Sunrise Drive Kitchen | Warm Modern Remodel in Catalina Foothills

This Catalina Foothills kitchen wasn’t working for the way this family lives. Low ceilings, poor lighting and limited storage made it a space they actively avoided. Before the renovation, the kitchen felt cramped and underutilized despite its location with beautiful views of the mountains.

The goal was to create a kitchen that felt open, functional and easy to live in—somewhere family and friends could naturally gather. It also needed to feel personal and specific to them, not like a generic remodel.

We started by rethinking storage. Working closely with a custom cabinet maker, we redesigned every cabinet to maximize function within a relatively compact footprint. A narrow pantry closet was transformed into full-height pull-out shelving, dramatically improving both access and capacity. Corner storage, vertical tray dividers, and dedicated zones for small appliances make the kitchen genuinely usable day to day.

The design also reflects how this family actually lives. We incorporated a coffee bar, planned for the supplies for two large dogs and made space for practical needs like a printer and utility storage. These details are often overlooked but make a big difference.

Material choices ground the space while keeping it light. Natural walnut cabinetry adds warmth, paired with a soft desert green for contrast. A teal handmade tile backsplash brings texture and a sense of personality. White quartz countertops keep the main workspace bright and durable, while a darker soapstone-look surface at the coffee bar adds depth.

Extending the island created seating that allows people to gather comfortably, turning the kitchen into the center of the home rather than a pass-through space.

Now, instead of avoiding the kitchen, this family spends time in it—cooking, talking and enjoying everyday life together with a view of the Catalina Mountains.