Roche Bobois. Cestello cocktail tables, designed by Gabriele Fedele. Unfold
Experience Life Defined
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MARCH | APRIL 2025
Celebrating Creativity
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE CREATIVE EXPRESSION.
Here at LUXE, nearly everything we see and touch has been thoughtfully conceived and skillfully crafted. As I travel across the country—visiting art fairs that showcase renowned artists and touring workrooms and studios where home goods are meticulously made by craftspeople whose names you may never learn—I marvel at the beauty produced by the creative community. Their talents are displayed on the most personal of canvases: our homes. At LUXE, we consider ourselves curators of these individualized, residential artworks. We are always searching for engaging projects and memorable homes that will captivate our audience. Being immersed in this creative world makes me feel deeply grateful and reminds me why home is so very special. Our homes, and every item within, have a proud story to tell. They are our own creative incubators.
In our March/April issue, you’ll nd a wellspring of inspiration with boundary-pushing design, rooms where color and pattern live together fearlessly and homes with dramatic natural surroundings—just to name a few. You can enjoy these beauties, and more, in your regional issues, or as they roll out on our freshly redesigned website luxesource.com.
As these descriptions suggest, you are about to see a refreshed explosion of color (both indoors and out) across our pages. Spring has arrived, and we are celebrating the imagination, inventiveness and talents of designers, makers and builders. While you’re at it, look around your own home with a renewed respect for the labor of love that goes into every detail. Then, open the windows wide, lighten up the linens and head outdoors.
Enjoy the season,
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
There are many approaches to expand a living space. Perhaps none so captivating as walls of glass that transform entire rooms, and push the boundaries of interiors with a gentle glide. Fresh design without limits, a daily occurrence for doors and windows that never compromise. Learn more >
MAR APR
Scene
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
Radar
Along with architect Tim Adams, designer Amanda Wyatt and landscape designer Alex Smith shape a serene North Carolina escape.
Showstopping rooms from our issues across the country suggest a shift toward fearless color.
Brittany Bromley, Sasha Bikoff and Chauncey Boothby school us on sophisticated kids’ rooms.
Benner Landscape Design and Green 17 Design share their ethos for emotive California landscapes.
Read about the inspiring work of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and a forthcoming book celebrating 50 years of the Decorator Show House.
Market
Discover spring’s new fabrics and wallpapers showcased within three distinct color combinations.
Shop the look of these eye-catching interiors pulled from our regional features.
Outdoor furniture company Harbour chats with LUXE about its evolution and what’s on the horizon.
The latest furniture, lighting and textile debuts for alfresco living that have caught our editors’ eyes.
A lush Palm Beach retreat by Marshall Watson is the perfect backdrop for entertaining in style.
Jeffrey Alan Marks takes us behind the design of his charming Connecticut kitchen and dining spaces.
Nickolas Sargent of DBA Sargent Photography
FEATURES
156
Gaining Perspective
Sited to capture expansive forest views, this mountain-inspired dwelling by architect Jessica Hutchison-Rough and designer Amy Weber delivers a rustic yet cozy ambience.
Written by Lisa Bingham Dewart
166
Let There Be Light
With a neutral palette—and just a touch of “grandma chic” patterns and florals—designer Alisha Taylor transforms a dark Tuscan-style residence into a welcoming family retreat.
Written by Maile Pingel
Photography by Joshua Caldwell
178
Growing Season
When architect Jim Blochberger and general contractor Austin King were asked to create a resort-like abode, they answered with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Written by Lauren Gallow
Photography by Dan Ryan
ON THE COVER: Douglas fir ceilings and a steel range hood by Steel & Stone lend a mountain-meets-industrial vibe to this kitchen by architect Jessica Hutchison-Rough. Designer Amy Weber built on that aesthetic with Lee Industries stools and Visual Comfort & Co. pendants. Page 156
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EXECUTIVE EDITOR
JILL COHEN EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
STYLE DIRECTOR
DESIGN DIRECTOR Pam Shavalier DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Ileana Llorens
ART DIRECTOR
Candace Cohen
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
Colleen McTiernan
Kelly Velocci Jolliffe
EDITORS
MANAGING
Krystal Racaniello, Clémence Sfadj
HOMES EDITORS
ARIZONA, GREATER CHICAGO
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
Lara Hallock
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
ART
ART DIRECTOR
Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Kyle Anderson, John Griffin-Santucci
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITORS
Catherine Armanasco, Kristen Roeder
Kathryn Given
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Lavine
GREATER NEW YORK, HAMPTONS
Grace Beuley Hunt
MIAMI, NAPLES + SARASOTA, PALM BEACH + BROWARD
Jennifer Pfaff Smith
SENIOR MARKET EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mary Jo Bowling
SOUTHEAST
Kate Abney
DIGITAL
SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Claire Evans
WEB EDITOR
Brooke Robinson
ADAM I. SANDOW
CHAIRMAN
ERICA HOLBORN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER
Bobby Bonett
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Shavalier
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Kate Kelly Smith
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Jake Galvin
VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL
Caroline Davis
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Laura Steele
SENIOR VIDEO DIRECTOR
Steven Wilsey
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: LUXE Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
TANYA SUBER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
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LOS ANGELES · CHICAGO · DANIA BEACH · NEW YORK
SCENE
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH EXLINE | PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
OPEN HOUSE
FEBAL CASA
Last year, Febal Casa arrived in the Scottsdale Airpark, bringing homeowners the sophistication of Italian design minus the headache of piecing together cabinets from one place, installers from another and furnishings from yet one more. “We’ve become a one-stop shop for our clients,” says owner Bobby Banica, who also owns the design-build firm Atelier507—and it’s a stop worth making. Stroll through the 4,000-square-foot showroom, and you’ll see how clever engineering and natural elegance can play out in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, office and closet. The brand’s versatile finishes include wood veneers, porcelain, glass and fluted glass, which can be combined to accommodate modern, traditional and transitional aesthetics. Furnishings, meanwhile, complement the functionality of the systems and even include a collection by architect Daniel Libeskind. febalcasausa-scottsdale.com
WONDER WALLS
THE MULBERRY PROJECT
When it comes to updating your home this spring, Heather Cohen has a recommendation: wallpaper. Located in Phoenix, her company, The Mulberry Project, acts like a dating service for walls in need of a little love. Clients bring a given space to Cohen, and she and her team supply a selection of some 40 artist-designed papers. The result? A happily-ever-after for your walls. mulberryprojectwallpaper.com
How can wallpaper impact a room? I think of wallpaper as a form of art— it can transform the feel of a space while reflecting a person’s unique style. In a dining room, wallpaper can infuse brightness and cheer, complementing special moments shared over meals. In an office, it can turn a sterile environment into an inspiring and productive workspace. The design possibilities are limitless!
