Collage of a remodeled home with front exterior, modern interior, and rear exterior views.

A collage of three images showing a remodeled home. The first image depicts the front exterior with white-painted walls, black trim, and a landscaped garden. The second image shows a modern interior with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and a fireplace. The third image displays the rear exterior with black metal cladding and large windows.

A modernized white house with black trim and landscaping featuring a pathway and planter boxes.
Front view of a modernized home with white-painted brick walls, black-framed windows, and a black roof. The entrance is flanked by minimalist landscaping with rocks and plants.
Modern home exterior with black metal cladding and large windows, featuring a pool and desert landscaping.
A modern home exterior featuring black metal cladding and large glass windows. The landscaping includes a rock garden with small plants and integrated lighting. The interior visible through the windows shows a kitchen with dark countertops and wooden cabinetry.
A modern living room with exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and wooden beams. The space features a central fireplace with a stone surround, light wood flooring, and contemporary furniture including a sofa and chairs. Large windows allow natural light to fill the room, and a dining area with a glass table and chairs is visible in the background.
A modern interior space featuring exposed brick walls, a large window with a view of a black metal exterior, and a sleek black lounge chair. The room has wooden flooring and a dining area with a white table and chairs. The kitchen area includes black appliances and light wood cabinetry.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, black appliances, and a black marble countertop. The space features a vaulted ceiling with a skylight and a view of the outdoor area through a glass door.
A modern bathroom with white walls, a skylight, and a freestanding bathtub. The bathroom features a floating wooden vanity with a marble countertop and black fixtures. The floor is polished concrete, and there is a glass partition separating the vanity area.
A modern shower area with white tiled walls, a wooden floor, and a small wooden stool. The shower features a black showerhead and handle, with a built-in shelf holding toiletries.
A modern bathroom featuring a combination of exposed brick walls and sleek black tiles. The vanity is made of light wood with black handles and a black countertop. A large mirror is mounted on the wall above the sink, and there are two black wall sconces on either side of the mirror. A window with a wooden frame allows natural light into the space.

Story

A seamless blend of historic charm and modern design in Phoenix's Willo neighborhood. In the heart of Phoenix's Willo historic district, a 1939 home has been thoughtfully transformed by Joel Contreras Design. The project marries the home's original architectural character with bold, modern interventions. The front facade maintains its historic presence with white-painted walls and black trim, while the rear extension, clad in black standing seam metal, introduces a striking contemporary contrast. This juxtaposition is further enhanced by the use of heavy aggregate concrete floors and large picture windows that frame views of the desert landscape. Inside, the renovation preserves key original features such as brick walls, wood floors, and a central fireplace. The vaulted ceilings reveal exposed brick walls stretching to the gable peaks, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere that enhances the sense of space and light. The kitchen exemplifies the balance of modernity and warmth, featuring white oak cabinetry and dark soapstone countertops. The bathrooms offer contrasting experiences: one is bright and airy with a skylight and white tiles, while the other embraces a moody aesthetic with black tiles and original brick walls. This thoughtful remodel showcases how historic homes can evolve, maintaining their essence while embracing new energy.

## Design Highlights

Black standing seam metal extension contrasts with the historic facade. Vaulted ceilings create a dramatic, open interior space. Original brick walls and wood floors preserved and highlighted. White oak cabinetry and dark soapstone countertops in the kitchen. Contrasting bathroom designs, one bright and one moody.

## Key Facts

Detail Description
Location Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Architect Joel Contreras Design
Year Completed 2023
Original Construction 1939
Materials Brick, wood, black metal, concrete, soapstone

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: White-painted walls with black trim and black standing seam metal cladding for the rear extension.
  • Interior: Exposed brick walls, wood floors, and dark soapstone countertops.

Materials

  • Brick — Interior walls and some exterior walls.
  • Wood — Flooring and cabinetry.
  • Metal — Exterior cladding for the rear extension.
  • Concrete — Flooring in some areas.

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Combination of original brick and new black standing seam metal cladding.
  • Structural System: Vaulted ceilings with exposed brick walls reaching gable peaks.

Products

  • Appliances — Black appliances (Kitchen)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: White, Black, Natural Wood
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows and skylights.

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