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Photo: Kyle Zirkus. Design & Construction by Constructed Matter, Inc.

Featured Article

6 Designs Setting the Standard for Kitchens and Bars

Celebrated names in the home space reflect on timeless living

For our Food & Drink Issue, we turned to PVCL partners and some of the Valley’s most trusted names in design and real estate to spotlight the spaces where life most often unfolds: the kitchen and bar. Here are six distinctive and diverse details shaping today’s most enviable gathering spaces.

Deco Glamour

The glamorous Art Deco-inspired bar and entertainment space at 6721 E Cheney Drive in Paradise Valley balances opulence with warmth, creating the perfect setting for elevated social gatherings. The bar, wrapped in high-gloss Titanium granite, is both daring and refined. Overhead, polished crystal and nickel pendants by American Brass & Crystal cast a soft, ambient glow, while a matching chandelier with cascading prisms introduces a touch of refined drama to the adjoining lounge. A sculptural spiral staircase serves as a striking architectural focal point, complementing the mirrored glass, dark-stained cabinetry, and wood beam accents that echo a timeless cocktail-lounge aesthetic.

“What makes this space a true showstopper is how it captures the return of statement entertaining with bold materials, rich textures, and dramatic lighting,” says Katrina Barrett, luxury real estate agent with Local Luxury | Christie’s International Real Estate. “We’re seeing a strong trend toward glamorous, hospitality-inspired design, and this bar delivers that in every way.”

A Collaboration in Craft

In a striking collaboration, Regal American Homes, led by visionary builder Avi Azoulay, partnered with world-renowned designer Windsor Smith to create a residence that redefines luxury living. The home seamlessly merges Smith’s celebrated design philosophy with Regal American Homes’ meticulous craftsmanship.

Known for curating spaces for global tastemakers and celebrities, Smith’s aesthetic balances timeless elegance with modern functionality. This residence captures her luxury lifestyle ethos in every detail.

At its heart is the show-stopping main kitchen, anchored by a sculptural custom L’Atelier range wall and paired with a sleek Bulthaup system. Brass-inset cabinetry elevates the space to a gallery-like experience, while a hidden back kitchen with top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances keeps the main space pristine, supporting both everyday living and high-end entertaining.

“Collaborating with Windsor Smith has been a privilege,” says Azoulay. “Her vision pushes boundaries, and our team at Regal American Homes was dedicated to bringing every detail to life with precision and passion. This home is a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship meets artistry.”

The Elevated Everyday Kitchen

Colleen Langdon, owner of Crafted Quarters Interior Design, describes this Scottsdale kitchen remodel as a study in balance and a thoughtful mix of timeless design and modern functionality.

“The pull-down bridge faucet makes a sculptural statement while offering everyday practicality, and the brass kitchen rail above the range adds both style and utility. Crisp white cabinetry and a soft taupe backsplash set a classic foundation, while the navy island introduces a bold pop of color. Brass hardware and lighting bring warmth and cohesion, tying the whole space together. The result is a kitchen that feels elevated yet approachable, with every detail working in harmony. It’s a design meant to be lived in, enjoyed, and admired without feeling overdone.”

Designed with Depth

At the heart of Tinker Development’s Delos Circle Project is a kitchen that perfectly captures the firm’s vision for homes that feel both elevated and lived-in. Designed in collaboration with interior designer Britany Simon, the space reflects a “transitional with a twist” approach that layers timeless elements with unexpected character.

“This kitchen balances timeless details with unexpected layers,” says Simon. “The tailored range hood and traditional cabinetry create a refined backdrop, while the mix of natural wood tones and soft green paint add personality. To keep the design from feeling too formal or predictable, we gave the second island an antique inspired character, lending the space a sense of history and charm that feels collected rather than staged.”

The result is a kitchen that anchors the Delos Circle home in sophistication while showcasing Tinker Development’s signature ability to merge craftsmanship with forward-thinking design.

Built for Gathering

Scott and Adrianna Grigg of The Grigg’s Group Powered by The Altman Brothers designed their home with one priority in mind: creating spaces that reflect their lifestyle of entertaining while still offering comfort at the end of the day.

“When designing our home, it was important for us to focus on spaces tailored for entertaining friends and family. Designing the sleek bar with the wine fridge set the tone for this space. Being in the industry that we are in, we are constantly entertaining and dining out and we wanted to bring that into our home. But yet, at the end of the day, we created a space to feel relaxed and unwind.”

Formed with Intention

“This Scottsdale home is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a smaller footprint into a highly functional and luxurious space," says Brandon Fadden, Constructed Matter, Inc.

"We maximized storage and usability with custom cabinetry, open shelving, and integrated details that make everyday living seamless. The mix of warm wood tones, natural stone, and subtle textures creates a timeless palette that feels both elevated and inviting. By opening the kitchen to the living area, we created a layout that’s ideal for casitas, secondary living spaces, or as the heart of a main residence. To us, true luxury isn’t always about size- it’s about intentionally designed spaces that are tailored to the end user. This project showcases how upscale living can be achieved through smart planning, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.”