0425 IconicLife_FINAL_LORESA

Create Where

eggersmann since 1908

Scottsdale Ferrari of Arizona

18118 North Scottsdale Road

Phoenix, AZ 85054

877-704-1905

https://scottsdale ferraridealers com/en-US/cars

Designing Homes For Inspired Living.

BUILT TO INSPIRE

“I created Ground Floor to design without compromise— where form, function, and feeling exist in equal balance.”

David Yarrow, The Dogs of Palm Beach

David Yarrow, Bad Asses

& Designers

Scottsdale / Paradise Valley / Carefree SCHEDULE YOUR

Through mindful design, we craft extraordinary landscapes, pools, and outdoor havens—tailoring bespoke designs which connect distinct taste preferences, and honoring the unique desires and preferences our clients value. We invite you to experience our expression and appreciation of desert landscaping.

At Cedarhurst Home, we believe every home should embody character and charm. By integrating exquisite molding, vibrant colors, and rich textures, we create spaces that resonate with warmth and individuality. Discover how Kristin and her team blend modern elegance and timeless charm, turning your house into a welcoming home that tells its own unique story.

Creating beautiful gardens is our business…what you do in them is yours.

berghoffdesign.com

A TRUE DESIGNBUILD CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

Sonora West Development is a premier design-build firm servicing Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas. From selecting an architect and exterior detailing, to interior selection and even financing, our strength is providing the homeowner with a total solution for your building requirements. Building a custom home with Sonora West gives you the peace of mind that you will be working with our award-winning team from initial conception to completion. Our method of integrating the designer and contractor creates one seamless and unified work flow. This ensures the homeowner gets the best possible value out of their home while providing clear communication and allowing for collaboration between you and the Sonora West team.

Luxury Design for Longevity

Why luxury well-aging design is strategic and wise at 55.

The ultimate luxury is being safe and comfortable in a home you love. It isn’t exciting to think about aging, but if you want to stay in your home long into the future, it makes sense to think about beautiful design today that you will fully appreciate tomorrow.

As young as 55, our bodies are undergoing subtle changes, from vision and balance to mobility and overall

well-being, that gradually impact our daily lives. We have surgeries such as knee or hip replacements. And despite feeling like Superman or superwoman, we are at high risk of falling and sustaining a debilitating injury. Over 60% of falls happen at home, most of which are in the bathroom. Falls are physically, emotionally, and cognitively life-changing and they are costly in recovery time as well as financially. More importantly,

our homes are not built ready to prevent mishaps, let alone facilitate health recovery, safety, or accessibility, but they certainly can be.

According to a Harvard Housing Study, 99 percent of U.S. homes are not aging-inplace ready.

Regardless of size or price point, aging is not typically a forethought or priority in the architecture and design of homes when they are built. That’s why a lot of people end up in assisted living. Their homes are not able to accommodate their needs as they age.

Homes have never been considered a golden opportunity to boost longevity but they should be! It’s crucial to recognize that taking preventative measures in your living space is not just a necessity for people over 55, but a wise choice for everyone.

Photography by DeCastro Photography

Bonnie J. Lewis Design creates luxury interiors incorporating special design elements that provide critical preventative measures and allow your home to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. The result? You boost your longevity and get a design that allows you to stay independent, living happier and longer in your home.

Nationally recognized for her expertise, Bonnie is one of just a handful of professional interior designers who are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) in the country. She is also experienced in healthcare and senior living design. When you work with Bonnie, you are working with a degreed, award-winning designer who combines stunning aesthetics with safety and accessibility in a way that isn’t obvious or disruptive.

AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT IS SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE

Recently, Bonnie J. Lewis Design completed a project for a physician couple who bought their forever home in North

“OUR HOMES ARE NOT BUILT READY

Scottsdale. While they are still young at 55 and 65, they knew they wanted to plan for the future. It’s a smart investment for homeowners to do one remodel versus two, which is also better for the environment as it preemptively puts less in the landfill.

The primary bathroom involved designing a new ADA-compliant floor plan with abundant lighting, improved functionality, and accessibility while selecting appropriate finishes and ADA fixtures. Some of the standout design aesthetic elements include a custom 10-foot-high solid walnut, modern barn-style entry door, textured white wood-patterned tile plank flooring, a unique custom translucent blue window treatment, organic patterned wallpaper, 3-D wall tile, and custom cabinetry.

Bonnie always meticulously weighs the impact of every design decision and selection as she incorporates well-aging design, evidenced-based design, and Biophilic design to help clients proactively live safely and independently.

“Bonnie created and executed a breathtaking renovation that exceeds any spa bathroom I have ever seen anywhere in the world. She flawlessly incorporated accessibility features we did not think we would need for many years. I came to appreciate the larger shower, which could accommodate both my husband and me as I needed help with showering after I fell during a hike, breaking my wrist within months of the remodel.” Michelle Anderson, M.D.

TOP DESIGN AWARDS IN NON-AGING AND AGING DESIGN CATEGORIES

The project has already earned top national and regional design excellence awards:

• GOLD – Contemporary/Modern Bathroom over 60 sq. ft. from ASID Arizona North

• GOLD – Universal Design from Master Design Awards-Qualified Remodeler

• 1ST PLACE – Aging-in-Place/Universal Design from NKBA Arizona.

If you want to consider both splendor and safety as you remodel your home, downsize, or are planning to build a new home, call or visit bonniejlewisdesign.com.

Serving

Dr. Alan Bryce Chief Clinical Officer Medical Oncologist

Dr. Aleksandar Sekulic Dermatologist

Dr. Tania Cortas Medical Oncologist and Hematologist

Dr. Nnamdi Gwacham Gynecologic Oncologist

Dr. Amber Flaherty Medical Oncologist and Hematologist

This summer, bring a friend to the Nation’s #1 Western Museum. It’s in here!

Danza Mitote Los Huicholes by Paul Pletka

Madeleine Perich

PHOTOGRAPHY Ema Peter Photography. ARCHITECT Kendle Design Collaborative. BUILDER Alexander Enterprises Construction & Development Co., Inc. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE G B Two Landscape Architecture. FRONT DOOR Kip Merritt Design LLC. See more builder credits on page 136.

PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Kruk Photography. ARCHITECT Urban Design Associates, Jessica Hutchison-Rough. BUILDER Manship Builders, Chris Manship. MILLWORK Burdette Cabinetry. INTERIOR DESIGN AB Design Elements, Amy Klosterman and Michelle Jefferson.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Renee M. Dee Publisher

renee@iconiclife.com

@iconiclifemag

@iconicreneedee

As publisher of ICONIC LIFE, I’ve had the unique pleasure of exploring some of the most stunning custom homes. However, it’s an entirely different—and deeply personal—experience when you’re building your own dream home from the ground up.

Embarking on this journey myself, I’ve discovered firsthand the incredible value of assembling an exceptional team of professionals. A talented architect who brings inspired vision, a builder whose meticulous craftsmanship ensures perfection at every stage and an interior designer who weaves your personal style into every room; each role is indispensable.

I’ve built two lovely custom homes and taken on a whole-house, full-scale renovation of a 20-year-old home – that proved to be the most challenging of the three. What I learned is that if you don’t trust your team, you can’t trust the outcome. Trust translates into peace of mind in the biggest way.

What truly makes this process work seamlessly is clear communication, shared vision and mutual respect among all involved. The synergy created by a collaborative, creative team not only enhances the quality of the final product but also transforms the experience into one filled with joy, creativity and genuine excitement.

At ICONIC LIFE, we are passionate about telling the stories of these stunning estates as they become the stage for Living Beautifully. There’s magic in the journey of taking an idea and creating it collaboratively. We love sharing the artistry, innovation and exceptional talent behind each magnificent home.

This issue celebrates the process, whether you are building from the ground up or renovating an existing home. It’s my hope that this issue serves as a constant companion throughout your journey. I hope it becomes a resource for you to put your notes and “tear-outs” as if it were your binder for building your dream home. I support you further; you’ll find our Design Decisions worksheets on pages 120 to 125 to help you capture your thoughts and share your ideas with your dream team.

We trust the resources featured in this issue, and if you need a quality referral, I’m just a phone call away.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate ICONIC design, exceptional teams and the remarkable beauty of custom living spaces that are crafted into the masterpiece we call HOME.

With Gratitude,

Nakayla Shakespeare Editor-in-Chief

nakayla@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag

IT FEELS LIKE HOME

What is home? This is a question that has been asked for years by many. To me, home is a place of safety, a reflection of who I am as a person and a place that I often long for in times of stress or discomfort.

Your home should be a reflection of you! It should showcase all the styles and color schemes you like, the memorabilia that’s been collected over the years, the photos that you cherish and whatever else you feel transforms your house from a building to a feeling.

I feel so honored that we get to publish outstanding homes because they are spaces that are special and sacred to people. Being able to share the sanctuaries of homeowners and display their spectacular designs—made possible by industry experts—and inspirations with others is a big deal. It’s more than just a project, it’s more than just an editorial story, it’s an ICONIC home.

What a home looks like comes in all different styles, shapes and sizes, but the feeling of home is always the same. It’s comforting, familiar and sometimes nostalgic. This issue of ICONIC LIFE is particularly special because it is dedicated to providing you with editorial stories and resources to help you make your house feel like a home.

If you have a home that you would like to submit for editorial consideration or have any comments about this issue, feel free to message me by email: nakayla@iconiclife.com.

Yours truly,

by

Photography

Mark Sacro

Galleria of Stone is The Italian Stone Boutique providing unique materials, hand selected, world-class natural stone slabs direct from Italy. Working with a select group of designers, architects and certified fabricators, our team of stone experts is ready to make your next stone project a true work of art!

Calacatta Macchia Vecchia “Classic”

Tanya Shively, ASID, LEED AP

VOLUME THREE \ 2025-2026

RENEE M. DEE | Publisher

NAKAYLA SHAKESPEARE | Editor-in-Chief

MEG PERICH | Associate Publisher

DOROTHY COSTELLO | Business Development Director OC

ERIN SUWWAN | Publication Designer

MADELEINE PERICH | Client Coordinator

AMALIE RHEBECK | Marketing Intern

NANCY ERDMANN | Features Editor

EMA PETER | Cover Photography

ERIK KRUK PHOTOGRAPHY |

CONTRIBUTORS

Bailey Badillo, Nora Burba Trulsson, Sam Micatrotto, Masada Siegel and Taylor Transtrum

Advertising and Editorial Queries, contact us at concierge@iconiclife.com

8145 E. Evans Road, Suite 7 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.330.3737 Subscribe NOW: ICONICLIFE.COM Follow us @iconiclifemag

Photo by Dino Tonn

THE LIST

By Madeleine Perich

TAKE YOUR Shot

A curated list of coffee machines for the coffee-obsessed.

Everyone enjoys their morning-pick-me-up just so. Fortunately, there are a plethora of coffee machines available to personalize your cup every day at home with the same quality as a local coffee roaster. Begin each day with a sip of elegance from a luxury espresso machine. Here are a few ICONIC coffee machines to add to your kitchen.

JURA J8 Twin Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. ($3,499.95) via Williams Sonoma.

TK-02. ($1,695) via Terra Kaffe.

Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine. ($2,799.95) via Williams Sonoma.

JURA GIGA 10 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. ($4,999.95) via Williams Sonoma.

SMEG Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterrano Manual Espresso Maker. ($1,500) via Crate & Barrel.

SMEG SemiAutomatic Espresso Machine. ($899.95) via Williams Sonoma.

FORCELLA IVORY | WOOL

URSA KALEIDOSCOPE | WOOL & SILK

TERRAZO MULTI | WOOL

NOUVEAU ABSTRACT TANGERINE | WOOL

MUST HAVES

LET THERE BE

Light

These pendant lights are a musthave for the home!

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Soltaire Round Chandelier. ($4,400) via Arhaus.

Andreas Linear Chandelier. ($3,400) via Arhaus.

Cascade Flush Mount in Blue. ($1,199) via Arhaus.

Collier 108 Chandelier. ($7,499) via Visual Comfort.

Mahalo 32” Tiered Pendant. ($1,949) via Visual Comfort.

HUNT SLONEM

MICHAEL CARSON

GAIL MORRIS

JOHN SCHIEFFER

MAX HAMMOND

DAVID MICHAEL SLONIM

QUIM BOVE

RON HICKS

MountainsMASTERPIECE IN

THE

Paradise Valley’s pinnacle of luxury living.

By ICONIC LIFE

Perched in the heart of Paradise Valley, a breathtaking new residence by RMB Luxury and interior design visionary Debra Richardson redefines high-end desert living. Perfectly positioned minutes from The Global Ambassador, Camelback Mountain, and culinary hotspots like Steak 44 and The Henry, this architectural gem offers an elite lifestyle that fuses modern sophistication with Arizona’s timeless beauty.

