Ahwatukee’s #1 Team For Over 40 Years
Mike
Rob Josh
Explore the extraordinary. The
Home - For The Many Moments of Life
We always love our March home issue. We know you enjoy seeing beautiful interiors and find inspiration to freshen your own spaces. It's fun to lean into that content.
But our individual homes are so nuanced. They provide space for such a huge variety of things in our lives—a familiar comfort as a respite from all the noise of the world, the place we raise our babies, feed our families, guide our growing kids, and gather and celebrate with friends and family.
We've lived in our home for 23 years. We brought two baby boys home and this year we'll be empty nesters. We've inherited or adopted three dogs and have sadly said goodbye to two of them. We've hosted holidays, showers, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, church life groups, game nights and more. We learned we could squeeze in 100 people for dinner by using the backyard.
I'm smiling just writing this as I reflect on all of the joy that we've shared with our cherished friends and family. But we've also experienced job loss, the grief of losing my parents, the challenges of parenting our two boys in such changing times, and so many more truly hard events.
Our homes are where we experience our highest highs and our lowest lows. As my boys rightfully go off to start their own lives, I hope our home is always somewhere they look forward to returning to and remember as comfort, love and laughter. And good food, always. Cooking for my people will always be one of my favorite things to do.
This issue looks to celebrate how beautiful your home can be and even ways to save money making it that way. We also show you a unique way to gather some of your best girlfriends as well as some ideas to enjoy the upcoming spring break while close to…you guessed it, home.
Cheers to the wonderful times you create in your own home! SHERRY
YORK, PUBLISHER
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Kris Ann Valdez, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Slezak, Stephanie Studer, RocketLister
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
inside the issue
The Magic of Modernizing
Why
Uncorked and Unforgettable
An
Splurge vs. Save
Design
This
Modernizing THE MAGIC OF
Why kitchens and bathrooms are ideal places to start
renovations
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE STUDER
Maybe you’ve lived in your current home for a while, and you are ready to remodel some of the rooms with modern and stylish upgrades.
Or perhaps you recently purchased a house and want to do some renovations sooner rather than later, in order to transform it into the home of your dreams.
Whatever your home remodel goals may be, you might understandably wonder where you should begin.
Do you start in your bedroom, upgrading where you sleep into an amazing haven; the living room, where you enjoy hanging out and watching television with family and friends, or other spaces?
As Brad and Marina Farnham, Owners of Quality Custom Home Interiors note, the two best rooms to begin a home remodel are the kitchen and bathroom.
“These are great places to get started on transforming your home, because they are heavily used spaces in the house and they impact your daily life,” Marina says, adding that renovated kitchens and bathrooms also offer a high return on the investment.
In addition to giving these rooms beautiful and eye-catching aesthetic changes, Marina notes a remodeled kitchen and bathroom will also include functional upgrades that make using the spaces better than ever.
“We offer kitchen designs that seamlessly blend style with practicality, creating a space perfect for cooking, entertaining and family time,” she says, adding that this room is truly the heart of the home.
“And we design custom bathrooms with spacious showers, soaking tubs and premium finishes.”
The Farnhams and their team from Quality Custom Home Interiors recently finished a remodel of a kitchen and master bathroom at a home in the East Valley.
As Marina notes, the “before” kitchen was not only outdated, but also featured an awkward layout that made meal prep challenging.
“We moved the location of the kitchen to give them more space and a nice big island and lots of storage,” she says.
“We also updated all the appliances and added a stunning custom hood.”
The kitchen now not only includes timeless and attractive finishes, it also features an optimized layout that will better serve the family’s everyday needs.
Like the kitchen, Marina says the master bathroom in the home was also in need of a major makeover.
“They had a small, enclosed shower, no storage and a dark space,” she says.
“We were able to brighten up the room and give them a new luxurious and modern bathroom. They now have a large walk-in shower with an open feel with glass and beautiful tile.”
The bathroom now features custom, separate vanities, which offer both privacy and convenience.
“We also added new flooring and custom-built cabinets for more storage, including linens,” Marina says.
