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An 80s Kitchen Steps Into the 21st Century
Tate Construction Company was hired by homeowners in Sandia Heights to modernize an original 1980s kitchen while preserving the natural materials and Southwestern character of the Albuquerque Foothills. The remodel opened the kitchen to the adjoining rooms, improved lighting and workspace, and introduced updated finishes without making the space feel disconnected from the rest of the home.
Homeowners planning similar work can learn more about our kitchen remodeling services in Albuquerque.
Project Details:
- Location: Sandia Heights, Albuquerque, NM
- Project Type: Kitchen Remodel
- Scope: Full Demolition & Reconstruction
- Features: Semi-Custom cabinets, granite countertops, can lighting, marble backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances
The Vision
The homeowners were only the second owners of the property since it was built in the 1980s. The home had strong architectural character and an excellent Sandia Heights location, but the kitchen remained largely unchanged from an earlier generation. The central design challenge was to modernize the room without losing the exposed wood, stone, earthy colors, and Southwestern character that made the home distinctive.
The goal of this remodel was to open up a closed-off space that was boxed in on all four sides with only a narrow walkway in from the dining room and modernize the design and increase its functionality.
Before the Remodel
The existing space featured:
- Outdated finishes and fixtures
- Closed off space from the adjoining rooms
- Poor lighting throughout the room
- Poor working space on the counters
- Sheet vinyl flooring and laminate countertops
The Transformation
The remodel began with a full demolition down to the framing, including removal of a full wall of cabinetry which was replaced with a free-standing island. The single surface mount light was removed and replaced with six-inch recessed lighting strategically located in between the exposed structural beams to not only provide a well-lit kitchen, but to also intentionally eliminate any shadows cast by people while trying to do prep work on the counters. The sheet vinyl flooring was replaced with 18"x18" travertine, providing a light and reflective surface to reflect light off of, making the space feel even lighter and brighter.
Perhaps the most carefully considered material selection in this kitchen was the granite. Not only was the granite selected by Tate's designer, but our designer accompanied the customer to the granite distributor's slab showroom so that the exact slab could be hand-selected. The exact slab used was carefully selected so it could play off the cherry red of the solid wood cabinets, tan of the travertine floors, brown of the wood beams, yellow/orange hue of the tongue and groove ceiling planks, and the multi-color existing stone wall.
Key upgrades included:
- Semi-custom kitchen cabinets
- 18x18 Travertine floor tiles
- 3cm granite counters
- Marble mosaic backsplash
- Stainless-steel appliances
The final result is a clean, modern kitchen that feels brighter, larger, more open, and more functional while maintaining a natural and neighborhood appropriate design.
Materials & Finishes
We selected materials designed to combine durability with a modern Southwestern Foothills character, ensuring the kitchen will remain functional and visually appropriate for years to come. Care was taken to modernize the finishes by mixing matte black and gold hardware and light fixtures with cherry cabinets and natural granite counters over travertine floors. The hardware combined with the travertine immediately brings a feel of modern, simple, and crisp lines, while the cherry cabinets and granite counters mixed with the existing exposed wood ceiling elements maintains the high desert feel one would expect in Sandia Heights.
Featured Materials
- Kingsbridge Cabernet cabinets
- Nile River granite countertops
- Crema Royal dia Diamond Polished Marble Mosaic backsplash
- 18x18 Antique Capri Honed travertine floor tile
- SW6126 Navajo White wall paint
Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail
Successful kitchen remodeling requires more than just updating hardware and appliances. Careful sequencing allowed each phase to be completed efficiently and reduced unnecessary rework.
Throughout this project, attention was given to:
- Tile layout (we remodeled the entire home and had to keep tile joints consistent from one room to the next as there were no transitions or internal stopping points)
- Proper tie-in with the existing ceiling after demolishing a floor to ceiling wall
- Lighting placement and functionality
- Careful selection of specific granite slabs
Every detail was carefully executed to deliver a finished space that not only looks beautiful, but performs reliably for everyday use.
The Finished Result
The completed kitchen now feels open and is no longer isolated from the rest of the home. It feels as if it is original to the home and was always meant to be.
By combining modern materials with carefully selected features that prevent any one item from standing out from another, this home feels modern but mature.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Planning a kitchen remodel in Sandia Heights or elsewhere in Albuquerque? Explore our kitchen remodeling services in Albuquerque or contact Tate Construction Company to schedule a project evaluation.