From the moment you step inside, the home commands attention with its bold design and

sweeping mountain views. Situated on one of the area’s most coveted lots, this single-level masterpiece stretches across four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and a versatile flex room ideal for a home theater, private gym, or expansive office. The residence’s thoughtful layout and opulent finishes evoke the experience of a private resort, crafted with entertainment and relaxation in mind.

At the heart of the home is a showstopping gourmet kitchen outfitted with dual islands, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and a seamless indoor-outdoor bar, perfect for hosting under Arizona’s golden sunsets.

An adjacent butler’s pantry—with an extra refrigerator and prep sink—caters to culinary enthusiasts and entertainers alike. The bar area, complete with a Sub-Zero wine wall storing more than 300 bottles, speaks directly to the discerning homeowner who values luxury in the details.

The primary suite is nothing short of a sanctuary. A four-slab book-matched shower, a serene soaking tub and a private outdoor shower all frame awe-inspiring views of Camelback Mountain. Each additional suite offers remarkable comfort, with one serving as a fully equipped guest casita—featuring its own kitchenette, laundry and separate entrance.

Outside, the lifestyle continues with a 60-foot lap pool and a 12-person zero-edge jacuzzi, all nestled against a backdrop of burnished block walls. Even the garage reflects elite standards, with space for four vehicles—or up to eight with lifts—cooled by dual climate-controlled units.

This is more than a home; it’s a statement— an unparalleled fusion of form, function and flawless design. For those seeking a truly elevated living experience, this hillside haven is the epitome of Arizona luxury.

BUILDER RMB Luxury. DESIGNER Debra Richardson. APPLIANCES Wolf/Sub-Zero. PLUMBING FIXTURES Lux Kitchen & Bath Gallery. CABINETS Bellmont - Stile & Rail. ARCHITECT Tomecak Design.

IF THESE COULD TALKfloors

Age-old beauty beneath our feet. The resurgence of reclaimed hardwood flooring.

By Madeleine Perich

Often imitated, never duplicated.

Reclaimed hardwood flooring has gained momentum in recent years for homeowners and designers. Known for its inimitable charm, environmental benefits and historical substance, reclaimed wood flooring is taking the design world by storm.

Aside from the unmatched character and aesthetic appeal of reclaimed hardwood flooring, it is both sustainable and environmentally sound. By repurposing wood, the demand for timber is reduced, diminishing the carbon footprint that goes along with logging, milling and the transportation of new lumber. In addition, repurposing such materials reduces waste by diverting usable materials from landfills, giving it another life.

Reclaimed hardwood flooring expert Kyle Blaine, national sales project manager of Burchette & Burchette, explains how his company looks at one man’s trash as their treasure, “looking at the old barns around us, people are either going to burn that or take it to a landfill, so we look for a reason to repurpose it,” he says. “We’re not just doing that in the U.S.; we are looking out for everyone as far as sustainability goes; for example, our reclaimed products are sourced from Europe.”

Reclaimed wood comes from old-growth trees, which have a slower-growth fiber, offering a denser structure and longevity. Naturally, this material has been exposed to a variety of conditions, creating more substantial timber to use on the floors of your home. “We source some of the best quality lumber from salvaged materials,” Blaine says. “Clients don’t have to worry if their floors are going to start falling apart; we are going to find the best lumber that is actually meant for flooring.”

Reclaimed wood flooring adds a sense of history and warmth to any space. It can give a home or business an earthy, rustic look, or it can be beautifully refinished to suit modern and contemporary designs. The beauty of reclaimed wood comes from its aged appearance and the story it carries. This type of flooring can often have a higher value than new wood because of the unique qualities it possesses and the labor involved in reclaiming it.

This type of hardwood flooring is truly timeless; however, as more people realize these materials are one-of-a-kind and can not be replicated, there is more urgency to get reclaimed products. “I love walking into these amazing homes, looking down and seeing all the character that it brings,” Blaine shares. “We have some clients that like to have hardiness and cool texture when they walk across the floor. For us, it’s not a trend because we’ve been doing it for so many years, but we are noticing the uptake of people asking how to

achieve the reclaimed look. The answer is to use a reclaimed product with a previous life.”

Reclaimed wood often has a rich, deep patina, which has developed over decades or centuries. The natural aging process gives the wood a warmth and depth that modern, new flooring can’t replicate. The variations in the wood’s texture—such as knots, cracks and natural grains—create visual interest and make the flooring feel inviting and grounded, genuinely preserving history.

Designers and homeowners alike incorporate reclaimed wood and materials into their spaces through ceilings, exposed beams, fireplace mantels, countertops, cabinetry, accent tables – the list goes on!

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is not just about aesthetics—it’s about honoring history, reducing environmental impact and preserving a piece of the past for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

At Dettaglio Interior Design, the emphasis is on teamwork. The team approaches each project with an open mind, often starting with a client’s initial ideas and then guiding them through a process of exploration and refinement. This collaborative approach allows them to create homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personalized.

HiddenIN PLAIN SIGHT

How secret doors are sneaking into home design.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Speakeasies have risen in popularity over the past several years. While no longer used for indulging in liquor illegally, these discreet yet chic spaces have always evoked a sense of intrigue and mystery. If you ask me, it all has to do with exclusivity: If you know, you know.

Today, speakeasies are showing up in restaurants and bars more often, from the ski-themed bar hidden within the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas to Amelia’s 1931, a cocktail lounge housed in a dry cleaners in a Miami strip mall.

This trend has become so popular that it is making its way into home design. Architects and interior designers are incorporating secret doors in their clients’ homes that lead to private spaces only a few close friends and family may know about. The doors can look as elaborate as a Renaissance-inspired bookshelf with a secret lever hidden in the literature or as unobtrusive as a pivot door camouflaged with the wall.

“It’s just something cool for the homeowner to show off to with friends and family,” Erik Peterson, owner of PHX Architecture, says. Peterson has worked on several projects that include secret doors, one of which leads to a deckedout game room equipped with a bar, golf simulator and large flatscreen TV.

While a secret room is impressive and adds another dimension of wonder and mystery to home design, it isn’t without its challenges. “Getting the hinges right on the

door is a big challenge, so is creating the door to look concealed,” Peterson says. “I have found that bookcases work the best if you really want to hide the door.”

Adding hidden rooms has become so popular that you can now buy doors disguised as mirrors or bookshelves, giving your home an element of secrecy and flair.

Whether you want to use your concealed room for safety, storage or fun, know that your secret sanctuary is just a couple of hinges away.

by

Photo

Innovation Cellar IN THE

Design advice about your home wine cellar from the experts.

By Bailey Badillo

Imagine uncorking a perfectly aged bottle of Pinot Noir from your cellar. Its bouquet is rich with nuance, and its flavor is preserved through time. It’s just right, and it’s right at home. Creating that kind of experience requires more than a simple wine rack and a darkened room. Instead, it takes an artful fusion of design, engineering and reverence for the grape.

According to Sandy Horwitz, founder and owner of Innovative Wine Cellar Designs based in Scottsdale, Ariz., a custom cellar begins not with where but with why.

“One of the first considerations when designing a wine cellar is how many bottles are currently in the collection and what the ideal capacity should be,” he explains. “Do you want the wine cellar to serve as a focal point in the home, or would you prefer a more understated, discreet design?”

From upscale restaurants to private collectors’ homes across the country, the Innovative Wine Cellar Designs team has more than two decades of experience creating award-winning, bespoke wine environments. Here, Horwitz shares exclusive insights on building your own cellar at home—stylishly and smartly.

FINDING THE RIGHT SPACE

The location of your wine cellar sets the foundation. According to Horwitz, this is important not only for visual impact but also for the wine’s temperature control, humidity and longevity.

“The goal is to recreate ideal wine-aging conditions,” he explains. “Typically around 55 degrees Fahrenheit with 60 to 70 percent humidity.”

Achieving that ideal atmosphere means more than picking a cool, dark corner. It means building a sealed, climate-stable environment from the inside out.

“Essentially, you are creating an airtight, waterproof environment to ensure perfect aging conditions for your wine,” he says. “All walls and ceilings in the wine cellar must be properly insulated with a plastic vapor barrier applied unless you’re using closed-cell insulation.”

As for where to build it? “Entryways, wine walls in great rooms, or double-sided designs between kitchen and dining spaces are all ideal, as long as they’re away from direct sunlight,” Horwitz adds.

And don’t forget about functionality: “If it’s a wine wall, make sure there’s enough clearance to open the doors comfortably, even when people are seated nearby,” he notes.

BUILT TO LAST, STYLED TO STUN

While prefabricated racks may be tempting, Horwitz advocates for custom craftsmanship. For one, most kit racks are only available in heights up to 84 inches, but Arizona and California homes often have ceilings up to 12 feet or higher. You can also build your cellar to reflect your style and lifestyle directly.

“With custom wine racking, the design possibilities are virtually endless,” Horwitz says. “They can be tailored specifically to your space and collection.”

A well-designed wine cellar comes with bottle storage and custom features you may not have even considered. One great example of unexpected amenities within a wine cellar is at The Guest House restaurant in Las Vegas. Its striking wall of 50 private wine lockers hides a speakeasy with space for more than 2,000 bottles— and yes, diamond-encrusted wine glasses.

Then, there’s this spectacular wine wall at Caesar’s Republic in Scottsdale. Housing more than 1,000 bottles, the opulent wine cellar is designed to reflect the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic and its restaurant Luna By Giada. Thanks to the evolution of wine cellars, these beautiful designs can be added to your home.

“Gone are the days of converting an old closet into a wine cellar, complete with doors barely visible behind grapevine and leaf ornaments,” Horwitz notes.

Here are some incredible custom features you might want to consider adding to your wine cellar design.

THE GLASS BOX EFFECT

Frameless glass enclosures have become the crown jewel of contemporary wine design. Today’s display systems use steel cables, acrylic and glass to create the illusion of bottles floating mid-air.

“Storing bottles horizontally or label-forward is the most popular storage feature, allowing easy access to the bottles while also creating a stunning visual display. These trends will continue as long as modern and contemporary homes remain a staple in new construction,” explains Horwitz.

LIGHTING, ELEVATED

Strategically placed LED lighting brings depth and dimension to the space, spotlighting prized vintages or casting an ambient glow through acrylic and steel. Programmable systems with color and temperature shifts can set the mood with a warm gold for an intimate dinner or cool white for a sleek, modern event.

Whether installing a showpiece in the great room or a hidden jewel behind custom lockers, a wine cellar should be as refined as the vintages it preserves. With artistry, precision and a professional’s touch, you can raise a glass to both form and function for decades to come.

by Baxter Imaging LLC

Photo

LOVING AGAIN

The journey of the highly acclaimed contemporary landscape artist, Gail Morris.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Good art is more than just an image on a canvas; good art is emotive. It communicates the feelings and messages of an artist to the audience. This phenomenon is a beautiful example of unspoken human connection; it demonstrates the

empathy people have for one another. Artists have this natural ability to depict their experiences or feelings into something beautiful that people can appreciate, relate to and feel. One artist in particular who has an innate ability to capture the sense of the moment in her work is Gail Morris.

Morris is an exceptional contemporary landscape artist who has a deep understanding of color. Morris utilizes this skill to showcase the feeling a landscape gave her through the execution of color, shape and emotion.

“I keep my work feeling calm and serene,” Morris says. “Something that will make people feel peaceful.”

Morris has always had a love for art and grew up painting. After a disheartening comment from her college professor, she decided to take a break from art and throw herself into photography.

“I went to college for painting and switched my major to art history because my professor said to me, ‘Gail, you’re never going to make it as an artist; you should teach.’”

It wasn’t until she was in Taos, New Mexico, that she decided to pick up a brush and paint again; it was the beauty of the towering mountains amid the vast plateaus that inspired her. After that, she knew art was her true calling, and she never looked back.

ARTWORK:

Opposite Page: “Bird of Paradise,” available at Bonner David Galleries.

Having traveled the world and studied the work of legendary artists such as Mark Rothko, Russell Chatham, Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn, Morris’ cup of inspiration is never empty. She is heavily influenced by her travels and is best known for her ability to capture a moment in time and place through a more contemporary lens.

“All of my paintings start somewhere,” Morris says. “They come from the high desert, foggy wetlands, or even an aerial view from an airplane.”

Morris is intuitive with herself, allowing feelings to dictate the process of creation for her, from choosing the subject matter to knowing when to put a brush down. “I just get a feeling,” she says about her process of selecting a subject matter for her piece. “The same thing happens when I know a painting is done; I will take a step back and just know that it’s finished; I don’t think about it.”