Can you share some tips for picking the right paper? Start by thinking about colors you’re naturally drawn to and patterns that bring you joy. Next, consider the overall style and color palette of your home to ensure the wallpaper is complementary. Whether you want to make a bold statement or add subtle texture, focus on finding a design that creates the mood you want to experience in a room, such as happiness or calm.
What about wallpaper today most excites you? I am having so much fun with textured wallpapers like grass cl oth. Additionally, I am working on a collaboration with a local artist to create personalized wallpaper designs using her original artwork, adding a truly one-of-a-kind touch to a project.
MEET THE MAKERS
BAKER HESSELDENZ
What happens when you take Tucson’s “go-to guy” for custom furniture (who also happens to descend from Quaker craftsmen) and pair him with a fashion designerturned-interior designer from New York? In the case of Scott Baker and Mary Ann Hesseldenz, you get a power couple poised to change the world of furniture design. Baker Hesseldenz debuted in 2016 with a six-piece “anti-collection collection,” which married heirloom quality with moody vibes. Today, the to-the-trade company is represented by seven showrooms across the country, including Made in Scottsdale. bakerhesseldenz.com
How do you approach each collection? Mary Ann Hesseldenz: In the beginning, we basically decided we’re just going to design what we like, and we’re not going to concern ourselves at all if it looks like a collection. Designers do not buy by
STATE OF THE ART
SHERRI BELASSEN
If art reflects reality, Sherri Belassen makes the case that life is pretty good. Her oil-on-canvas pieces reflect an enthusiasm for color, proportion and a certain joie de vivre that may come from her regular travels to France but may just as easily be a result of her inherent optimism. Either way, Belassen’s artworks speak to the advice she received from an art dealer at the outset of her career: “Don’t paint to match the couch.” Accordingly, Belassen embraces color, proportion and a technique she’s honed over her 35-year career: layering. She often begins an artwork with a sketch, then underpaints it and blocks it in. As she paints, she scrapes away the surface, adds more paint and then scrapes away again. “It provides a depth, a soul where you see where you’ve been,” she explains. “I allow that to show through.” Some themes that viewers may see in Belassen’s work include her love of the human figure (she used to be an athlete), her sense of humor, her perseverance and perhaps even her family. The artist’s two sons are both entrepreneurial and creative: One owns a marketing business; the other owns the Phoenix-based gallery Belhaus, where she primarily shows her work today. Reality, at least for Belassen, seems well worth the reflection. sherribelassen.com
collection. They piece it together, and we just design when creativity hits us.
Describe the palette of materials you work with. Scott Baker: We work with renewable hardwoods from America, almost exclusively walnut and white oak. Currently, we get a lot of our wood from a small, family-run mill in Illinois. MH: The core material is wood, and our secondary material is cast bronze. We do upholstery in-house, and we do caning. We also have a bit of Lucite and stone. Everything that is outsourced is done locally.
What’s next for you? SB: I think we’re pretty much the only furniture maker in this category that has a six-axis robot— it’ll carve just about anything we can imagine. This isn’t going to replace anybody, though. It just allows us to do things that would otherwise be four times the cost or physically dangerous. MH: Someone once told us our furniture line is a manifestation of a marriage of opposites. I believe having the handcrafted and robotic elements are just another manifestation of that. This is our brand: It’s current, but it also has a great lineage and tie to the past.
Design with IMPACT
THIS SPRING, GIVE BACK IN STYLE AT THESE CHARITABLE DESIGN EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN, KRYSTAL RACANIELLO AND CLÉMENCE SFADJ
ROUND TOP DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
Nestled on 2 acres and located just one mile from town square, the inaugural Round Top Designer Showhouse reimagines farmhouse living with a modern edge. Open March 20-April 5, during the famed Round Top Antiques Fair, this 3,500-square-foot custom dwelling celebrates sleek lines and elevated finishes for a timeless look. Ten acclaimed Texan designers—Marcus Mohon, Julie Dodson, Kara Childress and more—are bringing the interior and exterior spaces to life, showcasing their distinct styles.
SAN FRANCISCO DECORATOR SHOWCASE
On April 26, the San Francisco Decorator Showcase returns for its 46th iteration. This year, a century-old Pacific Heights home will be transformed by the region’s top designers, including Kelly Hohla and Geoffrey De Sousa. “The large roof deck will provide incredible opportunities for community engagement,” says Decorator Showcase Executive Director Stephanie Yee. Once again, the event will benefit the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program, having raised over $19 million for the cause since its inception. decoratorshowcase.org
“For the great room, I explored the relationship between antiques and contemporary living,” Mohon describes. “People come to Round Top first and foremost to shop for antiques. So, the show house needed a good dose of them.” The Austin designer further put his stamp on the space by incorporating pieces from his personal Round Top collection. “I’m pulling from my favorite finds that I’ve gathered from the fair over the years. This room is my own Round Top ‘best of’ album,” he muses.