No matter what type of renovation a homeowner might desire, Brad says Quality Custom Home Interiors can handle it.
Since the family-owned and operated interior remodeling business opened 10 years ago, the Farnhams say they have proudly served homeowners throughout the Valley.
“We offer a range of home remodeling services, including custom kitchen and bathroom renovations and elegant living room upgrades such as media built-ins and fireplace wall units,” Marina says, adding that whether
Ahwatukee homeowners want to refresh a single room or redesign their entire home, Quality Custom Home Interiors is strongly committed to quality craftsmanship and personalized service.
Also, if clients have a definite idea of how they want to remodel their home, or they know something needs to be changed but they are not sure what or how, the Farnhams and their team are ready and able to assist.
“We have many years of experience with what works and doesn’t work. We offer tools and advice and will make sure you love your space,” Brad says.
“Remodeling is the chance to customize your space that works for you functionally and have it reflect your style. The design elements are endless, and we will handle every aspect of your home transformation with care and expertise.”
An in-home wine experience with a personal sommelier is a toast to friendship for girls’ night in
Uncorked and Unforgettable
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Forget crowded restaurants and noisy bars. The ultimate girls’ night out is actually a girls’ night in. This season, host a small group of friends for an intimate in-home wine experience featuring a local sommelier, sure to be a sophisticated and indulgent event.
Ahwatukee resident Maria Reyes-Smith is an engineer by day and shares her passion for and expertise in wine as a sommelier at night. After completing her sommelier education at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and Wine Scholar Guild, both in Napa, Calif., she began offering in-home wine tasting classes in 2019.
Her first class was an in-person experience hosted in Spanish for a group of female engineers. Since then, she’s hosted in-person and virtual wine tastings for small groups from bachelorette parties to team builders and everything in between.
“I love it when my guests invite me to host a girls’ night in wine class,” says ReyesSmith. “Being at their own home gives them the flexibility to invite any guests (best friends, sisters, or their grandmas) to the party. It makes for a relaxed setting where they can just focus on having fun.”
When preparing to host, Reyes-Smith works with the client to determine the theme of the evening—perhaps a class about sparkling wines or one that explores reds of California. She then procures the wine from various sources within a provided budget.
And how many people does she recommend inviting? “No less than four people and no more than eight people for an in-home event,” she shares. “Between four and eight is the sweet spot.” This ensures that each guest can taste at least three ounces of each type of wine.
She begins by guiding guests through the basics of wine tasting, explaining the importance of swirling, sniffing and
Maria Reyes-Smith, WSET3, SWS, Albariño Ambassador
Charming and knowledgeable, Reyes-Smith is a wealth of wine information, and her presentation is fun,
interactive and informative.
savoring each wine. She shares her knowledge about the different regions, grape varietals and winemaking techniques that contribute to the unique characteristics of each bottle.
“I like showing four different wines and working through a progression of bottles,” Reyes-Smith says. “No two classes are the same. Each experience is different because of the group of people and the wines shared.”
Charming and knowledgeable, Reyes-Smith is a wealth of wine information, and her presentation is fun, interactive and informative. Guests will leave the evening feeling educated, entertained and thoroughly impressed.
Hosting an in-home wine tasting is a fun twist on girls’ night—one that is a truly unforgettable experience. It is a unique and elegant way to entertain friends, learn about wine and create lasting memories.
If you want to recreate this amazing experience in your own home, you can connect with Reyes-Smith via Instagram @Marivinera or Marivinera.com. The sumptuous charcuterie boards were provided by local favorite The Cellar ( TheCellarPHX.com). The four wines of the evening, curated by Reyes-Smith and supplied by The Cellar, included Joseph Cattin Alsace Pinot Blanc; Cotes-du-Coast Viognier Blend; Montinore Pinot Noir; and Laberinto Bordeaux Blend.
Reyes-Smith expertly paired each wine with delectable bites from the charcuterie board. The Pinot Blanc was a perfect match for the dried apricots, while the Viognier complemented the salty Marcona almonds. The Pinot Noir paired beautifully with the rich prosciutto and sweet cherry jam, and the Bordeaux blend enhanced the flavors of the espresso-dusted cheddar, savory salami and luscious chocolates.