The complex display of color in Morris’ work is nothing short of spectacular, with layers of color hidden and subtle, allowing the viewer to stare at the work for hours and still find new things to observe. “I start with the horizon line,” Morris explains. “ From that point, I move to the color, I think of myself as a colorist and that’s what drives it. I love putting on color and wiping it off with a rag or a sponge, or even scraping it off to achieve another type of effect. I build up the painting through this process, so when the gallery gets the finished piece, the paint is quite thin.”

Her work’s evolution throughout her career has taken her paintings in more of an impressionistic direction. “I just started making my landscape paintings to where they were still identifiable but a little bit dissolving. The many workshops that I did with Wolf Kahn, who was such an amazing teacher and landscape painter, definitely made my work softer, less graphic.”

In her most recent exhibit at Bonner David Galleries, whom Morris has worked closely with for more than 20 years, she has evolved her work by utilizing pastel colors rather

than the earthy tones she is usually drawn to. “My colors when I started were always super bold and bright, then as I traveled northward and began to see more fog and rain, they softened a bit,” Morris says. “I am really excited about this show because it’s more about color. I love vibrating colors in my work, putting different and sometimes contrasting colors next to each other to create some tension and vibration.”

Morris is a visionary artist and a prime example of how following your passions, regardless of the opinions of others, can lead to a life filled with purpose, love, creation and success. Her work continues to inspire patrons worldwide and reminds us to take a moment to pause the chaos of our everyday lives and enjoy the precious and fleeting moments we have on this stunning earth.

ARTWORK:

This Page: “Palm Beach.” Opposite Page (clockwise from top left): “Banasari,” ”Le Fromage,“ “Côte d'Azur.” All artworks shown are available at Bonner David Galleries.

COUNTERTOP: Calatorao Nature, WALL & FLOOR: Astana Grey Nature

Digital LET’S GET

Welcoming a new era of digital art display in homes.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Photos courtesy of Eleusis Digital Canvas

The immersion of art into the digital realm is reaching new heights, and now, digital artistry is going a step further by finding its way into residential design. One company, in particular, setting the stage for this new form of artwork display is Eleusis Digital Canvas. Eleusis is a manufacturer of high-end luxury residential digital canvases and video walls. With the ability to build these video walls into shapes beyond just a square or rectangle hung up, the viewing experience of these digital art pieces is more immersive than ever before.

I’m sure you’ve seen the realistic and awe-inspiring billboards that wrap around buildings in Japan, delivering the illusion that the artwork is jumping out of the screen and into our reality; now, imagine having that

integrated into your home in a way that feels chic and elevated. Eleusis takes feature walls and statement artwork to the next level. With the ability to incorporate the digital canvas into the architecture of the home and change what is displayed, you can tailor your Eleusis Digital Canvas to appropriately reflect any atmosphere; the possibilities are truly endless.

Eleusis’ story starts with Michael Pyle, founder of Centurion LV and Eleusis Digital Canvas– a prestigious name in residential tech– and a visionary in technology integration. With more than 30 years of experience within the residential technology field, Pyle knows that every component of technological design must be seamlessly harmonized to create an exceptional experience. This expertise led to the establishment of Eleusis

in 2020, paving the way for a new era of luxury innovation.

Using direct-view micro-LED technology and a natural matte finish, Eleusis canvases produce the clearest quality picture across an edge-to-edge seamless surface while also eliminating glare and reflection from lights and windows; the result is remarkable. The digital canvas takes mesmeric digital art to the next level by infusing your spaces with motion and interactivity, breathing new life into the room.

“It’s fascinating and mesmerizing the things that people create that we can now display in a really fun and immersive way,” Pyle says. “When you look at digital art on an LCDTV, it doesn’t look real, but with our technology

the image is so realistic that your brain has trouble categorizing it as not real. The performance that our screens can achieve is beyond what a TV can do.”

Integrating this type of technology into homes is groundbreaking and that is what gives Pyle the motivation to continue the work he is doing. “We have partners all over the country and around the world that are bringing me onto projects to create things that are fun and have never been done before,” he explains. “That’s what gets me up in the morning, that’s the exciting part of what we get to do, create.”

Eleusis can be used for more than just art display; it changes the game for entertainment. With a simple phone call to a representative, their team of experts can create graphics for any occasion, whether that be for a sports viewing party, charity event, or holiday gathering. Just be sure to give them a week or two.

“We have a media manager who can bring a bunch of different elements together on the screen remotely to create an overall experience,” Pyle says. “For example, if you’re throwing an F1 watch party, you can program the screen to display your favorite

racer, have the video feed streaming, bring in web pages to display statistics of cars or racers and have social media included, we can create your personalized digital experience and that’s a really powerful thing.”

The screens come installed with preset settings: mimicking natural architectural features like stone or wood, having a TV pop up on the screen or displaying digital art.

“We work with a company called Black Dove, which is essentially like Spotify for digital art,” Pyle says. “It’s an application that allows you to scroll through a library of

digital art, allowing you to make a playlist and upload your own content.”

Eleusis is not only changing the way we can experience art and entertainment within the home, but it is also helping digital artists get their work seen and used within homes and commercial spaces nationwide.

“We give these artists a medium and canvas to display their art, and that is really special,” Pyle says.

The future of entertainment and art display is here, and it’s Eleusis.

Be Our Guest…

If you own a home in Paradise Valley, you’re most likely on an acre with land to spare.

For what would be a similar-size investment to that of adding another supercar to your garage, you can add an ADU—Accessory Dwelling Unit—to your property, and it has the potential to increase the value of your home, appreciate over time and create space for living well with a new home office, workout studio or guest house.

Founded by Robert Singer, AZ ICONIC Development will design and build a permanent, modern structure to expand the possibilities of your property.

For more info, call 480.330.3737.

EssentialElements

We asked six top designers what design elements and processes they simply couldn’t live without.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

What goes into a beautiful home? The answer spans far deeper and more complex than just good architecture and pretty furniture. Interior designers ingeniously craft homes, relying on their expertise in multiple design elements and principles to perfectly put the puzzle pieces together and ultimately create the stunning interiors we often see in homes today.

With lots to consider for each space, I wondered: If our designers had to choose one aspect of design they couldn’t live without when working on a project, what would it be?

Candice Quinn

LONDON PIERCE DESIGN

When taking on a client, Candice Quinn, owner and principal designer of London Pierce Design and London Pierce Home, emphasizes getting to know them and their needs. “We start with a questionnaire for our clients,” she says. “It’s very detailed and asks them questions about their goals, style, inspiration, etc., that allows us to really understand them.”

Quinn highly values the storytelling aspect of design, so the personalization element is one she prioritizes with her clients. “One of our main goals is to create a story for them,” Quinn says. “Everybody’s home needs to be their sanctuary, so one of the most important things to me is creating those stylized moments within the home, and I want them to feel both curated and personal.”

Quinn executes this design aspect by including built-in shelves, cabinetry or a niche feature within the home that will display the client’s valuable and priceless possessions.

Portrait

photo by Shane Baker, Shane Baker Studios.

Project photo by Stephanie Studer at Life Created.

Amy Klosterman

AB DESIGN ELEMENTS

Known for her high-end desert contemporary designs, Amy Klosterman, principal designer of AB Design Elements, tends to lean on her love for textural details to enhance a home’s overall appearance. “Texture is enticing—it makes you want to touch something, to cuddle into something, to explore it,” she says. “A tactile wallcovering, a wire-brushed cabinet surface, or a fuzzy soft pillow all invite connection. With lighting, textured beads, rope and glass all diffuse the light differently. Texture also allows you to mix natural woods and neutral colors and still maintain an interesting composition.”

Adding texture to a home not only boosts the visual interest of a space but also opens the door for a tailored experience. Textures can evoke certain emotions in people such as a feeling of warmth or comfort and these responses can enhance or hinder a person’s experience within a room. When done right, they trigger positive impressions that help people more easily feel a sense of calm, belonging and peace.

Photo by Eric Kruk

Mary Marsh

LILLIAN JAMES DESIGN GROUP

For Mary Marsh, the founder of Lillian James Design Group, the design element she can’t live without is found in a more intimate part of the home: the bedroom. “One thing I simply can’t live without when designing a home is luxurious, high-quality bedding paired with an exceptional mattress,” Marsh says. “Considering we spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping, the bed should be the most comfortable and restorative space in the home.”

Investing in high-quality bedding and sleep necessities isn’t only a visual benefit; it also affects your overall health. “Scratchy sheets or a subpar mattress aren’t just minor inconveniences— they can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being,” Marsh points out. “That’s why I always stress to my clients the importance of investing in a sleep experience that feels indulgent, supportive and tailored to their needs.”

Marsh believes that a good night’s rest starts with good design, and a thoughtfully designed bedroom can shift the energy of the room.

Portrait

photo by Mark Sarco

Photo.

Project photo by Dino Tonn.

Kaitlyn Wolfe

KAITLYN WOLFE

Kaitlyn Wolfe is a talented interior designer who is taking the design community by storm with her award-winning designs and passion for her craft. For Wolfe, design starts by deducting how a space will be utilized. “I like to understand functionality,” she says. “When I do a deep dive with my clients, I like to ask them, ‘How will you use this space?’ so I can really understand their lifestyle and living habits.”

After pondering the question about a design feature she couldn’t live without, Wolfe landed on lighting. “I think putting a huge focus on lighting impacts the space entirely,” she says. “It impacts how you feel in it and how you use it.”

Lighting can be manipulated in a space in many ways, whether linear lighting built into the home’s architecture, or decorative sconces or lamps. The impact of lighting is paramount in design. “I can walk into a space and think it’s amazing, but if the lighting is off, it throws off the whole vibe,” Wolfe says.

Rachel Morrison MORRISON INTERIORS

Rachel Morrison is the principal designer of the California-based interior design firm Morrison Interiors. She is known for flawlessly incorporating design styles to add depth, warmth and character to homes. Drawn to the philosophy that homes should be visually stimulating and interesting, Morrison can’t live without layering textures into her designs.

“Layered texture adds a lot of visual interest and helps add a richness to a space,” Morrison remarks. “I think overall it keeps a space from feeling flat or sterile.”

Morrison implements this by enhancing the textures in the home’s architecture and construction, whether by adding patterned wallpaper to a space or utilizing interesting fabrics to elevate a room and tell a bigger story.

Working with texture is something that Morrison and her team have mastered, and it has become a signature element in most of their designs.

“I think some clients come to us almost because of that. Layering texture is something we do really well. We’re lucky to have clients who understand that we do this well and want us to explore that in their homes.”

Portrait photo by Kaden Nelson, On The Go Media. Project photo by Lance Gerber.

Michael Bourque

MICHAEL DAVID BOURQUE MODERN DESIGNS

Michael Bourque, founder of Michael David Bourque Modern Designs, takes the unique approach of vetting his clients to make sure he and the client are compatible before agreeing to take on a project. “I like to make sure that we’re set up for success and that we could work together well and share the same general vision.”

Bourque values how a project makes his clients feel emotion, and that’s why his favorite design element focuses on how the client feels in their home: “It’s more about creating a space that the homeowner feels joyous and happy in,” he explains.

Crafting projects that directly reflect each client’s personality is no easy task. Bourque credits his background in psychology for his innate ability to understand and execute his clients’ visions. “My questions to them don’t revolve around me asking what they like, but rather asking how certain design examples make them feel,” Bourque says.

The result is a highly tailored space that feels authentic and unique to each person he works with.

Voice USE YOUR

The future of smart home automation is here.

By Taylor Transtrum

Home automation has evolved from novelty gadgets to an essential component of modern living. As homeowners seek convenience and style, voice-activated innovative systems are revolutionizing how we interact with our homes. The result? Environments that are as intelligent as they are attractive.

BEYOND PLATFORM LIMITATIONS

Advances in home automation and speech recognition platform integration have taken modern convenience to the next level. What used to be a physically demanding task, for example, opening and closing heavy floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows, is now possible with simple vocal commands.

Rather than limiting homeowners to a single ecosystem, forward-thinking companies are developing solutions that work across centralized smart home hubs, including Alexa Smart Home, Google Home and Apple Home.

One such company is Arizona-based Summit Automation. Through cutting-edge voice-activation technology, thoughtful configurations and advanced engineering, Summit streamlines window and door automation for homeowners and architects alike.

“We have found that each of the larger home automation companies—Savant, Control4, Lutron, Crestron, Google Home, Apple Home, etc.—has its strengths and weaknesses. The technology is improving daily with the bugs being worked out,” says Patrick J. Gruetzmacher, CEO and president of Summit Automation. “That’s why we’ve chosen to be automation agnostic and build a system that integrates with all existing systems without requiring us to keep an Application Programming Interface (API) library up-to-date.”