The show house offers more than visual inspiration—proceeds support Camp For All, a nonprofit providing transformative camp experiences for both children and adults with illnesses, disabilities and special needs. roundtopdesignershowhouse.com
DESIGN ON A DIME
Starting April 23, New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion will host the 20th edition of Design on a Dime. The four-day event supports local nonprofit Housing Works, which helps provide communities with housing and healthcare. Helmed by co-chairs that include Alessandra Branca, Charlotte Moss, Miles Redd and Young Huh, to name a few, Design on a Dime’s model rooms will double as shoppable galleries at 50 to 80 percent off retail prices. “What began as a handful of designers at a Housing Works thrift store has evolved into an extensive fleet,” reflects founder and designer James “Ford” Huniford. housingworks.org
Designer Marcus Mohon’s sketch of his Round Top Designer Showhouse great room.
The iconic Tommy Bahama brand defines casual, effortless style. Home collections
Live Endlessly Inspired
ELYSIUM
A groundbreaking property under construction in the heart of Scottsdale, redefines luxury with cutting-edge features
like electronic smart glass sliding walls, military-grade security, solid wood frameless pivot doors, and a hotel-sized pool with a swim-up restaurant, submerged firepit, and infinity-edge spa. Set amidst lush grounds with exotic mature trees, this record-breaking estate is set for delivery by April 2025—an unparalleled fusion of innovation and elegance.
Elysium’s Gaggenau Vario 400 Kitchen: One of Three Exquisite Kitchens Designed as a Chef’s Dream
Photography by Property Image Company
Elysium by Modern Masterpieces is
RADAR
CREATIVE APPROACH | SNAPSHOT | READ THE ROOM | ASK THE EXPERT | GIVING BACK
Step inside LUXE’s spring issue where we’re celebrating inspiring landscapes, creatives having fun with color, design doing good and so much more.
Appalachian IDYLL
There is one project recently completed by architect Tim Adams in Cashiers, North Carolina, that reads as something plucked from a dream. “The property sits in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, bordered by national forest on one side, with a pretty meadow that runs down the middle of it,” says Adams, whose clients asked him to craft an idyllic vacation retreat capitalizing on those comprehensive views.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES ENHANCE A BUCOLIC WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA COMPOUND, TIED TOGETHER BY MATERIALS AND DISTINGUISHED BY MOOD.
WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROMEREIN
STYLING BY ELEANOR ROPER
From the beginning, Adams’ winecollecting clients requested a creative method to store treasured vintages. An ingenious solution emerged as landscape designer Alex Smith was softening the incline of the lot’s topography into a gentle slope, integrating a stone retaining wall to hold back plant material and soil. Everyone agreed on a wonderful opportunity: tucking the cellar directly into this new hillside, complete with an antiqued oval door.
The same indigenous Doggett Mountain eldstone Adams chose for the main home reappears here on the façade, while native plantings spill over the structure, blending seamlessly with the landscape. “It becomes a found experience, something very personal,” Adams says. The result is a golden-hour retreat where savoring a rare bottle feels even more special, where teak seating can easily whisk onto the pea gravel courtyard for impromptu picnics.
“ Between the main house and the two guest cabins , we wanted to create three different experiences, three different languages.”
–TIM ADAMS
proportions complemented by hand-hewn ceiling beams and soft white plaster. Creating points of connection throughout the property was also a priority, so a guest bedroom in the main house (below) reflects a similar femininity.
Continuing threads of connection throughout the compound, Adams again used the same endemic stone on woodburning fireplaces in two guest cabins guarding the forest and meadow’s edges. “We wanted to create three different experiences, three different languages,” Adams says of this enchanting estate, which is set to be showcased in his upcoming monograph, Tradition Made New: Houses With a Sense of Soul and History (Rizzoli, September 2025). “One cabin feels more of the woods; the other, more of the meadow.” Meanwhile, interior designer Amanda Wyatt further differentiated the dwellings
through thematic touches. The woods cabin is darker and more grounded, while the meadow cabin (above) is brighter and airier, conjuring the European countryside through pale plaster, ivory textiles and botanical motifs. This lighter approach harks back to feminine spaces in the main house, including a guest bedroom dressed in cheery pinks (left). “It’s nice to have a space to get away that’s a little bit different,” Wyatt notes. “Much of this project was about moments of contrast, but everything works together.” tsadamsstudio.com, design-insider.com, alexsmithgardendesign.com
This Cashiers, North Carolina, estate by architect Tim Adams and designer Amanda Wyatt includes an outdoor wine cellar (previous page) and pair of cabins, each with a different material palette to reflect the destination. The meadow cabin (right) shines thanks to lofty
Designers
GONE WILD
LUXE spies fearlessly colorful interiors from coast to coast.
PRODUCED BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT
“The rug was inspired by suiting fabric with superimposed flowers that pop off the surface. Conceptually, this den (right) was meant to feel ‘mod’ but in a modern sense, with very controlled color.” –Erick Espinoza, anthonybaratta.com
“We deliberately chose a neutral backdrop so that the serpentine sofa’s curves and pink color would burst onto the scene and draw you into the living room (below left).” –Julie Massucco Kleiner, massuccowarner.com
“The white linen-wrapped millwork featured in this home office (below middle) forms a soft canvas for a modern twist on the classic coastal blue and yellow color palette.” –Michael Cox, foleyandcox.com
“This sky-blue office (below right) doubles as a bedroom for the clients’ nieces and nephews. The emerald-green-striped circus ceiling isn’t visible on Zoom calls, but it’s a fun addition for young visitors sleeping over!” –Isy Runsewe, isysinteriors.com
New York
Florida Washington
New York
FOREVER YOUNG
TODAY’S TOP TALENTS ARE CRAFTING KIDS’ SPACES BRIMMING WITH DESIGN IDEAS FOR ALL AGES.
WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
Christopher Farr Cloth’s La Jungle swathes the walls and ceiling of this Bedford, New York, bunk room designed by Brittany Bromley, continuing onto the lower bunk bed curtains. Taconic Builders crafted the custom millwork, which is painted Benjamin Moore’s New Born’s Eyes.