CONTINUED >
Dr.
EMDR
Business
Inclusive
Branding
Preventative
Restorative
Mouthguards
Special
Emergency
Splurge vs. Save
Design finds to elevate your home at any price point
Let’s be honest, creating a home that truly reflects your style can feel like an endless pursuit. But fear not, fellow design enthusiasts! You don’t need to break the bank to achieve a sophisticated and stylish space. The key lies in a clever combination of high-end splurges and budget-friendly finds.
Lisa Ryan Whyte of Whyte House Real Estate and Interior Design loves to incorporate the “splurge vs. save” philosophy when it comes to home décor. Her favorite tip for making a home look fabulous? “It comes down to a mix of shopping retail, thrift or consignment stores, and even Facebook marketplace,” she says, but to steer clear of selecting pieces that are too matchy-matchy. Whyte shares that when you incorporate complementary pieces, the overall look feels more curated and well-designed, no matter the price.
Perhaps you’re not sure where to best spend your design dollars. “When you’re building a space and a room, I really find it important to buy a sofa that looks good and is comfortable,” Whyte says. “It’s the place you want to take a Sunday afternoon nap. That’s one place where I say to splurge.”
Now, let’s talk about the “saves.” This is where the magic happens! Affordable finds like vintage frames, thrifted art prints, and DIY projects fill in the gaps, adding personality and depth to your curated collection.
Here, Whyte shares some of her favorite pieces from this gorgeous living space – each with a splurge and save option.
WhyteHouse.co | @WhyteHouse_
Whyte shares that when you incorporate complementary pieces, the overall look feels more curated and well-designed, no matter the price.
Mid-century meets modern in a sumptuous sofa. The tufted design nods to the mod while offering a comfortable place to put up your feet, and the beautiful brown hue gives you a way to incorporate the 2025 color of the year – Mocha Mousse – into your décor.
Splurge | Four Hands Augustine Sofa in Brown ($2,599) Perigold.com, shown above
Save | Meridian Furniture Marlon Collection Sofa in Saddle ($1,175) Amazon.com
Fluted Velvet Sofa
Swivel Accent Chair
A barrel chair is the perfect place to cuddle up with a good book, a sweet pet or a cozy cup of tea. It’s a modern classic piece that will add comfort and style to any living area.
Splurge | Preston Swivel Chair in Pebble, Heathered Chenille ($1,199) PotteryBarn.com
Save | Bixby Swivel Barrel Cuddler Chair in Cream White ($595) LivingSpaces.com, shown above
Sculptural Coffee Table
Artistry and functionality combine with a sculptural coffee table. The design can be a conversation-starter and sets the stage for displaying your favorite coffee table books and more.
Splurge | Alder & Tweed Gavin Coffee Table in Brushed Smoke ($1,335) InteriorHomeScapes.com, shown above
Save | ACME Hanniel Contemporary Wood Hexagonal Coffee Table in Antique White ($786) Business.Walmart.com
Geometric Rug
More than just floor coverings, rugs have the power to transform a space. From grounding furniture to adding warmth and personality, the right rug can elevate any room.
Splurge | Lindsay Stead Kista Rug ($699) WestElm.com, shown above
Save | Gabrielle Gold Lined Moon Washable Rug ($300) RugsUSA.com
SPRING BREAK STAYS LOCAL
ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
THIS SPRING, EXPLORE AHWATUKEE ACTIVITIES, HOTELS AND DINING FOR A MEMORABLE STAYCATION
Many Ahwatukee residents choose to spend their spring breaks soaking in the desert’s mild spring weather before the summer heat arrives. With a little planning, a staycation can be a fun and rejuvenating experience without the hassle of traveling logistics that often leave people needing a vacation from their vacation. Explore unique offerings in or near Ahwatukee, from local dining to scenic hikes in South Mountain. Consider booking a resort such as Gila River for pools, cabanas and entertainment, or renting an Airbnb for a more private escape.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat or an exciting adventure, a staycation is a notable choice this spring break.