As a result, Summit’s home automation systems are low maintenance and automatically update in tandem with linked platforms.

USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Today’s automation systems must prioritize ongoing user experience, which begins with implementation.

“Our process starts with the homeowner having a smart home platform in place, and we become an accessory to that platform,” Gruetzmacher

explains. “Our system can link to all existing ones. If the homeowner has their own home automation system, then they simply need to follow our connecting instructions to activate our system.”

By functioning as an accessory to existing smart home platforms, Summit has streamlined the installation and setup process, requiring minimal additional configuration.

“Our voice command module links to Alexa, Google and Siri seamlessly, and by doing so, those platforms manage to keep their libraries up-to-date as our systems simply piggyback onto their platform,” Gruetzmacher notes.

This versatility means homeowners aren’t locked into a single manufacturer’s ecosystem, providing greater flexibility for future upgrades and expansions.

LOOKING FORWARD

The future of home automation extends even further beyond the industry’s current capabilities.

In the next 12 to 18 months, Gruetzmacher expects smart homes to have full home automation commands—beyond just doors, windows and lights, adding that “the technology is getting better every day.”

THE ART OF THE UPGRADE

Inside the resurgence of home renovations.

By Amalie Rhebeck

PROJECT SHOWN ON PAGES 128-132:

INTERIOR DESIGN Go Studio Go, Cindy Louie.

LANDSCAPE Creative Environments Design & Landscape.

BUILDER West Construction & Development.

PHOTOGRAPHER Austin LaRue Photography.

PROJECT SHOWN ON PAGE 133:

Project by Woodcrest Design + Build.

As real estate market prices soar, homeowners are beginning to look inward, transforming their current residences into luxury dream spaces. For many, the thought of undertaking a home renovation can be a daunting experience, consisting of immersive planning and a disruption of everyday life. To assist homeowners who might be considering remodeling their home or are in the process, renovation experts share insider tips, professional advice and current trends to help make the journey easier.

To begin the process, homeowners should prioritize what construction and design elements are most important to them and how they can budget appropriately.

“At Woodcrest, every renovation starts with a discovery phase—learning about the client’s lifestyle, needs and design vision,” says Karen Wancho, director of design and interiors at Woodcrest Design + Build. “Many homeowners don’t realize how much design decisions drive the overall cost. High-end finishes, custom features and layout changes can significantly impact your budget, even if the square footage remains the same.”

Both general contractors and design professionals recommend that homeowners consider renovating their entire home at once instead of in phases. Although this has a

higher upfront cost, experts agree that it results in a more cost-effective plan in the long term, a more cohesive design, and fewer disruptions to the homeowners’ day-to-day lives.

“Depending on what the budget restrictions are, if you can renovate all at once, it’s always the most efficient costwise,” notes Scott West, president of West Construction and Development Co. “For example, if the job involves a plumber, the plumber is already there, or if it involves an electrician, the electrician is already there. You’re only paying for additional time and material for them to be there, whereas if they’re mobilizing to come to the house separately [each time], you end up spending more.”

Once homeowners have started planning their renovation, West says they should understand the temporary disruption it will cause to their daily lives. From dust to limited access to certain rooms of the home, he emphasizes how alternative living solutions may need to be part of the equation.

“Most homeowners think they can stay in the house when renovating it. Depending on the scope of the renovation, what we’re finding more these days is that the main arteries of the house, electrical and plumbing, are affected. The best decision for the homeowner is to rent a place while the construction is going on,” West says.

Regarding improvements that bring the most value to a home, luxury kitchen and bathroom remodels are at the top of the list. Wancho says keeping functionality in mind when renovating these spaces is crucial to creating a stylistically pleasing and inviting space.

“A beautiful renovation means nothing if it doesn’t function well for the people living in it,” she notes. “That’s why we focus on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically elevated but also thoughtfully planned and built to last.”

Several new trends have emerged in home renovations with styles leaning toward warm tones and natural textures. Wancho is seeing an emphasis on wellness-based designs that implement spa-like features in primary bathrooms such as saunas, cold plunges and home gyms.

For many owners, balancing customization with comfort makes home renovations so appealing, especially in a market where the cost of buying or building a custom home continues to rise.

“Renovating gives you the ability to stay where you are, and you bring your home up to what your tastes, desires and needs are for today,” West says. “The benefit is that you get to be in the place you know, the place you want to be, and not have the additional cost of building a new house.”

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ARCHITECT Kendle Design Collaborative. BUILDER Alexander Enterprises Construction & Development Co., Inc. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE G B Two Landscape Architecture. PHOTOGRAPHY Ema Peter Photography. WINDOWS Fleetwood, supplied by Sienna Custom Window and Door. METAL FASCIA SUPPLIER Western States Metal Roofing. BASALT CLADDING Imperial Wholesale. FLOORING Emser Tile (Supplied by Imperial Wholesale). DRIVEWAY PAVERS Arterra Pavers. APPLIANCES Miele. CLOSETS Closet Factory. HOME AUTOMATION Dennis Sage Home Entertainment. ROLLERSHADES AZ Custom. FIREPLACE Fireplace Specialist LLC. FRONT DOOR Kip Merritt Design LLC.

PRAGMATICPoetry

The story behind this striking new Paradise Valley home.

By Bailey Badillo

Photography by Ema Peter Photography

At just 10 years old, Brent Kendle knew he was meant to become an architect. While most kids were out riding bikes or flipping through comic books, Kendle was thumbing through a Frank Lloyd Wright book his mother had tucked away from her college days. By the sixth page, he was sold. That was it—architecture was his calling.

Raised in the creative crosscurrents of a mother with a passion for interior design and a professional engineer for a father, Kendle was steeped in design and structure from the beginning. His upbringing in the architectural mecca of Chicago and visits to Frank Lloyd Wright homes throughout Oak Park and Taliesin left a mark that shaped his life’s work.

Today, as the visionary behind Kendle Design Collaborative in Scottsdale, Ariz., he is known for merging nature with architecture in ways that feel effortless and deliberate. His latest home in Paradise Valley is no exception. Built for a pair of physicians who love hosting parties and appreciate detail, this hillside retreat captures the essence of Kendle’s “pragmatic poetry,” where every structure serves a purpose, and every purpose is wrapped in elegance.

WHERE MODESTY MEETS MONUMENT

From the street, the residence is modest in scale but monumental in impression. With its single-level form set strategically into a sloped site, the 4,000-squarefoot house achieves a dramatic welcome without shouting for attention. It’s a masterclass in material contrast: Ribbed basalt walls stand like sculptural sentinels, while concrete blocks and smooth stucco create a clean backdrop.

This home is more than just a pretty face to Kendle and his team. Every material, every design, every product must serve a purpose. “We try to pick materials that are timeless in appearance but also low maintenance,” Kendle says. “Most of our clients have active lifestyles and don’t want to be slaves to their homes.”

Even the basalt-clad entry walls are doing more than anchoring the aesthetic. They create a visual veil, framing the experience and guiding visitors toward the curved overhang and glowing oculus. In a sense, it makes a modern-day sundial that moves shadows across the surface throughout the day.

“It engages the home with nature,” Kendle says. “It becomes kinetic art using one of the most abundant resources we have here—the sun.”

MODERNISM, NOT STYLE

Kendle is a listener. Modernism—a philosophy lived by his team—isn’t about style, it’s about starting with the solutions and transforming them into a work of art. “We identify the problem, determine the solution, and then figure out how to make it into poetry,” he explains.

And in this home, the client’s wish list was anything but ordinary. The homeowners had specific dreams: room for dancing (indoors and outdoors), views that didn’t just include the mountains but celebrated them, and privacy that didn’t sacrifice light. Plus, the client adores the color green.

With a nod to that vibrant preference, Kip Merritt Design designed a custom front door with a striking green glass insert—a jewel-like moment in an otherwise neutral exterior. The curved forms throughout the home were another client must-have, even though curves are notoriously difficult and costly to construct.

“It’s all about choreographing the experience that one has,” Kendle notes. “It’s about creating what I like to call an ‘Oh God’ moment.”

A PANORAMIC PAINTING—

EVERY HOUR, EVERY DAY

Inside the home, Kendle’s keen vision of natural light takes center stage. A floating roof hovers above the main living space, allowing clerestory windows to pull light from every direction. This technique, used in many of his past designs, eliminates glare and creates a balanced, almost ethereal glow throughout the day.

“Light bounces off the roof and balances the daylight inside. It’s magical,” Kendle remarks. “In the evening, the sun illuminates the mountains while the sky darkens behind them. It looks like a painting.”

This view, framed carefully through the great room’s expansive glass and clean lines, was no accident. Kendle’s team modeled the site in 3D before the design even began, overlaying panoramic photography to determine where each room should be placed for maximum visual impact.

“It’s about putting blinders on what you don’t want to see and spotlighting what you do,” he adds.

A LAYOUT THAT BREATHES

The layout leans into open-plan living, but it doesn’t skimp on privacy. Through clever use of layered ceiling heights and partial walls, the space feels expansive without being exposed.

“We design for what I call borrowed space,” Kendle explains. “You may be in a 200-square-foot living area, but because of how your sightlines borrow volume from adjacent spaces, it feels like 800 square feet.”

The main great room flows seamlessly into an outdoor terrace through fully retractable glass doors. It’s here that the dancing begins—both literally, as the owners glide across the tile floors inside and out, and metaphorically, as architecture and nature engage in a rhythm all their own.

EVERY DETAIL, PURPOSEFULLY PLACED

One of Kendle’s most compelling philosophies is that every element must do at least three things: solve a problem, look beautiful, and bring joy to the owners in some way.

Take the deep overhangs, for example. “I don’t want to do anything that’s just ‘hey, this looks cool,’” he says. “If I place a deep overhang, it’s there because it’s shading an outdoor area and interior glass to reduce energy consumption and increase the comfort level of the people living there.”

This trifecta of function, beauty and joy runs throughout the design. Even the choice to keep exposed wood off the exterior wasn’t just aesthetic, it was a nod to maintenance practicality. “We don’t want to create homes that demand constant upkeep,” Kendle says. “We want them to give back.”

So, what defines a Brent Kendle home? Is it the light, the layout, the signature floating ceilings or the textural interplay? All of it…and none of it.

“We’re modernists, and modernism is not a style; it’s a process. We just have to listen and find the right solution that solves things in a unique way, and to me, that’s what makes timeless architecture,” Kendle says.

This Paradise Valley masterpiece fully displays that philosophy: fluid, function and always poetic.

WHERE LUXURY MEETS LIFESTYLE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS ClosetsICONIC

Top interior designers in the Valley share their most ICONIC closet transformations, each designed to reflect the client’s unique lifestyle for which it was made.

By Sam Micatrotto

The humble closet has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a key player in interior design.

More than just storage, this space now serves as a curated display of personal style, where carefully considered details enhance the day-to-day. Think quiet luxury—concealed drawers, custom illumination highlighting prized possessions and layouts thoughtfully designed around collections worthy of Carrie Bradshaw herself. Today, closets receive the

same sophisticated design approach once reserved for kitchens, living rooms and primary suites.

Seeking to understand this evolution firsthand, we partnered with four of the Valley’s most sought-after interior design firms to delve into some of their most ICONIC closet projects. The results are a perfect blend of beauty and practicality, each project a unique reflection of how luxury and functionality can be artfully tailored to the nuances of individual lives.

ANGELICA HENRY DESIGN

Interior designer Angelica Henry, president and founder of Angelica Henry Design, is known for bringing sophistication and purpose into every space. With nearly two decades of experience and a long list of accolades, including HGTV’s “Designer of the Month” and Phoenix Home & Garden’s Young Gun designation, her work reflects a mastery of balance: beauty paired with intention, luxury grounded in functionality. Henry approaches every project with the same thoughtful eye and attention to detail. Her recent ICONIC closet designs exemplify this philosophy, transforming storage spaces into immersive, elevated experiences.

One of her striking closet designs evokes the feeling of a high-end members-only club. “We wanted to create the feeling of a luxury club environment in this space with comfortable seating, plush carpet, a rolling ladder and pinstripe tailored wallcovering,” Henry says. A glowing, blue-hued wall is a showpiece, highlighting the client’s collection of bags and shoes with artful illumination. “The lighted shoe wall showcases the client’s shoe collection, and lighted closet rods illuminate everything hanging in the closet for easy viewing.”

Angelica Henry

Texture and detail also add to the overall experience. “The pinstripe wallcovering in the hanging areas evokes a masculine, tailored aesthetic,” she notes. Every inch is thoughtfully considered, from the plush carpet underfoot to the concealed compartments for watch winders and luggage storage.

At the center is a custom island topped with zinc that’s as functional as refined. “The zinc island top conceals a pop-up, swivel TV

that allows for easy viewing from anywhere within the space,” Henry shares. It’s one of many integrations that transform a utilitarian room into a personalized retreat.