“Our brief was to create something fun and whimsical that didn’t take itself too seriously and managed to be durable and re ective of the home’s overall aesthetic,” shares designer Brittany Bromley of the multipurpose bunk room she designed in Bedford, New York. Bromley’s vision for the space (which would cater to games and crafts, homework sessions, movie nights and sleepover parties), was to offset a generous deployment of energetic colors and patterns with sophisticated furniture silhouettes and elevated lighting.
In turn, an envelope of hand-printed wallpaper bedecked with leopards and elephants sets the stage for a navy, green and sky palette popped with clean white and warm rattan accents that blend masculine with feminine, and youthful with elegant. The wallpaper also brings balance to the unusual dimensions of the space, which is tucked under a pitched roof. “Had we chosen to stop the paper before the eaves, the ceiling would have stood out and been plain by comparison. By having the pattern climb, we took advantage of the architectural detailing.” The nished mix, Bromley declares, makes for “everyone’s favorite room in the house!” bbromleyinteriors.com
Peter Dunham Textiles’ prints cover the sofa and chairs in the bunk room. A Currey & Company pendant hangs above, tying to the rattan Serena & Lily bistro chair at the Rove Concepts homework table (right). The rug is Fibreworks.
“I’m a Virgo, so I take my organization very seriously,” shares designer Sasha Bikoff. Naturally, she tapped her longtime collaborator, California Closets, to outfit her son Dino’s playroom in East Hampton, New York, with workhorse built-ins.
“It’s always great to work with California Closets; they tackle the technicals so that I can focus on the design, and together we fine-tune,” Bikoff says. The resulting program—a clever combination of open and closed storage concealing all manner of kiddie clutter—is as hardworking as it is fun to look at.
One side of the room features twin closets with a pulldown bed tucked between, while the other side holds ample drawers and cubbies—as well as a workspace for mom. “I incorporated a desk because I imagine designing while Dino plays,” she muses. “The success to being both kid-friendly and sophisticated is to create an environment that you and your child can equally enjoy.” The fact that the room’s inspiration is the family’s beloved vacation destination (the multitone blues were plucked from the nearby bay, the oranges and yellows evoke East End sunsets and the ceramic veggie knobs nod to the Hamptons’ iconic farm stands) further cements the space as one for all ages to enjoy. sashabikoff.com
Benjamin Moore’s Mystical Blue, Tidal Wave and Clearest Ocean Blue create a color-block effect on designer Sasha Bikoff’s custom California Closets storage system. The shelf and play table are both Nestig and the rug is Sasha Bikoff for Flor.
For this playroom and little girl’s bedroom in Larchmont, New York, designer Chauncey Boothby employed a “playful yet subtly sophisticated palette” to craft a fairy-tale ambiance with timeless appeal. Hushed pink paint wraps the ocularly-shaped bedroom (which is located, fittingly, in a turret of the home), while creams, gray-greens and more soft pinks envelope the third-floor playroom. There, Boothby went all-in on storybook fantasy, crafting a scalloped tent valance to hide a projector and movie screen, and stashing an adorable built-in dollhouse behind a petite doorway.
“As the girls outgrow their kid furniture, those pieces can be moved out and the rooms will become chic sleeping and sitting areas in their tweens and teens. It’s a perfect haven for them to socialize,” Boothby continues. “When designing children’s rooms, I always look to accessories and other ‘smalls’ to create a youthful vibe, but pair them against beautiful wallpapers, fabrics, and in this case, lighting fixtures, that they can grow into and are not stereotypically childish.” chaunceyboothby.com
Aleta’s Bouquet Jal wallpaper was the jumping-off point for the playroom (above), which designer Chauncey Boothby paired with a Couristan rug, Poppie chairs and a Milton & Goose tables. Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground decorates the bedroom walls alongside a pendant by The Urban Electric Co. and an RH Baby & Child crib.
GARDEN DELIGHTS
A PAIR OF GOLDEN STATE LANDSCAPES START WITH THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL AND MARY JO BOWLING
California is known for seamless indooroutdoor living, so it’s fitting that when looking to create a harmonious, integrated experience between house and garden, a landscape designer would consider a dwelling’s architecture. Such was the case for these two projects, and although one was sparked by a midcentury gem and the other by classic Mediterranean style, both are studies in serenity.
SoCal Sanctuary
Los Angeles is a hothouse of midcentury abodes, often with striking landscaping to match. So, after Patricia Benner’s client purchased a 1963 Buff, Straub and Hensman dwelling, the landscape architect immediately envisioned aligning the garden spaces with its modernist roots. The owner, committed to preserving the
home’s architectural integrity, “was all about cozy, beautiful and restful gardens, and had a definite idea about the mood she wanted,” notes Benner. A meditative interior courtyard—shaded by a partial roof—became the serene centerpiece of the project. Linear wood slats play off the home’s interior details and warm up the space; Boston ivy traces the walls, and a boulder was fashioned into a water element. Fluffy tufts of Irish moss billow around pavers and bonsai-like juniper trees nod to a Japanese garden design aesthetic. “We focused on layering different textures of plant material to create a sense of perspective within each space,” she muses, pointing out the kinetic nature of her choices. “This is a richly textured but also very simple sanctuary—a word we used again and again while creating it.” benner-design.com
In a midcentury modern L.A. home’s inner courtyard, a Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan rocking chair is situated beside a firepit and boulder-turned-water element, both the work of Roger Hopkins Stone Sculptors. Views of an enclosed side garden (left) are visible from the client’s bedroom and bath.
