Inspired By: Landon Mondragon, Designer/Builder

“I’m passionate about making functional and beautiful spaces.”

~ Landon Mondragon

PHOTO CREDIT: Austin Swope

Landon Mondragon expresses his creativity and love for design on a large scale. The Scottsdale-based designer/builder says his company, Mondragon Design + Build, is “focused on the idea of designing, building and transforming the world around us for better living.”

Recently, Landon signed on with DIY Network and HGTV for the new home improvement series, Cutting Edge Reno. For the first episode, he chose a midcentury ranch house in desperate need of a makeover. The home is situated on a large lot in a desirable neighborhood, but the interior lacked flow and the exterior lacked curb appeal. Landon had just 60 days to transform the home inside and out.

Small rooms in the original floorplan made the interior feel dark and closed off. The Mondragon team started by knocking out walls to create a modern, open layout. Landon opted for white walls throughout the home, bringing a cool, airy feel to the desert property and showcasing his choice of fixtures and finishes. Carefully selected lighting, furniture, and decorative accessories give a nod to mid-century modern design with updated twist.

The kitchen was reconfigured and became the center of one free-flowing space, which now includes the dining and living areas. A large island, with a quartz waterfall-edge countertop, separates the kitchen from the living room seating area. The deep farmhouse sink is paired with an oversized Delta Trinsic Pro pull-down faucet for easy prep and cleanup. Over the range, a Delta wall-mounted pot filler is framed by a tiled backsplash in a bold, geometric pattern and flanked by open, natural wood shelves and slate gray cabinets. Off the living area, a custom barn door — handcrafted by Landon from 100-year-old Kentucky tobacco barn wood and Kentucky white picket fencing — adds a stunning and functional design element.

The original master bedroom and master bathroom were small and unimpressive. Landon envisioned a large, inviting space that would be, “a real retreat for the owners.” He created a 700-square-foot master suite by expanding the back of the house into the large yard. The focal point of the en-suite bathroom is a large shower area with a Wyndham Collection freestanding tub and a high-end blend of wall and floor tiles. The Delta Vero shower system includes a hand shower, a pair of rainshower heads, and matching trim packages in chrome. Double vessel sinks on the floating vanity are outfitted with Delta Vero single-hole faucets. Matching towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, and a tissue holder from the same collection complete the look.

Another full bath features a marble-top vanity and herringbone tile walls. Landon chose chrome fixtures and accessories from the Delta Trinsic collection and modern, geometric cabinet hardware from the Top Knobs Ascendra collection for this space. Delta Trinsic faucets and accessories were also used in a smaller bathroom.

The Mondragon team also reworked the exterior design, adding fresh landscaping and a herringbone-pattern driveway to the front of the home. In the backyard, they extended the covered patio and created seating areas featuring a variety of native desert plants.

To find the right products for his vision, Landon worked closely with Build.com Senior Account Specialist, Cory Wijnhamer. “Cory contributed a lot of time and effort on finding the perfect plumbing and door accessories to complement all of the new tile and cabinetry I had chosen for the project. He exceeded my expectations on his knowledge of merchandise and design aesthetic.”

Landon said he appreciated how Cory helped him work within the project’s timeline and budget. “Every item that was ordered arrived correct and on time, which is huge on a very strict filming schedule. I know that I can count on Build.com to not only have competitive pricing but quality products and customer care.”

Cory said that he has been working with Landon for many years and the two have developed a collaborative relationship. Cory explained that for the DIY Network project, “Landon had an idea of what he wanted and I helped him piece it together.”  For the kitchen, Cory recommended a Delta Trinsic touch-activated kitchen faucet and KitchenAid appliances — products that he uses in his own home. “I always strive to not just be a sales rep, but to be someone who can give my clients honest advice. I’m in the business of building relationships and I’m going to tell the client what’s best for them.”

When they’re not collaborating on a project, Cory follows Landon on Instagram @landonmondragon, and will tune in when Cutting Edge Reno airs on DIY Network and HGTV. Cory said it’s rewarding to help people bring their project visions to life. “I love seeing my clients’ work.”