In another walk-in space that Henry designed, she focused on maximizing function without compromising elegance. “The client wanted to maximize the space in this closet remodel, so we reworked the floor plan. We relocated a water closet within the adjacent bathroom area, which gained a significant amount of space in the closet,” she recalls. That extra square footage allowed for more thoughtful storage and practicality, tailored to the homeowner’s daily needs.

“The client requested a combination of concealed and open storage—closed doors to hide seldom-used items, and open shelving for frequently accessed ones.” Pull-down rods ensure accessibility to higher shelves, while glass cabinet doors keep the full-height cabinetry feeling open and expansive.

Lighting also plays a crucial role in the overall experience of this closet. “Lighting inside the cabinetry creates more of an elevated luxury look and is crucial to keep the space from feeling too dark due to only having two tiny windows in this room,” Henry explains.

Through thoughtful planning, tailored materials and layered lighting, these closets reflect Angelica Henry’s signature: timeless luxury with a deeply personal touch.

DETTAGLIO INTERIOR DESIGN

This two-story closet, designed by Jeni Robison, owner and principal designer, and Morganne Underwood, owner and lead designer of Dettaglio Interior Design, is a striking blend of luxury and function. From the show-stopping chandelier to the intentional layout, this closet is a true design moment with every inch of the space

Jeni Robison & Morganne Underwood

speaking to the meticulous attention to detail that Dettaglio is known for.

“We knew our client had a lot of clothing, purses and shoes, meaning we needed a lot of space to ensure her items would fit,” Underwood shares. “The opportunity for a two-story closet presented itself, and

there was no questioning it. How often do you get to design a multi-level closet?” The decision to take the design vertical was practical and indulgent, allowing for increased storage while elevating the closet to a grand statement space.

Drawing inspiration from the home’s traditional aesthetic, the designers ensured a cohesive flow between the spaces. This attention to detail extends to the color palette, with the client’s preference for a rich steely blue thoughtfully integrated into the carpeting, grounding the luxurious space with personal flair. That same blue hue is echoed through a textural wallpaper applied to the ceiling. “This carries that rich blue from the ground to the ceiling, allowing for a consistent color throughout,” Underwood points out.

Beyond the jaw-dropping chandelier and unique ceiling treatment, this ICONIC closet has features that make everyday routines seamless. “Under the second level tucked off into the corner, you will find a full-size washer and dryer, making laundry a breeze. This closet is fully equipped with jewelry drawers, plenty of long and double hang, valet hooks, display cabinets and lots of shoe storage,” Underwood notes.

When balancing practicality with beauty, the Robison and Underwood team approached the challenge creatively. “Closets can be so fun to design. It’s almost like playing Tetris, trying to get all the pieces to fit together,” Underwood says. “Turning those practical elements into an overall luxurious experience comes from knowing how to dress up a simplistic design.” That included glassfront display cabinets, full-height doors with unique detailing and carefully chosen hardware that adds charm and elegance.

Hidden within the cabinetry are clever organizational elements such as integrated hampers, valet rods and watch-winding drawers. There’s even a his-and-hers section, each with an island, emphasizing how expansive the space truly is.

“It’s not often you get to design a two-story closet,” Underwood says. “We jumped at the opportunity and had a lot of fun working with the client to create a space that was perfect for her and her husband.”

PROJECT CREDITS: Builder: Forte Homes. Architect: Glen Zilly with Lifeform Design. Millwork: Doorworks. Cabinetry: Rysso Peters. Photography: Michael Duerinckx with Inckx Photography.

OWNBY DESIGN

Claire Ownby

Claire Ownby, design principal of Ownby Design, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of personalized luxury in these two primary closet designs. Each was tailored to a masculine aesthetic, prioritizing functionality and a refined ambiance. In these two distinct yet equally ICONIC closets, senior project designer Rachel Chester explains how thoughtful design and lighting choices come together to create spaces as functional as they are beautiful.

“Lighting is integral to the design of every closet—it influences both function and the overall aesthetics within the space,” Chester

says. In these two primary closets, lighting plays a starring role. “We like to have a balance of both lighting types when it comes to a primary closet. Both of these closet designs incorporate a well-considered blend of general (function) and accent (aesthetics) lighting. Effectively illuminating not only the room itself, but also the shelves and hanging areas provides a seamless blend of functional ambient lighting for the space and is always a priority in our closet designs.”

The core of Ownby Design’s approach lies in a client-centric philosophy. Chester states, “The most effective closet designs are rooted

BedBrock Development. Architect: Drewett Works.

Western Windows. Cabinetry: Rysso Peters.

in a thorough understanding of our clients’ needs, preferences and daily routines.”

While distinct, each design adheres to the requested “masculine approach” through darker palettes. The first achieves this through sleek black cabinetry and focused lighting, while the second utilizes the interplay of dark elements with warmer wood tones and softer textures. Security is also seamlessly integrated. Chester confirms, “We always like to keep in mind security within the primary closet as almost every one of our clients needs some form of protection

for their valuables,” noting that both closets feature hidden safes and lockable drawers.

Mirrors, both functional and stylish, round out the design. “In almost every primary closet design, a full-length mirror is a must,” Chester says. The lounge closet cleverly integrates mirrored cabinet fronts into a storage wall, demonstrating a space-saving solution that simultaneously enriches the space. “Any mirrored element not only enhances the overall ambiance, but also reflects light, making a brighter, more open feel in the closet.”

HOLLY WRIGHT DESIGN Holly Wright

For Holly Wright, founder of Holly Wright Design, creating this closet was about giving her client a fresh, bright space that celebrated the woman’s vibrant wardrobe. “Her last home was darker and very much lacking in space to accommodate her wardrobe collection,” says Wright. “So for her new home, we added a window for natural light and kept the finishes light to make this space brighter.” The resulting design is open, welcoming and perfectly tailored to its stylish owner.

A major priority from the start was ensuring there would be enough shelving to display her impressive collections properly. Rows of open shelves now showcase an enviable array of shoes and handbags, each thoughtfully positioned to be accessible

and visually stunning. The effect is a space that feels both meticulously organized and effortlessly glamorous.

Choosing the right finishes also played a significant role in balancing functionality with a sophisticated, elevated aesthetic. Wright explains, “The client wanted a classic look that was not distracting, as her wardrobe is full of color. White was the obvious choice, and the hardware helped tie into the chandelier repurposed from her last home.” Crisp white cabinetry provides a clean backdrop, allowing vibrant garments and accessories to take center stage. At the same time, gold hardware offers just the right amount of polish and ties into the ornate chandelier that serves as a dazzling focal point.

Speaking of the chandelier, it carries a story of its own. “While this home is much more modern, we chose to keep this chandelier from her last place as a keepsake, but it also helped heighten the ambiance of her new closet.” Its intricate, sparkling design brings a sense of history and personal significance into the space, bridging the client’s past and present while enhancing the overall atmosphere with a luxurious glow.

Although the closet is undeniably glamorous, thoughtful design ensures it remains practical for everyday use. “Keeping the finishes for the closet quiet was key so that her clothes, handbags and shoes would really shine!” Wright says. With bold pieces full of color and sparkle, the wardrobe becomes the main event, allowing the closet’s simpler palette to serve as an elegant backdrop rather than a competing element.

PROJECT

CREDITS:

Photos by Kevin Brost. Closets by Landmark Cabinet Co.

A Heart Home WITH

ARCHITECT Urban Design Associates, Jessica Hutchison-Rough. BUILDER Manship Builders, Chris Manship. MILLWORK Burdette Cabinetry. INTERIOR DESIGN AB Design Elements, Amy Klosterman and Michelle Jefferson. PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Kruk Photography.

This warm and inviting home boasts incredible views of the Desert Highlands.

By Masada Siegel

Photography by Eric Kruk Photography

Home is where the heart is, and for the custom 4300-squarefoot new build in the Desert Highlands community in Scottsdale, it is evident every last detail was thought through meticulously with heart and soul.

Amy Klosterman, principal of AB Design Elements explained, “It’s a contemporary home with an emphasis on indoor outdoor living and materials that feel warm but modern with natural wood ceilings, vein-cut travertine, taupe stained oak cabinetry, large expanses of glass and the patina of hot-rolled steel.”

The homeowners who are from Nebraska expressed to Klosterman their ideal home was a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the desert climate. Their wish list also included a functional and modern kitchen to complement the simplicity of the architecture.

The goal was to turn this home into a masterpiece, one that both stood out while also emphasizing and blending with the natural desert landscape.

“Every space connects effortlessly to outdoor living areas and is oriented to showcase breathtaking views and botanical garden-quality landscaping,” Jessica Hutchison-Rough, principal architect and president of Urban Design Associates Ltd., says. “The home is scaled for intimacy when it’s just the couple, yet it expands easily for entertaining, always preserving a sense of calm and privacy in the primary wing. The ultimate goal was to craft a home that is as effortless to live in as it is inspiring to experience.”

It was a team effort between the designer and architect, Klosterman was able to create their dream home, and she says it’s because of the innovative architecture of the house.

“Trapezoid-shaped areas of steel, rectangular volumes of stone and porcelain, layered sloped wood ceilings that create triangular shapes and linear slatted shade structures are present throughout the home. We used a neutral palette with matte finishes for a comfortable and casual feel and accented it with dimensional surfaces in the tile, wall treatments and cabinetry,” Klosterman says. “I love the angles and planes of this home. Graphic compositions of shapes always intrigue me, and this home has many. It was a joy to be on the design team.”

A considerable amount of time was spent at the location studying the different colors of the sunset because the home opens to the mountain. The goal was to incorporate the desert colors to use and provide a multitude of experiences during the course of the day and evening.

Hutchison-Rough wanted to create a home that was warm, inviting and deeply personal while also designing the space in a way to reflect and provide for the client’s day-to-day life.

“The most unique aspect is the way the home choreographs its connection to the landscape. The dual mountain views— uncommon in this neighborhood—became the compass for every design decision. The rooflines lift in response, extending the experience of the home toward the horizon and pulling the beauty of the desert in,” the architect says.

Hutchison-Rough explained how often her favorite moment when showing a finished home is when a client walks through it for the first time and says, “I had no idea it would feel this incredible.”

“That’s the magic. Even with our detailed 3D models and renderings, nothing compares to the real experience of scale, light and flow. That emotional response— when expectations are exceeded—is what makes all the effort worthwhile,” Hutchinson-Rough says.

THE Based Bones ON

A spectacular remodel by Lexi Westergard Design elevated this Spanish-style home into something truly unique.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Photography

by John Woodcock Photography

This home is special, radiating a calm, welcoming, positive atmosphere from its bones. You feel it immediately when you walk in and see the floor-to-ceiling window wall paned in the home’s original oak wood and you continue to feel it as you walk through the house, noticing the charming details that beautifully blend the home’s original character with the interior designer and client’s vision of luxury, warmth, comfort and refinement.

Spearheaded by Lexi Westergard, founder of Lexi Westergard Design, the residence needed a refresh. “The home was originally designed to entertain. We joke that it was the house with about 50 million bars,” Westergard laughs. “Our clients aren’t the biggest entertainers, so we worked together to make the house better suited to their needs. They have two young kids and wanted it to feel cozy and inviting.”

Westergard delivered on creating that inviting feeling by utilizing a neutral color palette of browns, tans and ivory

in the main living and dining areas while incorporating subtle duck-egg blues, terracotta and green accents in the more intimate spaces such as the office and bedroom.

“We wanted the interior colors to reflect the natural hues found just outside, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the surrounding landscape,” Westergard says. “We pulled greens, browns, creams, blues and earth tones to really lean into that Spanish-style aesthetic.”

Westergard focused on layering textures throughout the house to emphasize the warmer mood. “We added a lot more textural details in the furnishings and fabrics,” she says. This is especially evident in the living room, where the mixture of stone from the statement fireplace, different-toned woods from the ceiling, nook and flooring, and a stunning candelabra chandelier adds a rustic feel to the space.

A standout feature of the home is the powder room, which is also a space that had the most challenges. “The powder

bath was a tricky space because of all the angles in the room,” the designer explains. “We wanted it to feel a little bit more modern and create a better layout.” Westergard tackled those challenges by creating a moody space with smoky green walls, a floating angular marble sink with dark-green veins, patterned tile floors and brass sconces to frame the mirror.

The powder room blends modern elements with Spanish charm, drawing inspiration from the earth’s forestry color palette.

The renovation is still taking place, primarily focusing on the kitchen, garage and backyard. “We’re extending the kitchen and remodeling it completely,” Westergard says. “We are taking out more bars that are present throughout the home, adding a pantry in the kitchen, and giving the butler’s kitchen a little makeover. We are also doubling the size of the auto garage and redoing the pool.”

