing space at back of house that the addition was built onto.

Master bath has incredible his and her custom vanities that repeat the shaker-style cabinet doors throughout the rest of the house. Master bath has incredible his and her custom vanities that repeat the shaker-style cabinet doors throughout the rest of the house.

Universal design elements integrated into this master bath with zero-clearance shower with functionality aging in place.

Universal design elements integrated into this master bath with zero-clearance shower with functionality aging in place.

Master bath has incredible his and her custom vanities that repeat the shaker-style cabinet doors throughout the rest of the house. Master bath has incredible his and her custom vanities that repeat the shaker-style cabinet doors throughout the rest of the house.

[Before Photo] Area that is transformed into the Master Bath

[Before Photo] Area that is transformed into the Master Bath

New master suite is large enough for a king-size bed and several pieces of furniture and has access to back yard.

New master suite is large enough for a king-size bed and several pieces of furniture and has access to back yard.

New master suite is large enough for a king-size bed and several pieces of furniture and has access to back yard.

New master suite is large enough for a king-size bed and several pieces of furniture and has access to back yard.

Before photo of existing bedroom remodeled as the master bath. Hallway access became his closet in the master bath. Before photo of existing bedroom remodeled as the master bath. Hallway access became his closet in the master bath.

[Before Photo] of back exterior before addition for expanded living space and master bedroom suite. [Before Photo] of back exterior before addition for expanded living space and master bedroom suite.

Even the space behind the wide closet door is used.

Even the space behind the wide closet door is used.

Her master closet boasts loads of space with double hanging, long hanging and ample shelves. upper rods pull down for accessibility.

Her master closet boasts loads of space with double hanging, long hanging and ample shelves. upper rods pull down for accessibility.

Front living area expanded with new wall opening.

Front living area expanded with new wall opening.

The view through the kitchen towards the new living area in the back of the house.

The view through the kitchen towards the new living area in the back of the house.

The wall is opened up and our clients can now see through to a new expanded living space.

The wall is opened up and our clients can now see through to a new expanded living space.

[Before] Photo of the view from the existing kitchen area before the walls were removed and opened.

[Before] Photo of the view from the existing kitchen area before the walls were removed and opened.

Designing for Space, Function, and Seamless Views

A key step in the transformation was a 500 - square - foot addition to the rear of the home. This expansion allowed us to create a light - filled great room, an entirely new master suite, and a high - functioning kitchen that was both accessible and aesthetic.

To enhance sightlines and accommodate a new roofline, we incorporated a shed roof, raising the ceiling height and introducing 8 - foot multi - slide glass doors. These doors opened directly to the backyard, flooding the space with natural light while creating a fluid transition for indoor - outdoor entertaining—a feature that felt distinctly Arcadia.

Reimagining the Home’s Core: Brightening, Opening, and Unifying

Inside, the former kitchen and living spaces were dark and divided. By removing walls and replacing the front door with a glass - paneled design, we opened the space to light and views. Natural flow was reestablished from the front entry to the back patio.

The flooring throughout was upgraded from stained concrete to wide - plank engineered wood, bringing cohesion, elegance, and warmth underfoot. Lighting layers were added strategically—ambient, task, and accent—to enhance comfort and mood.

Two bedrooms were also transformed. One now serves as a well - appointed home office. The other became a serene guest suite with an ensuite bathroom, offering enhanced lighting, thoughtful finishes, and improved privacy.

A Kitchen Built for Cooking and Connection

One of the most dramatic transformations involved relocating the kitchen to the new addition. This allowed for a layout that could fully support the homeowner’s culinary vision: a large island for both prep and gathering, flush - mount professional appliances, and shaker - style cabinetry that offered ample storage and timeless appeal.

Meanwhile, the former kitchen area was reimagined as a stylish wet bar, ideal for entertaining. With an undercounter ice maker, decorative glass - door cabinets, and clever storage, it quickly became a favorite feature for both casual use and special occasions.

The entire space was designed with universal access in mind—low - threshold entries, appropriate work heights, and seamless movement paths ensured that beauty never compromised usability.

Enhancing Everyday Living: Storage, Laundry, and Smart Solutions

A formerly undefined living space was given new purpose as a functional laundry room. With semi-custom cabinetry, a folding counter with integrated sink, and durable vinyl plank flooring, this space offered both convenience and visual continuity. Two full-size refrigerators—one for beverages and one for overflow—made the space ideal for entertaining.

In the new living area, vaulted ceilings created openness and light, while a shiplap feature wall with an electric fireplace added warmth and architectural interest. Even the family dog was considered—a magnetic-sensor pet door was added to provide secure, self-activated access to the yard.

The Master Suite: Comfort, Luxury, and Accessibility

The new master bedroom was designed for both retreat and accessibility. A recessed furniture niche preserved walking space, while another set of multi-slide glass doors provided spectacular views and effortless backyard access.

In the master bath, universal design took center stage in a spa-like setting. A zero-threshold walk-in shower, built-in bench, dual shower heads, and integrated grab bars ensured ease and elegance. His-and-her vanities, including one at seated height, provided personal comfort without sacrificing style.

Closets were customized to maximize storage with double-hanging rods, pull-down mechanisms, and generous shelving—demonstrating how tailored design can enhance everyday living.

Finishes, Color, and Exterior Upgrades That Tie It All Together

Throughout the home, a neutral yet distinctive palette unified the spaces. Soft tones like Acacia Haze, Gossamer Veil, and Anew Gray paired beautifully with brushed nickel hardware and custom shaker cabinetry. Kerfed 5-panel doors brought understated character, while the wide-plank floors reinforced continuity from room to room.

The exterior received equal attention. The shed roof added architectural balance, and a new heat pump replaced the outdated evaporative cooler. A French drain system was also installed, resolving the long-standing drainage challenges without compromising the landscape’s natural beauty.

A Phoenix Home Designed for Real Life

The finished result is more than just a renovation—it’s a reflection of the homeowners’ vision and values. With every room tailored to their lifestyle and needs, the house now flows beautifully from front to back, indoors to outdoors.

From the chef’s kitchen to the spa-inspired bath, this Arcadia remodel proves that accessibility, design, and luxurious living are not mutually exclusive—they’re more powerful when brought together with intention and care.