DESIGNER
LIGHTING SHOP NOW
IAN K. FOWLER KEARS LARGE BRACKETED WALL LIGHT IN AGED IRON WITH CLEAR GLASS VISUALCOMFORT.COM
Refuge in Napa
When landscape designer Tim O’Shea began crafting this St. Helena garden, he looked to his clients’ love of travel and their classic Mediterranean-style home for inspiration. “The residence is like an Italian villa in wine country,” he notes. O’Shea gave the project formal structure and symmetry—hallmark characteristics of Mediterranean gardens—using the column-like forms of sycamore trees to create allées and rows of boxwood to define spaces—important concepts for the couple who enjoy entertaining and dining outside. “When you create a beautiful garden, people enjoy looking at it,” the designer says. “But when you define rooms within the landscape, they can immediately understand how to use it. It creates an instant intimacy with the land.” Thus, there are clearly designated spots for small daily rituals like morning coffee as well as larger spaces for alfresco dinner parties. Amidst this order, there is also a profound sense of peace. “Elements such as low stone walls and bold but simple plant combinations create a restful environment,” notes O’Shea. “It becomes a place of refuge.” green17design.com
Landscape designer Tim O’Shea created defined spaces in this Mediterranean-inspired St. Helena garden by using rows of sycamore trees and boxwood (left). A kumquat tree is planted in an antique pot from Living Green (below and bottom left).
Open up to Spirit of Place
SWEET CHARITY
On the occasion of a milestone anniversary, LUXE celebrates the life-changing work of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Decorator Show House and the dynamic design community that supports it all.
WRITTEN BY JUDITH NASATIR
The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, a non-profit dedicated to improving kids’ lives in the Bronx, New York, often depends on the kindness of strangers. A unique synergy with its patrons though, changes destiny even further. Instrumental to Kips Bay’s mission is its bond with the design community, as evident in a half century of Kips Bay Decorator Show Houses, feted in a new book, and the club’s 10 facilities.
The growth of design industry involvement reveals the force multiplier of this charity’s
leadership—specifically executive director Daniel Quintero and Nazira Handal, director of special events and corporate partnerships, board president (and New York Design Center CEO and president) James Druckman, and board members like designer Ellie Cullman, who spearheaded a club culinary center. With Kips Bay show houses in Palm Beach and Dallas now joining the New York flagship, romancing the home is the gift that keeps on giving. Today, the club enhances the lives of 11,000-plus kids ages 6-18 with training in life skills, the arts, STEM subjects and more. How’s that for beauty? kipsbay.org
It’s Golden
A NEW BOOK SHOWCASES THE KIPS BAY DECORATOR SHOW HOUSE AT 50.
There’s nothing in the world like the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, both for its annual presentation of American design and decorative finesse at its most imaginative as for its ongoing devotion to the Bronx charity that gives it purpose. A new book, Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50, celebrates this half century of superlative beauty with glorious photos of iconic rooms from the 1970s to the present and brief essays by the club’s leadership and luminaries from the design world.
Developed and produced by Sandow Bo oks in partnership with Gibbs Smith
NOTABLES
Janet Priset Sandino Fine Art Resources
Bringing Spaces to Life with Art. An innovative knowledgeable resource for designers and collectors that offers artwork from local, national and international artists, along with client-tailored services such as framing, curation and resale. A recent installation by a French artist incorporates a unique blend of crystallite and aluminum into this museum-worthy piece. 602.680.6090
Adrienne Wannamaker
Art Studio
Marrying highly textured, color-saturated and resin mediums, Adrienne Wannamaker’s contemporary acrylic artworks that depict aerial vistas and landscapes have garnered national attention. View available works/commissions at Celebration of Fine Art 2025 or at her Scottsdale, Arizona studio. wannamaker.com
Image and Frame
Exquisite craftsmanship lends an air of refined, lighthearted fun to these whimsical wood picture frames. Add a mirror or create a Pop art masterpiece—the perfect combo! imageandframe.com
MARKET
Feast your eyes on gorgeous textiles, a plethora of exciting design finds, chic outdoor furnishings and a dreamy alfresco tablescape.
Clockwise from top right: Bahia Fabric in Lemon by Serena Dugan
Fabric in Euphorbia / houseofhackney.com Lucia Fabric in Seafoam by Nathan Turner / jamesshowroom.com Canvas Chenille in 07 Gold by S. Harris / fabricut.com Shantung Silhouette Sisal Wallpaper in Yellow / schumacher.com Mystique Fabric in Citrine by Peter Fasano / johnrosselli.com Bursa Willow Fabric in Peacock by Ferran Textiles / johnrosselli.com Benjamin Moore Majestic Blue and Tranquil Blue Paint / benjaminmoore.com 60 Oaks Fabric in Buttery Blue by Isobel / studiofournyc.com Linara Fabric in Jonquil / romo.com Vista Fabric in Seafoam /
It’s All in How You Frame It.
Bring the natural textures of the outdoors into the interior with Feeney®’s DesignRail® resin infill options with organic embedded materials.
Welcome to the World of Feeney, where our designer custom options make it easy for you to create your own masterpiece, all while keeping it perfectly within frame.