The transformation gave the house new life without sacrificing the crucial elements that define its character. “The home had a lot of styles going on,” Westergard says of the house pre-renovation. “Between the different styles of lighting to the bad finishes, it just didn’t feel cohesive at all, and that’s something that’s really important to us, being cohesive and really showcasing the great character of the home and the architecture.”

While still a work in progress, the heart and style that Westergard has infused into the home not only suit the family’s desires and lifestyle but also set an example of how good design can enhance a home’s personality.

Reflecting on what’s been done so far with the project, Westergard values the collaboration between her and the clients. “Honestly, they are so wonderful,” she enthuses. “They are great to work with, and they really trust our vision. They are the best part of the project.”

NEXT GEN

Introducing the next generation of design and business leaders in our community.

By Nakayla Shakespeare

Portrait Photography by Mark

Sacro

It takes a village. This saying refers to the efforts of all who contribute to a bigger cause. It rings true for our community. Rooted in deep family values and connection, Scottsdale’s reputation as a friendly and welcoming place has everything to do with the people and businesses that allow the city to flourish.

There are so many family-owned firms in Scottsdale. Businesses that have contributed heavily to the advancement of luxury design

in our community, whether that be the design of the homes we’re in, the jewelry we wear, or the real estate we represent.

Meet Andrew Beardsley, Cammie Beckert, Elizabeth Smith, Jeremy Meek, Jessica Fratantoni, Langdon Drewett, and Lindsay Cullum-Colwell—the next generation of design and business leaders taking over well-established and ICONIC companies. These seven individuals are the future of the businesses that Scottsdale has come to know and love.

Taking on one of the most luxurious real estate companies in the Valley is no small responsibility. Still, it is one that Andrew Beardsley, partner and owner of Silverleaf Realty, executes with efficiency, passion and care. Beardsley has been with Silverleaf Realty for 15 years. He started there in 2010 after his mother invited him to partner with her. “It was one of those things where my mom approached me and asked if I wanted to work with her. I had to think about it a little bit,” Beardsley laughs. “But I’ve never regretted it for a minute, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

After Beardsley and his partners bought Silverleaf Realty in 2017, they planned to expand the real estate firm to other locations outside the ICONIC neighborhood. “Expanding Silverleaf Realty throughout the Valley and into Flagstaff and elsewhere has been a pretty awesome experience,” he says.

With tactics of the real estate industry evolving, Beardsley is looking to develop his

marketing strategies to reach people who foster more of a nomadic lifestyle. “Digital marketing has become instrumental in reaching people that you have fostered relationships with for decades because a lot of these clients have multiple houses, so you’re not just sending something to one house.”

Mentorship is an essential aspect of success for Beardsley. A strong mentorship from his parents enabled him to gain crucial industry knowledge, ultimately setting him up for success. Beardsley strives to keep this a part of the office environment. “The mentor mentality is extremely important,” he remarks.

Beardsley is looking forward to his continuous evolution, both personally and professionally. “If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be an owner of this company, sitting here doing this sort of stuff, I would have thought it was possible, but I think I’ve surprised myself over the years, and I want to continue doing that,” he says.

Photo courtesy of Silverleaf Realty

ANDREW BEARDSLEY Silverleaf Realty

“I THINK I’VE SURPRISED MYSELF OVER THE YEARS, AND I WANT TO CONTINUE DOING THAT.”

CAMMIE BECKERT

“SUCCESS TO ME IS BEING ABLE TO COLLABORATE AND PRODUCE SOMETHING THAT EVERYBODY IS PROUD OF DESPITE THE CHALLENGES THAT MAY OCCUR.”

Cameron Custom

Cammie Beckert is the founder of Cameron Custom Homes & Renovations, a luxury homebuilding company and entity of Camelot Homes. Her grandparents, Maggi and JW Hancock, founded Camelot Homes, which is operated by her parents, Mark and Julie Hancock.

Beckert has worked with her parents at Camelot Homes for more than 20 years.

While implementing the company’s 10-year goals, she suggested including remodels in the business model.

“At that time, we didn’t have a remodeling division, so it was a huge leap of faith on both mine and Camelot’s part,” Beckert recalls.

“After the first renovation was complete, I did some marketing and booked more remodels for previous Camelot Homes.” Once she established the new branch of service, her brother took over her old marketing role at Camelot, allowing her to begin her ventures with Cameron Custom Homes.

“I put my energy into this custom-homebuilding division and remodels,” she explains.

“I hired my first Cameron Custom employee when the pandemic hit, so the business slowly developed.” Five years later, Cameron Custom has 10 employees and has made a name for itself in the Valley as an innovative build and remodeling firm, earning multiple industry awards and accolades.

Aware of the massive impact Beckert’s parents have on the homebuilding

community, she is determined to continue their legacy with the same level of dedication and creativity. “These are big shoes to fill,” she admits. “It can be a little intimidating, but one thing that has helped soften that pressure is the resources I have found through YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), which has provided me with immense support.”

With tunnel vision of her goals, Beckert is determined to grow her business to new heights. “Camelot Homes is the cream of the crop when it comes to production homes,” Beckert says. “I want to elevate from that with Cameron Custom.”

Beckert’s definition of success is measured by the effectiveness of collaboration between her and her team. “Success to me is being able to collaborate and produce something that everybody is proud of despite the challenges that may occur,” she says.

Encouragement is the backbone of Beckert’s leadership style, according to Rudé van Eck, marketing manager of Cameron Custom and Camelot Homes.

“She is supportive and encouraging and really builds everybody up.”

Beckert’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for homebuilding have transformed Cameron Custom into a leading homebuilder in the Valley. Her ability to foster collaboration and relationships with her team and clients has made Cameron Custom a popular name in Arizona homebuilding.

Lindsay Cullum-Colwell is the secondgeneration co-president, along with her husband, Paul Colwell, of Cullum Homes.

The high-end design and construction firm has specialized in luxury custom homes, architecture, interior design, renovations and customer care in the Valley for 40 years. Cullum-Colwell’s parents started the business on their own. “My dad ran the field, and my mom ran the office,” Cullum-Colwell says. “It wasn’t until 1994 when they hired their first employee outside the family.”

Cullum Homes prioritizes seamless operations within various roles in the industry. “It started with the idea of doing something different and changing the way the industry saw builders,” Cullum-Colwell notes. “We wanted to help create a better workflow and synergy between builders, architects, interior designers, real estate agents, etc. My parents felt that if they could do that all under one

roof, making the process more enjoyable for the team members and trade partners, it would ultimately make it more enjoyable for the homeowners.”

Cullum-Colwell is devoted to maintaining the legacy her parents established of whiteglove customer service to Cullum Home clients by treating her team like family members. “The foundation of the company is the community within our team,” Cullum-Colwell remarks. “I never want our team to miss important personal moments like a kid’s soccer game or ceremonies at school, so I’ve tried to maintain that culture within the company.”

With a passionate team and years of multigenerational knowledge about the business, Cullum-Colwell and Cullum Homes will continue to produce clean, quiet and comfortable homes for their clients for years to come.

Project

Photo by Michael Duerinckx, INCKX

Photography

LINDSAY CULLUMCOLWELL

“I NEVER WANT OUR TEAM TO MISS IMPORTANT PERSONAL MOMENTS LIKE A KID’S SOCCER GAME OR CEREMONIES AT SCHOOL, SO I’VE TRIED TO MAINTAIN THAT CULTURE WITHIN THE COMPANY.”

Cullum Homes

JESSICA FRATANTONI

Fratantoni Interior Designers

“I’VE BEEN SURROUNDED BY INTERIOR DESIGN MY WHOLE LIFE, FROM VISITING WAREHOUSES TO SOURCING FABRICS AND MATERIALS, SO IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF ME.”

Jessica Fratantoni, daughter of Josie Fratantoni, the founder of Fratantoni Interior Designers, has been shaping luxury residential spaces alongside her mother for more than a decade. Growing up immersed in interior design, Fratantoni’s path into the family business was a natural progression.

“I’ve been surrounded by interior design my whole life, from visiting warehouses to sourcing fabrics and materials, so it has always been a part of me,” she says. Fratantoni officially joined the company while still in college and today works side-byside with her mother as an interior designer, while her brothers and father oversee the build side of the family-run enterprise.

As the next-generation leader of the Fratantoni brand, she remains committed to upholding the principles that have guided the company since its inception, with transparency at the top of her list. “In design, transparency is everything,” she explains. “Projects rarely go exactly as planned, but when you’re open and honest with your clients, it builds trust and that’s what keeps them coming back.”

While interior design demands a sharp eye, creative vision and tireless dedication, Fratantoni emphasizes the importance of passion and enjoyment in her work. “Every day is so much fun, that’s why I do what I do,” she says. “I truly love it.”

Fratantoni attributes much of her success and drive to the example set by her parents. “I’m incredibly proud of what my parents have built,” she shares. “Without them, I would have viewed everything so differently.” Her leadership style reflects the mentorship she received, prioritizing teamwork and growth within her team. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link,” she notes. “Working as a unit improves the dynamic for everyone. I always aim to challenge my team while creating a comfortable environment where they can thrive.”

With a strong work ethic, a solid support system and an enduring passion for design, Fratantoni is poised to lead Fratantoni Interior Designers into a new era. She will honor the values that built the firm’s legacy while forging her own path with energy, elegance and heart.

Jeremy Meek has been working for his ICONIC, multi-generational family-run business, Desert Star Construction, for as long as he can remember. “I started working in the business alongside my dad and papa when I was nine. I worked for about a dollar an hour. I came to work full-time when I graduated from ASU,” Meek says.

As a third-generation leader, Meek has many expectations to live up to. He handles filling these shoes by staying true to the core values established by his grandparents. “How we do things and who we are is what’s most important,” he says.

With a substantial amount of knowledge from his predecessors and his education at the University of Cambridge, Meek always tries to elevate the company through innovative building practices and technology, making him a leader grounded by tradition and open to evolution. “I think we can merge our core foundation with new building practices, means and methods,” Meek says. “There are so many new technologies, like drones, for example, that help

bring the client into the experience like never before.”

Meek’s primary motivation stems from service and going the extra mile to ensure his clients’ needs are met, often beyond their expectations. “Serving our clients and the project teams gets me excited,” Meek says. “Helping people build better and quicker and creating a lifestyle for them is what it’s all about.”

Collaboration is a key component of Meek’s leadership style, allowing varying perspectives and ideas to flourish under the common goal of building the best product for the client. “It’s eyes on, hands off,” Meek explains. “You want to create an environment for your team and the project teams to excel. You need to make sure you have the right environment and put the right tools in their hands.”

Meek always looks for new ways to grow and learn as a builder. “No matter how much you learn from a book or the people around you, there is always a better way,” he says. “Every day, you can learn something new, and I love that.”

by Werner Segarra

Project

Photo

JEREMY MEEK

Desert Star Construction

”HOW WE DO THINGS AND WHO WE ARE IS WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT.“

ELIZABETH SMITH

“I’VE BEEN GIVEN THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY. WORKING WITH YOUR FAMILY IS REALLY SPECIAL, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF THE BUSINESS AND MAKE MY FAMILY PROUD.”

Oliver Smith Jeweler

Oliver Smith Jeweler is a family-owned jewelry business in the Valley and Aspen. For 43 years, it has specialized in luxury timepieces and sparkling jewelry with the finest diamonds and gemstones. Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Oliver Smith, the company’s founder, is this ICONIC company’s next generation of leadership.

Smith officially joined the family firm in 2018. However, she spent a lot of time helping her father out as a child. “I got my start when I was a kid wrapping Christmas presents,” Smith remembers. She now oversees the marketing and sales side of the business.

Guiding clients with their expertise for memorable moments is the core of Oliver Smith’s philosophy. “The ethos of what we do is help our clients celebrate their special moments,” Smith says. “We want to uphold that.”

Maintaining a strong brand identity is one of the reasons Oliver Smith has generational customers. “You tend to see families carry on business with us for generations because it’s so hard to build trust in this industry,”

Smith explains. “My dad has built a clientele that he has worked with for years, and now their kids and grandkids are becoming involved.” This aspect of the business is something she treasures.

With family values at the company’s nucleus, Smith’s primary motivator is supporting her team. “We’ve grown a lot over the past five years and now have 30 employees. It’s not lost on me how many people and families our business supports,” she remarks. “I think that right now my number one priority is making sure that we’re enriching their lives, giving them growth opportunities, and making them feel valued.”

The time and care Smith puts into her team reflect Oliver Smith’s five-star service, making clients feel important and heard throughout every step of the jewelry purchase process.