1. CACTUS KELLY
If walking up a dry stream bed to enjoy a native foods picnic under a rare Elephant Tree sounds enticing, sign up for a foraging class with Cactus Kelly. Or, what she calls “Plant Parties!” These walking workshops are often on South Mountain trails. Reasonably priced, many of Kelly’s events are open to children and adults. Contact her at info@cactuskelly.com or visit Linktr.ee/CactusKelly.
2. SLICK CITY
Slick City Action Park at Casa Paloma is a first-of-its-kind, affordable action park that features indoor slides using patented dry slide technology for turbo-charged fun! It also features high-flying air courts and a specialized Junior Jungle playground for children ages three and under. This action park isn’t only for kids—many of Slick City’s visitors are adults, making it a worthwhile experience for all ages.
3. CACTUS ADVENTURES
Mountain biking is a thrilling way to enjoy the beauty of South Mountain Park and Preserve. Cactus Adventures has served the Ahwatukee area for over 20 years. Located next to the preserve, they rent all different types of mountain bikes, including eMTBs (electric mountain bikes). Call or check their online reservation system to book an experience. They also provide trail information and downloadable GPS routes.
Hillside is a restaurant on a mission to provide its customers with an unforgettable regionally-influenced, new American menu dedicated to fresh, quality ingredients and an inviting atmosphere. They source daily from local farmers and vendors, including Maya’s Farm vegetables and herbs and Schreiner’s sausages in downtown Phoenix. Hillside proudly serves breakfast all day, along with craft beers and wines.
DAY, EVENING, AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE frontporchpediatricsaz.com 623.252.9044 | V frontporchpediatrics
4. HILLSIDE AHWATUKEE
MARCH 2025
Dr. Kristen Mayorga
Come see Ahwatukee’s finest & schedule your next dental appointment with the BEST!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 4TH-30TH
Wicked
ASU Gammage
You’ve seen the movie, now see the show live at ASU Gammage. Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy arrived, telling the story of the young Elphaba and Galinda, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The musical has been a hit on Broadway for more than 20 years. For details, visit ASUGammage.com
MARCH 7TH-9TH
20th Annual Chili Cookoff and Carnival
Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center
A beloved Ahwatukee event, the Chili Cookoff and Carnival is back for its 20th year. The carnival kicks off the event on Friday evening. Wrist bands and individual ride tickets are available to purchase. The carnival runs Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. The chili cookoff and tasting begins on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. For more details, visit AhwatukeeCommunityCenter.com/ chili-cookoff/.
MARCH 7TH-9TH
Tempe Festival of the Arts
Downtown Tempe
The Tempe Festival of the Arts is one of the top art festivals in the nation. Explore downtown Tempe and check out the more than 350 artist booths presenting unique hand-made artwork available for sale. Attendees can enjoy continuous entertainment on five stages, an Arizona Wine Festival and a special children's area. Visit TempeFestivaloftheArts.com for more details.
Amy O. Duenas
Carrie P. Cravatta
Dori L. Eden
CONTINUED
MARCH 14TH-16TH & 21ST-23RD
Ostrich Festival
Tumbleweed Park, Chandler
This annual family friendly event features ostrich races, a carnival, arts and crafts, a marketplace, international food, national and regional entertainment, an interactive kid's area and a parade. Local band Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers will serve as this year’s headliner. For times, tickets and more information, visit OstrichFestival.com.
MARCH 21ST
Ahwatukee Eats
Desert Dentistry | 5:00 PM
Attend this monthly event for delicious food and wonderful community. A host of food trucks will be serving a variety of delectable eats will be in attendance, along with family-friendly fun for all. Find out more on Instagram @AhwatukeeEats
MARCH 30TH
Pecos Park Kids Triathlon Pecos Park
The 4th annual Pecos Park Kids Triathlon gives kids ages 6-13 the opportunity to do their best in a swim, bike and run designed with appropriate kid-friendly distances. The event is broken down by age division: 6-7, 8-10 and 11-13. All participants will receive a finisher medal. For more details and to register, visit Phoenix.gov/Parks