Reach out to a Feeney Design Specialist to learn more: design@feeneyinc.com
COBALT + COTTON + SKY
Clockwise from top: Benjamin Moore Mistral and Cumulus Cotton Paint / benjaminmoore.com Lunar Dot Fabric in Ivory by Kravet Basics / kravet.com Hedgehog Fabric in Denim White with Neisha Crosland / schumacher.com Fresh Air Sheer in Blanca / perennialsfabrics.com Malachite Wallpaper in Sky by Harlequin / sandersondesigngroup.com Luster Linen in 01987 Chambray by Trend / fabricut.com Dorset Fabric in Ocean by Cowtan & Tout / cowtan.com Medina Fabric in Indigo / pierrefrey.com Vita Fabric in Blue by Décors Barbares for Namay Samay / johnrosselli.com Enzo Print Fabric in Coastal / schumacher.com Arene Santorin Fabric in 006 (on button) / metaphores.com Linara Fabric in Surf (on button) / romo.com Jenga Fabric in 104 Marine by Stroheim / fabricut.com Ishi Fabric in Ice Blue / perennialsfabrics.com Arene Santorin Fabric in 006 / metaphores.com
TERRA COTTA + BUFF + MELON
Clockwise from top right: Seaweed Fabric in Birch / salvesengraham.com Ishi Fabric in Shell / perennialsfabrics.com Lunaria Fabric in Blush on Terracotta with Drusus Tabor / schumacher.com Iford Floral Fabric in Sienna Pink by Kate Loudoun Shand (on button) / studiofournyc.com Scarlet Stripe in Blush / thibautdesign.com Nurole Sheer in Bianco / coraggio.com Agafay Fabric in Terracotta / pierrefrey.com Comfort Zone Fabric in Desert Rose / perennialsfabrics.com Leni Stripe Woven Sheer in Potter’s Pink by Imogen Heath / studiofournyc.com Regia Fabric in Paprika / thibautdesign.com Loxley Fabric in Ivory by GP & J Baker / kravet.com Pittura Fabric in Blush by Clarke & Clarke / kravet.com Iford Floral Fabric in Sienna Pink by Kate Loudoun Shand / studiofournyc.com Linara Fabric in Serandite / romo.com Benjamin Moore Pink Moiré and San Antonio Rose Paint / benjaminmoore.com Prisma Fabric in Blush / thibautdesign.com
COLOR CUES
INTERIORS FROM OUR REGIONAL ISSUES OFFER FRESH PALETTES FOR SPRING. PRODUCED BY SARAH SHELTON
Go Graphic
Behold a daring Manhattan kitchen designed by Anthony Baratta and Erick Espinoza that proves the timeless combination of blue and white is always ripe for reinterpretation. anthonybaratta.com Counterclockwise from top left: Norma Wall Mirror with Megan Molten / Price upon request / cooperclassics.com Pumo Lamp with Fabio Novembre in Blue / $245 / kartell.com Katya 8990F Rug in Blue/Beige/ Price upon request / feizy.com Silhouette Dining Table / Price upon request / bernhardt.com USM
Bright Idea
Kemble Interiors infused a Palm Beach villa with Sunshine State-appropriate colors: cheery yellow and soft shades reminiscent of the sea, resulting in a mood-boosting space for all to enjoy. kembleinteriors.com
from top right: Calvari Performance Fabric in Limone with Veronique de Soultrait / Price upon request / christopherfarrcloth.com Greek Key Mirror in Sugar Bag Light by Farrow & Ball / Price upon request / studio-atkinson.com Curtain Call 3 Seater Sofa in Sky Laidback Linen / Price upon request / nicolaharding.com Citron Bowl / $437 / caitlinwilson.com Carson End Table in Gold / Price upon request / chelseahouseinc.com Joie de Vivre Tibetan Knot Rug / Price upon request / perennialsfabrics.com Murphy Table Lamp with Yellow Shibori Linen Empire Shade and Yellow Ceramic Base / $325 / us.pooky.com
Clockwise
FAMILY AFFAIR
AUSTRALIAN-BORN OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS COMPANY HARBOUR CONTINUES TO MAKE ITS MARK STATESIDE.
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
“We’re a family effort,” says Nicholas Condos, chief creative officer of Harbour, the outdoor furniture company founded by his father, in Sydney, in 1976. While Nicholas leads design, his brother, Harrison, CEO, oversees manufacturing.
“Our father was a blacksmith by trade, and while we’ve expanded his ideas, we’re
committed to his principles of simplicity and functionality,” he adds. The Condos’ shared vision is also rooted in their Mediterranean ancestry. “We spend a lot of time outdoors with our family, and we want our pieces to offer the same sense of comfort for other families, too.”
Headquartered in California since 2012, the brothers divide their time between Los Angeles, New York and Sydney, while spending part of the year in Asia and Europe. “Travel inspires us— architecture, hotels, fashion—and our new collections tell stories about different destinations,” says Nicholas. Originally crafted in aluminum, today Harbour offers teak and stone pieces, as well as
in Asia and “Travel us—
upholstered seating, and launched six new collections this year alone. “I’m really excited about the fresh curves of the Chloe Collection, while the Palm Beach Collection speaks to our expertise in materiality.” The company also recently partnered with Sunbrella on a line of fabrics, which includes plush velvets and chenilles—a rarity for outdoor seating. “Giving customers the ability to make our designs their own,” Nicholas explains, “is especially satisfying.” shopharbour.com
PHOTOS: COURTESY HARBOUR.
Harbour’s new Chloe Collection (pictured) includes a sculptural teak-framed coffee table. Nicholas (standing) and Harrison Condos lead the outdoor furniture company today.
This Isn’t Wood. This is Fortina.
Fortina is a remarkable architectural system that looks and feels like real wood, but is made with aluminum and a hyper-realistic non-PVC surface.
Available in over 100+ wood and metal finishes and 50+ profiles for interior and exterior applications. Now with integral lighting as well as larger, up to 2" x 12" profiles.
OUT & ABOUT
UP THE ANTE ON OUTDOOR LIVING WITH NEW AND INNOVATIVE FINDS THAT DELIVER ON COMFORT AND STYLE.
PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON
Did you hear? Tuuci, the Miami-based manufacturer known for ultra-posh umbrellas and pergolas, has debuted outdoor furniture. The Sail Collection (pictured), which lives up to its name with a spinnaker weave upholstery treatment, is one of four new lines created by founder, CEO and designer Dougan Clarke. tuuci.com
Not all umbrellas are created equal. Dreamed up by Henrik Pedersen for Gloster, the Ambient Sol tures a chic, all-weather wicker canopy with a builtLED light that provides a warm glow as the sun goes down, making this shade accessory a double-duty workhorse gloster.com
created Dreamed up Henrik Pedersen for the Ambient Sol features a all-weather wicker canopy with a builtin LED that a warm as the sun goes this shade accessory a
Tom Dixon is taking his industrial design sensibility outside—a first for the company—with the Groove collection. The curvy and coiled aluminum silhouettes embody an Art Deco flair across chairs, tables and stools in shades Putty (pictured) and Moss. tomdixon.net
Behold Jeffrey Alan Marks’ Asilomar Outdoor Wall
Lighting is one of the brand’s fastestgrowing and this boasts a special synthetic wicker that won’t fade or split—standing up to the elements and the test of time.