Smith feels honored and excited for her future with the empire her father built. “I love it,” she says. “I’ve been given this great opportunity. Working with your family is really special, and I can’t wait to continue the legacy of the business and make my family proud.”

Photo by Jim Paussa

Drewett Works is a well-known name in the Arizona design community. Owned by C.P. and Elizabeth Drewett, the architecture firm has been imagining and executing stunning designs in the Valley since 2001.

C.P.’s son, Langdon Drewett, is currently working to fill his father’s shoes as an architect. Drewett has been working summers at his father’s company since he graduated from high school in 2017, and has been there full-time since graduating from college in 2022. He is currently a designer, project manager and chief technology officer, while simultaneously completing his exams to become a certified and licensed architect.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to approach each design with humility and make the client and their desires the main focus,” Drewett says.

From accompanying his father at a young age on job sites, Drewett grew up around great design and gained inspiration and motivation from its beauty. “I’ve always been drawn to good design,” he says. “I am attracted to architecture’s permanence and

the way that we can leave an impact on the world. It tells stories about the time and place it was built. That aspect of architecture is what really inspires me.”

His second passion, film, is also a resource Drewett taps into for inspiration. “I draw a lot of parallels between film and architecture as mediums for methods of storytelling,” he remarks.

As a young architect, gaining your footing with design and defining your style preference can be challenging. “I think [architects] should always be trying to find ways to be unconventional and do things differently,” Drewett says. “I’m thankful that Drewett Works has been in the industry long enough that when people come to us to design a house for them, they’re really prepared to give us a lot of creative freedom. That’s cool; not everybody gets that.”

With only a few exams to go before he can spearhead his career as an architect, Drewett is excited about his future and hopes that his work enhances the lives of the clients he works with.

LANGDON DREWETT

Drewett Works

”THE BIGGEST THING I’VE LEARNED IS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO APPROACH EACH DESIGN WITH HUMILITY AND MAKE THE CLIENT AND THEIR DESIRES THE MAIN FOCUS.“

Magical A Site

INTERIOR DESIGN MARA Interior Design. ARCHITECTURE Candelaria Design Associates. BUILDER Argue Custom Homes. LANDSCAPE DESIGN Refined Gardens. PHOTOGRAPHY Werner Segarra Photography.

Architect Mark Candelaria, interior designer Mara Green and a team of talents create a view-grabbing home near the base of Camelback Mountain.

By Nora Burba Trulsson

Photography by Werner Segarra

Photography

The minute they stepped on the property, a pair of East Coasters knew the one-acre site was meant for them. “You don’t find a lot like this often,” says the wife. “I signed the contract an hour later.”

It was the perfect location for the couple, who wanted to build a home for themselves as well as for visits from their three adult children, who live in different parts of the country. Located at the edge of the Paradise Valley Country Club, the site has views of Camelback Mountain on one side and Mummy Mountain on the other. “It’s a magical site,” says the wife, “and there’s grass from the golf course that we can enjoy without having the maintenance.”

A previous builder had demolished an older house on the premises and drafted plans for a Santa Barbara-style residence—plans that came with the real estate deal. While the couple was enthusiastic about the property, they had another vision in mind. With support from their builder, Tom Argue, they brought in Scottsdale-based architect Mark Candelaria, a designer known for his coolly elegant estate homes. “While you can’t just buy a plan and stick it on a lot, we didn’t have to toss these particular plans and start over,” says Candelaria. “The basics were there. But things weren’t centered and aligned, and we opted to make the home Mediterranean in style.”

With the builder’s input, the lot was raised about four feet above the golf course for privacy, preserving the views but not giving passing duffers a direct view into the back pool patio or house. The elevation change gave Candelaria the green light to design a home with lots of transparency.

Candelaria revamped the 8,500-square-foot plan, ensuring that almost every room in the five-bedroom abode had a mountain view and easy access to the outdoors, angling the house around a series of front courtyards and a back pool patio. “We wanted this house to flow from inside to out,” says the architect.

Responding to the homeowners’ desire for a bright, light-filled house, Candelaria made sure there were plenty of windows and glass walls. “This is a relatively narrow house,”

he points out. “That meant we could bring light into the house from all sides. With bulkier floor plans, the center of the houses tends to be dark.”

The architect described the home’s design as a blend of formal and contemporary lines. While the exterior elements include carved stone trim, smooth stucco and arches, he detailed the abode with flat clay roof tiles and mortar-washed Texas limestone. “We were picky about the limestone and how it was set,” remembers the wife. “The stone reminds us of homes in the Northeast.”

Inside, the floor plan was tailored to the owners’ love of entertaining. The central great room has a generously scaled living room, a place for informal meals and a gourmet kitchen with two islands—enough to accommodate the wife’s love for cooking.

A spacious formal dining room opens onto a front patio, where pre-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed. There’s a casual media room, an office for him and “command central” for her—an office just off the kitchen. Even the primary bathroom has distinctive hisand-hers sides, including a deep soaking tub in the wife’s space.

Wanting to start with a clean palette, the couple brought no furnishings from their previous home. Instead, they relied on the talents of interior designer Mara Green, founder of MARA Interior Design and a frequent collaborator with Argue and Candelaria.

For the interiors, Green responded to the home’s airy ambiance with furnishings in pale hues and elegant lines to balance a sense of formality with inviting comfort. The

husband preferred a traditional aesthetic while the wife leaned more towards glam.

“Balance can be difficult to achieve, and you can easily fall into trends,” notes Green. “This was a completely fresh start with all-new furnishings.”

Neutral-hued millwork and cabinetry with traditional elements, sleek flooring and jewel-like light fixtures, including a custom Swarovski crystal chandelier in the dining room, finish off the interior. “It’s timeless and a nice foundation for their individual tastes, plus it allows them to introduce new items as time goes on. Neutrals tend toward traditional, but they also complement the glamour of a polished look,” Green says.

Outdoors, landscape designer Jeremy McVicars of Refined Gardens created a setting that perfectly reflected the elegance

of the architecture, suggesting layers of greenery for depth and privacy with splashes of color from annuals and bougainvillea. A wall of ficus trees provides additional screening from the golf course, while a deeply hued, negative-edge pool reflects the sky and mountains. McVicars’ fauna is complemented by Green’s outdoor furnishings, which she describes as “a space with a soft feel, light upholstery and clean lines,” she says.

When the home was completed, Candelaria came over and cooked dinner for family and friends, baptizing the kitchen with his special pasta bolognese. “I still remember that meal in our new kitchen,” says the wife. In the meantime, there are more memories to be made at the gracious house, whether in the form of parties, dinners, visits from family and friends, or simply enjoying a coffee and the views.

WHAT’S ICONIC TO LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS?

Phil Shearon, Charlie Ray and Jake Plocher offer their perspectives on global landscape design by highlighting the principles that make them enduring and influential.

By Sam Micatrotto

Some landscapes have a presence that lingers, shaping how we experience space, nature and design. They don’t just exist; they tell a story, evoke emotion and define the relationship between people and their surroundings. For those who appreciate well-designed spaces, certain landscapes around the globe resonate with a timeless quality, offering lessons and inspiration for contemporary design.

Other landscapes are classic works of art, shaped by visionaries who understand how to craft spaces that inspire, soothe and endure. We spoke with three leading Arizona landscape designers, Phil Shearon of Shearon Design Collective, Charlie Ray of The Green Room Landscape Architecture and Jake Plocher of Desert Foothills Landscape, to explore what they think makes a landscape truly ICONIC.

PHIL SHEARON

SHEARON DESIGN COLLECTIVE

Phil Shearon, principal designer and founder of Shearon Design Collective, approaches landscape design with a philosophy of intentionality and emotional impact. Specializing in landscapes for custom homes and high-end residential projects, Shearon believes that outdoor spaces should be as thoughtfully considered as a home’s architecture so that they complement eachother. His background in design and construction oversight allows him to foster close collaborations with architects, interior designers, contractors and homeowners, resulting in personalized outdoor environments that enhance daily life and reflect the architectural narrative.

Regarding ICONIC landscape architecture, Shearon’s first thought is Italy’s Villa d’Este in Tivoli. “What makes it timeless isn’t just the scale or artistry—it’s the way it stirs emotion and immerses you in a completely designed world,” he says. Shearon emphasizes the dynamic experience of moving through the landscape, where “every turn offers a new perspective, an unexpected sound or a shift in pace.” This interplay of the theatrical and the contemplative is inspiring to him and a quality he strives to incorporate into his own work.

Shearon also highlights the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, for its masterful use of water, shade and proportion.

“The courtyards and gardens are deeply human in scale and beautifully orchestrated to celebrate both light and stillness,” he says. The Palace of Versailles is another example of landscape design that is at its most structured and visually commanding. “The underlying structure and narrative design principles remain incredibly influential in contemporary work.”

What unites these landscapes is their clarity of vision and emotional intent. “Each element has a purpose. The water features aren’t just decorative; they frame movement, create atmosphere and interact with the environment,” he remarks. “That sense of intention—when nothing feels arbitrary—is what makes a landscape ICONIC.”

For Shearon, these historical landscapes serve as a reminder that outdoor spaces should be experiential.

“It’s not just about placing plants or laying hardscape; it’s about creating feeling, procession, rhythm and pause.” His firm integrates these principles by designing with a strong sense of place and progression, ensuring every project enhances the natural and built environments. “The most ICONIC landscapes don’t compete with their surroundings—they heighten them.”

“THAT SENSE OF INTENTION— WHEN NOTHING FEELS ARBITRARY—IS WHAT MAKES A LANDSCAPE ICONIC.” – Phil Shearon

CHARLIE RAY THE

GREEN ROOM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Charlie Ray, founder of The Green Room Landscape Architecture, approaches landscape architecture as a conduit for profound sensory engagement, crafting environments that transcend mere visual appeal. As the studio’s design lead, he is renowned for his imaginative vision, weaving together “big nature” and architectural forms to cultivate immersive experiences that foster a deep, visceral connection with the natural world.

Recognizing that a landscape’s true power lies in its ability to evoke emotion and stimulate the senses, Ray draws upon his multidisciplinary background in architecture, fine arts and the neuroscience of design. This unique synthesis of knowledge allows him to create elevated and harmonious settings where every element is carefully considered to enhance the human experience. He believes that a well-designed landscape should not just be observed but felt it should be a space that invites interaction and fosters a sense of belonging within the natural world.

Ray cites more contemporary examples of ICONIC landscape architecture, highlighting innovative projects like Little Island in New York City and Deep Forest Art Land in Denmark. He describes these as “experiential and innovative.”

Little Island, a marvel of engineering and design, rises from the Hudson River, presenting a sculpted landscape atop concrete supports. Its wavy pathways and varied plantings create a sense of discovery, offering visitors diverse vantage points of the city and the river. The project’s intentional layering of plant life from native grasses to flowering shrubs fosters a dynamic ecosystem, blurring the lines between urban parks and nature. This unique structure, a reclaimed pier, invites exploration and contemplation, offering a respite from the city’s fast pace.

Deep Forest Art Land in Denmark, a sculpture park nestled within a diverse landscape, seamlessly blends art and nature, creating an immersive cultural experience. The park’s expansive grounds, featuring forests, meadows and lakes, serve as a living canvas for contemporary sculptures.

Each installation engages with the surrounding environment, prompting visitors to consider the interplay between human creativity and the natural world. The park’s design encourages a slow, meandering journey, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and unexpected encounters with art. The carefully curated selection of artworks, ranging from monumental structures to subtle pieces meticulously placed, enhances the landscape’s inherent beauty, fostering a dialogue between art, nature and the viewer.

When considering the design principles that elevate these landscapes, Ray emphasizes “site-specific design and native habitat restoration combined with re-wilding of sites” as key elements. He also values immersive landscapes that highlight seasonality, suggesting a design approach that embraces the natural cycles and nuances of a particular place.

Ray notes the thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture in a harmonious and elevated way as a key influence on the designs he admires. This principle of “sympathetic harmony with the built environment” is evident in his work, which strives to create a flawless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ray believes the most enduring landscapes possess a quality of enhancing their surroundings rather than competing with them.

Through his distinct perspective and appreciation for thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, Ray illuminates the power of ICONIC landscape architecture. His insights remind us that the most successful landscapes are those that not only captivate the eye but also engage the senses, stir emotions and create a lasting connection between people and place.

These global examples serve as a continuous source of inspiration, guiding contemporary designers as they strive to create harmonious and meaningful outdoor experiences for others to enjoy.

JAKE PLOCHER

DESERT FOOTHILLS LANDSCAPE

Desert Foothills Landscape has been mastering the art of desert design since 1990. They are known for channeling the artistry of nature itself in their work.

Jake Plocher, designer at Desert Foothills Landscape, believes that landscapes should be timeless, transcending your day-to-day and enhancing the quality of life.