Alan Marks’ Asilomar Pendant for Palecek. the brand’s fastestcategories, and this unique piece non-toxic, recyclable that won’t fade or to the elements and palecek.com
Adding to its colorful trove of fabrics and wallpapers, Thibaut has launched outdoorfriendly rugs for all manner of alfresco living. The preppy New England-inspired striped designs (above) are named after Newport and Nantucket, respectively, while other styles are ideal for mountain or city living. thibautdesigns.com
PALM BEACH CHIC
IN HONOR OF HIS FORTHCOMING BOOK, DESIGNER MARSHALL WATSON SHARES A SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR RETREAT WITH LUXE.
Travel the country in high style in Marshall Watson: De ning Elegance, the designer’s latest tome, which takes readers on a decorating journey from one sophisticated scheme to the next. The wide range of spaces prove just how adept Watson is at crafting re ned, pared-down interiors that remain layered and full of life. For a Palm Beach project (pictured), Watson and his team transformed a
once-sad spec home into an inspired and beautiful Mediterranean Revival abode. Below, the designer shares his distinct take on this one-of-a-kind residence.
As for our approach: My partner, Kate Reid, and I agreed that the success of the interiors relied on certain inviolate principles. First and foremost, the house had to be authentically, unmistakably, “Palm Beach.” From tropical Jazz Age
panache to 1950s swank, from Moroccan romance to Persian exoticism, our design would precisely re ect the locale’s worldly sensibility. We wanted the home to be inviting, witty, and stylish, but free of anything trivial. The idea was to preserve a measure of the formality typical of the local style in its heyday. marshallwatsoninteriors.com, rizzoliusa.com
Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, a Palm Beach pool cabana features a bold interweaving of colors and materials, providing the perfect perch for a fabulous fête.
Verde Sim Dinner Plate by Ivo Angel / $53 Granada Napkin in Thistle / $174 for four
Cirql Nu Armchair with Werner Aisslinger / Price upon request dedon.de
FIRST ANNUAL
Texas Designer Showhouses is thrilled to present the inaugural Round Top Designer Showhouse, benefiting Camp for All, which opens to the public on March 20 and coincides with the Round Top Antiques Show.
Eight of Texas’ top designers will transform the home and landscaping, incorporating state-of-the-art materials, products and furnishings that will inspire ideas for your own home.
MARCH 20 – APRIL 5, 2025 |
ROUND TOP, TEXAS
Tickets on sale now at RoundTopDesignerShowhouse.com or at the door. roundtopdesignershowhouse
FEATURED DESIGNERS:
✦ Marcus Mohon (Austin)
✦ Kara Childress (Houston)
✦ Julie Dodson (Houston)
✦ Kurt Bielawski (Dallas)
✦ Darla Bankston May (Houston)
✦ Renea Abbott (Houston)
✦ Staci Steidley (Dallas)
✦ Susan Semmelmann (Dallas)
✦ LB Walden (Landscape: Houston)
From custom window treatments to upholstery, bedding, rom and more, we’re your one-stop shop for custom decorating. Enjoy free design advice every step of the way. Start today njoy at calicocorners.com!
LIVING
KITCHEN + BATH
Tour the dreamy Connecticut estate that designer Jeffrey Alan Marks imbued with light, color and effortless West Coast style.
The colorful hues of designer Jeffrey Alan Marks’ Plain English kitchen, with dual islands painted Mushy Peas, are tempered by white lacquering and oak planks from New England Custom Floors. The sconce is from The Urban Electric Co.
California Calling
When the opportunity struck to purchase a 1928 Georgian Manor-style home in Greenwich—once decorated by his personal icon, Billy Baldwin—designer Jeffrey Alan Marks packed up his life in Montecito, California, energized by the prospect of test driving the Connecticut idyll and restoring the residence to its former grandeur. Naturally, one such home needed a showstopping kitchen at its heart.
“The house merited this very interesting kitchen,” muses Marks. The designer teamed up with Plain English (“their clean lines and
simple yet elevated cabinetry matched the legacy of the property perfectly,” he notes) to craft a layered space defined by a blue, green and pink palette—a request from his five-year-old daughter, James, that proved surprisingly sophisticated.
The challenge: Bringing an airy disposition to the room’s dark, patrician architecture. “By adding a large picture window over the sink, gallons of high-gloss white paint on tongueand-groove siding, and window screens to enclose the bar, the space became breathable,” he explains. And oh, what a bar it is.
A breakfast nook off the kitchen is enlivened by collected artworks. The banquette is clad in Loro Piana velvet and joins a Richard Wrightman table, Paul Ferrante pendant and Paul Smith for The Rug Company rug.
More glossy paint—this time emerald green, gives the feel of an old-timey pub room. Another star detail is the cocktail serving island Marks fashioned from an oversized antique French laundry basket purchased on a whim. “We spend a lot of time in there as a family; it’s cozy and intimate,” Marks re ects. “And whenever we have parties, it’s the room that everyone gravitates towards.” Coziness similarly de nes the breakfast nook, a sunken space off the kitchen where casual meals are enjoyed reside, ensconced in a green velvet banquette that echoes the tones of the bar.
The living room, trimmed with Baldwin’s original moldings, graces the cover of Marks’ new monograph This Is Home (Rizzoli).
Featuring an array of residences for repeat clients, the tome explores the idea that we don’t stay in multi-generational dwellings as our ancestors did—we move and change with the people we call home as compass. Practicing what he preaches, Marks recently sold the Connecticut property, embarking on a California comeback and leaving a transformed piece of history for its next lucky stewards.
DESIGN | ELEVATE | EXPERIENCE
Elevate your home and your lifestyle.
We craft seamless, luxury spaces and experiences in home transformation from design to installation. Dedicated to exceeding expectations with unmatched service and unrivaled craftsmanship for over a decade.