To Plocher, ICONIC landscapes have a balance of history, diversity and the common goal of creating a tranquil oasis.

“The Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou, China and the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island are two landscapes that are ICONIC to be because they effortlessly marry beautiful natural surroundings into residential abodes,” Plocher says.

The Humble Administrator’s Garden is a sprawling 864 acres amidst a metropolis. It was bequeathed initially as a residence and developed over centuries by multiple residents. The garden currently showcases 1500 cherry trees reflecting on the ponds, crape myrtle trees, Himalayan cedars and cypress trees and is one of the most visited gardens in the world.

Another ICONIC landscape that fosters tranquility and peace and is considered a work of art is the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island. Founded in 1872 by the Avery “Tabasco” family, the garden was developed over decades with a dedication to preserving and bringing in Spanish and French culture and designs, including azaleas, irises, papyrus and bamboo. A 900-year-old Buddha statue, which was introduced in 1895, has a traditional temple constructed around it to add tranquility to the gardens.

“The innovation of the designers to bring in unknown and magnificent species these areas with a focus on building tranquil and breathtaking landscapes that have left a legacy is what inspires my own designs,” Plocher says.

FROM INCOMPLETE TO ICONIC

With a keen eye for balance and a willingness to embrace bold choices, KT Tamm demonstrates how thoughtful integration and strategic selections can elevate a partially furnished space into a cohesive design narrative.

By Sam Micatrotto Photography by CJ Gershan Photography

Some design stories begin with a blank canvas, but this one starts mid-stroke, with furnishings already in place and a layout filled with promise but needing some finesse. When KT Tamm, principal and lead designer of KT Tamm Inc., was called in to complete this home, the challenge wasn’t to start from scratch but to create cohesion and make the space feel like every detail was considered from the beginning.

“Our clients had purchased some of the furnishings before our involvement,” Tamm says. “They called on us to complete the look and melt new selections into play as if it had all been planned and chosen at the same time.”

Creating that seamless narrative meant addressing spaces with wildly different scales. The living room, for example, offered towering vertical volume, beautiful but overwhelming. Other areas, by contrast, felt more intimate and restrained. “We needed to find solutions to balance it all out,” Tamm points out.

DESIGNING WITH DRAMA

The home’s most visually striking element is the oversized floral wallcovering in the living room. Ethereal and dramatic, it turns an ordinary wall into a statement of quiet elegance. “Prior to this final choice and direction for the living room wall, we spent a good deal of time doing digital studies of various large-scale artworks,” Tamm explains. “It was a very good exercise, and we all decided to move ahead, developing the selected floral pattern into a full-scale, full-wall coverage.”

Printed in panels that soar 17 feet high, the wallpaper delivers impact without being too overpowering, thanks to its tone-ontone palette and soft finish. The scale of the pattern also mirrors the architectural height of the room, helping to bring balance and focus.

After finalizing the dreamy selection for the living room, another pattern—initially in the running for that space—found its own home. “Now that we had the clients’ confidence, it was mutually decided to ‘go big or go home,’ as they say,” Tamm remarks.

Because the dining room didn’t yet have a clear design direction, the bold wallpaper gave the space its purpose and personality. This choice successfully injected character and drama into the previously undefined area.

LAYERING TEXTURE AND TONE

Much of the project’s success comes from the way materials are layered to create warmth within a modern framework. The core seating had already been predetermined by the homeowners, but Tamm integrated new elements that added richness and dimension.

“The beautiful area rug and the warm woods of the new consoles and coffee table really add to the overall warmth of the space,” she notes. “Accessorizing details and art selections also help tremendously.”

Rather than overpower or compete, these pieces complement the existing furnishings. Together, they establish a visual dialogue between color, texture and form, ultimately cultivating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.

MOMENTS OF IMPACT

A standout moment in the kitchen came when the team addressed a uniquely shaped island that needed a new stone top. Rather than force a match to the existing counters, Tamm chose a natural slab with striking veining and opted for a book-matched installation, where mirrored slabs are placed side by side like pages in a book to create a show-stopping focal point.

“We found that stone top and wanted to book match the slabs to create a unique center point and really show off the fabulous markings that Mother Nature had created,” Tamm adds.

Equally eye-catching is the rotunda-style foyer, where artful placement and architectural finesse come together. “The metal butterflies were strategically placed to feel as if they were in flight above the custom wall-hung consoles,” she says, “and they complement the custom circular area rug.”

GOING BEYOND DESIGN

Beyond aesthetics, the home includes practical upgrades that improve longevity and ease of maintenance. One detail that may go unnoticed but shouldn’t is the new stone-sealing process applied to the client’s existing marble countertops.

“The process was a liquid application that was pretty new at the time we did it through Picasso,” Tamm notes. It’s one of those quiet luxuries that prevent everyday mishaps from turning into permanent damage, a prime example of form meeting function in a subtle but meaningful way.

PHOTOGRAPHY CJ Gershan Photography. CABINETRY Affinity Kitchens. 7FT GALLEY SINK AND GALLEY FAUCET Clyde Hardware. NATURAL STONE Arizona Tile (products on counter tops and fireplace surround).

LARGE SCALE PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES Arizona Tile. DECORATIVE HANGING PENDANTS LightForm Lighting.

DESIGN DECISIONS

By ICONIC LIFE

It’s an enormously exciting time—designing and building or renovating your custom estate. But, oh, so many decisions! In the spirit of enjoying the process, we’ve put together some worksheets to support you and those you are working with to navigate the many choices and opportunities in front of you. Take some time to contemplate what you really want and keep this issue close to you throughout the journey of bringing your new home to reality. Then, build your team of professionals—architect, builder, interior designer, lighting designer and landscape architect. They’ll bring your vision to life using the notes you’re taking right here.

DESIGN DECISIONS WORKSHEETS

INTERIOR

What sort of mood do you want to evoke in your home?

How would you describe how you live? Who will live here?

Think of your favorite place to be outside of your home. (This could be a restaurant, spa, resort, museum, you name it.) What is the vibe that draws you there?

What colors and textures appeal to you? Not sure? Head to your closet and see what shades and materials dominate your wardrobe.

Are there important pieces of furniture or artwork that will establish a motif in your home?

WINDOWS

What types of windows draw you, from aesthetic to function?

Will you install overhangs for the shades? Also, consider whether you’ll invest in tinting or motorized shades.

DOORS AND HARDWARE

Reclaimed wood doors and custom-designed modern veneered doors are just two examples from a wide spectrum of options. Is there a door design that you admire?

What sheen in the hardware?

MOLDINGS AND DOOR FRAMES

As with many of your decisions, your home’s architectural style should guide you toward the right moldings and door frames. Do you want squared, rounded or full wood trim?

WALL AND CEILING FINISHES

From one-of-a-kind paint colors to personalized wallpaper to detailed tile work, your walls and ceiling can help define each room’s function and style. Be sure to keep your home’s architecture in mind when choosing your finishes.

FLOORING

Flooring has to be durable, comfortable and compatible with your home’s design and function. Various materials— hardwood, travertine, terrazzo, carpet, marble, limestone and stained concrete—evoke very different feelings in a room. Don’t forget about sustainable options.

COUNTERTOPS

When selecting countertop finishes, consider all the places they will appear. Where will your favorite materials work best?

What kind of uses will these surfaces have?

CABINETRY

Cabinets appear in just about every room—kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, butler’s pantries, closets, bar areas and home theaters. They can be purely utilitarian, works of art with custom carvings or exotic woods—or a blend of both. Do you want solid wood, veneers or fully integrated cabinetry?

Will you mix and match colors and materials or utilize one style throughout the entire house?

What kinds of special items need storage?

Think about what you need versus what you want. Consider whether you’ll use some of the more luxurious options, like a wine storage unit, cooling drawers in rooms other than the kitchen or a built-in espresso machine. Some people even install a second “dirty” kitchen where prep work and dirty dishes remain out of sight during parties and get-togethers.

CLOSETS

You can include every organizational built-in imaginable in a custom closet. Take an inventory of what you have to assist your designer. For a clean, formal look, your personal items can be hidden behind handcrafted millwork, or you may choose to display anything from shoes to sweaters behind glass-front cabinets and drawers. Do you need tie, belt and shoe racks, folded-shirt drawers, jewelry drawers, safes, mirrors, a stackable washer and dryer or sorted laundry baskets?

PLUMBING FIXTURES

Whether in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room or wet bar, fixtures can turn an ordinary sink into a work of art. This is a great place to pay attention to detail-from designer faucets to artisan carvings, pot-fillers to multiple shower heads. Also, consider how high or low you’d like your sinks and vanities to be, and whether you’re interested in pedestal, above-counter or vessel sinks.

AUDIO/VISUAL

Today’s whole-house automation options and smart offices can make your home’s operation controllable from a single console. Sound contributes to your home’s ambience. Before you reach the framing stage, decide where you’ll want speakers and what you would like automated. Also, plan ahead—wiring for the future will prevent drilling into the walls later, and be sure to hire a professional to do anything beyond the basics.

LIGHTING

Lighting design will add drama and set a mood. Talk to several lighting designers to get a feel for what’s available and what works best for your house. Do you have architectural features, artwork or drapery that you would like to highlight?

How does your lighting work with your lifestyle and circadian rhythms for a healthier home?

BACKSPLASHES AND TUB SURROUNDS

Tub surrounds come in anything from a handpicked slab of granite or limestone to stainless steel to hand-painted tiles. Backsplashes can also hide compartments that store small appliances.

FIREPLACE MATERIALS

Fireplaces are great mediums for creating visual impact, and they can often serve as a focal point for a room or series of rooms. Materials range from masonry to ceramic brick, and patterns can be as simple or ornate as you see fit. Be sure to check out city regulations before building yours.

EXTERIOR

PAINT AND EXTERIOR FINISHES

Much like interior finishes, a house’s exterior appearance depends on the structure’s architectural makeup. Antique plaster finishes, mortar washes, reclaimed brick and staining done by artisans can give a building an aged appearance. Contemporary homes may use exposed concrete, and finishes like split-faced masonry, sandblasting, rammed-earth or plaster. What does the architecture dictate?

ROOF

Cement and clay tiles have long life spans, so make sure you like what you select. Other roofing materials include slate, wood shingles, concrete or metal.

FRONT DOOR

A front door’s more than just an architectural detail, it’s a port of entry that welcomes your family and friends into your home. What have you seen that you love?

GARAGE

Today’s garages go from functional to fabulous—how many vehicles do you have and are you parking them or displaying them like artwork?

How much storage space is needed?

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Arizona is a celebration of indoor-outdoor living. There are so many opportunities in the outdoor spaces of your home, and a landscape architect will help you space plan and create the outdoor lifestyle you desire from cooking to entertaining to playing to relaxing spaces. Additionally, your landscape architect will imagine your pool design and amenities to make it a seamless outdoor expression of what you love and increase the curb appeal of your home.

POOL AND SPA

What amenities do you want to see in your pool?

Beach vibes, swim-up bar or lap-swimming?

BACKYARD AMENITIES

Do you dine outside? Do you entertain? Do you grill?

If you have children, what kinds of outdoor amenities would they enjoy?

Do you play lawn games? Do you garden? How do you spend quiet time outdoors?

Will golf, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, basketball or bocce be a part of the experience?

Sunshine SHOWER IN

These outdoor showers are sure to elevate your backyard oasis.

By Amalie Rhebeck

As summer is fast approaching, luxury outdoor showers are the perfect addition to your lush backyard, whether you’re craving a blend of wellness, relaxation and the great outdoors, or you’re looking for the convenience of a luxe station to rinse off after a refreshing dip in the pool.

Gessi, a luxury faucet brand, produces Italian-made high-end outdoor showers that blend functionality with environmentalism, focusing on the details that elevate the basic concept of showering to a higher realm of self-care. They create outdoor shower experiences that reflect their mission: “wellness as a lifestyle.”

Outdoor Shower Company is a producer of high-quality outdoor shower experiences and has been doing so for almost 20 years. Offering a wide range of styles and selections, with Outdoor Shower Company, you’re guaranteed to be able to customize an outdoor shower that perfectly suits your needs and style preferences.

Whether you’re looking for serenity, functionality or a blend of both, outdoor showers are an ICONIC feature to incorporate into your outdoor haven this summer.

Both Gessi and Outdoor Shower Company products are available at Reece

Bath + Kitchen.

Photo courtesy of Gessi

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Peace of Mind is what we have delivered to our clients for forty-three years. Every piece we create is meticulously handcraed to ensure the quality matches the brilliance of the stones it holds, enduring beautifully for generations to come. Peace of mind is what you get when you are buying from a trusted, family-owned business rooted right here in the Valley, providing oustanding value for forty-three years.