Living Laboratory
“I have always loved to garden, so elevating the outdoor spaces was a real passion project for me,” shares Marks of his property’s transformation. “The original owner in the 1920s treated the grounds with meticulous care, and I’m so happy they survived the past century,” he notes, pointing to a vast green lawn with meandering seating areas, a “play garden” favored by James and the family puppy, a magnificent array of old growth lilac trees and a 100-year-old sunken English garden. There, injecting his signature flair, Marks composed an outdoor dining room rimmed with espaliers “to give structure” and dotted with boxwoods in woven planters designed in collaboration with his longtime partner,
Palecek. Known for their emphasis on natural materials and traditional artisanal techniques, the Bay Area-based brand has collaborated with Marks since 2012, finding common ground in their shared coastal-chic ethos and attention to detail. “I love mixing my pieces into the garden. Right now, I’m experimenting with 10 different types of ropes for a new collection in development with Palecek,” shares the designer, as he preps for his West Coast move. “It is a testing ground for all of my exterior product collections. People think California sun is tough, but I’m learning from the seasons here what will last and what won’t!” jeffreyalanmarks.com, palecek.com
A Palecek lantern and chairs alongside a Sutherland table create a dining destination within Marks’ English-inspired garden. More of the designer’s home can be seen in his new monograph, This Is Home (below).
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF DESIGN
SETTING THE STANDARD, REDEFINING THE FUTURE
Design is more than what meets the eye—it’s vision, collaboration and the ability to bring bold ideas to life all while managing the business. On the following pages, today’s women of design showcase their skills in every area, as they shape the next chapter of the industry and inspire future generations with leadership, ingenuity and passion.
Salcito Design Group
When one thinks about life and career-defining mentors, there is perhaps no better source than one’s parents. After all, they are there to exemplify and teach from the beginning. For Cameron Hancock Beckert, this was precisely the sort of experience that led her to where she is today. “I watched my parents navigate the highs and lows of business, and I’ve always been inspired by their unwavering commitment to doing the right thing,” she shares. After exploring the possibilities of other career paths, Beckert made her way back to the family business. Today, she brings the same
and authenticity to Cameron Custom as her parents did to their home building firm. “Built on a strong, multigenerational heritage, we are determined to create highly tailored, exquisite homes that capture each client’s distinct vision and way of life,” Beckert says. “My goal is
delivering the exceptional.”
Wells Of Inspiration
Beckert shares three sources of education and inspiration that have been instrumental for her.
• Traction by Gino Wickman: This book outlines the business system we use to operate. It’s simple, yet transformative.
• How to Be Awesome at Your Job: This podcast consistently features insightful guests and valuable stories.
• 3-2-1 Thursday by James Clear: This weekly newsletter by the author of Atomic Habits provides three ideas, two quotes and one question to consider.
WE GENUINELY CARE ABOUT EVERY DETAIL AND EVERY CLIENT.”
Parallel Passion
Asked what she would do if she weren’t in this profession, Beckert points to teaching, saying, “I love the energy that comes from both teaching and learning. I participate in an executive program at Harvard, and it is my favorite week of the year!” This passion is evident in how she operates the firm, too, fostering a company culture where employees feel uniquely valued and appreciated—set up for success and growth.
Top Cameron Custom’s newest upcoming spec project in Paradise Valley will be a stunner, with architecture by Biegner-Murff Architects and landscape design by Berghoff Design Group.
Bottom The art of luxury home building is evident in the details and beautifully executed finishes of this great room.
Not many interior designers can claim they have adorned an underground path to a secret lair. Jeni Robison and Morganne Underwood, the team behind Dettaglio Interior Design, is one such dynamic duo. Underwood explains, “Our most unique design was in a home on a 3-acre lot. Our client was an avid gunman with lots of James Bond-style gear. The house had a tunnel that connected his closet to an underground shooting range. Visitors would take Segways through the tunnel to the shooting range and gun display room—like in a movie! We had the privilege of designing all 300 feet of the tunnel plus a secret cocktail bar and the hidden door access from the closet.” Not every project is quite so cinematic, but they are all unique. Robison shares, “We strive to make our clients happy. Witnessing their joy during the final home reveal is always the best part of the job. There’s nothing more exciting!”
Pathways To Design
Robison and Underwood had their own, unique pathways into the world of interior design.
• Jeni shares: “When I moved from Iowa to Arizona I interned with an architecture firm and learned that interior design could be a profession. I enjoyed architecture but I was enthralled with design. Within six months I disregarded my psychology degree and signed up to go back to school for interior design. Funnily enough, the psychology degree comes in handy during my design meetings with couples.”
• Morganne shares: “I have always appreciated a well-designed interior. Growing up I was obsessed with watching HGTV and redecorating my room! I originally went to school for physical therapy, but quickly realized it was not the path I was meant to travel. Second semester of my first year in college I switched to interior design and the rest is history!”
Personal Touch
The team enthuses that staying a boutique firm and not growing too large is important to them. Robison adds, “I truly love the size we are now. I want to be involved in every project!”
Top The great room is perfect for gatherings, with a beautifully vaulted ceiling and a custom fireplace surround that makes the space both functional and comfortable. Bottom This family room’s harmonious blend of natural light, warm wood cabinetry and soft furnishings creates a perfect space for family to gather.
WE ARE BIG BELIEVERS IN COLLABORATION— STARTING EACH PROJECT WITH AN OPEN MIND, DISCUSSING CLIENT IDEAS AND REFINING AS WE GO.”
Photography Top by Nick Sorensen; Bottom by Kevin Brost
When Emily Marek took a job working at a home decor store in high school, she likely didn’t realize how significant the decision would be. It ended up defining her life’s purpose. “I discovered a real passion for creating beautiful spaces, and this love only grew when I pursued my design degree in college,” the designer says. She excelled, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and today Marek is the Owner and Principal Designer of her own firm, Emmy Couture Designs. At the heart of her firm is a love for elegant, elevated design that exudes a luxurious sophistication while attuning to the owner’s personality. But she also considers being a leader and mentor one of her greatest roles. “I navigated the industry without a mentor; it taught me resilience and fueled my passion to become what I never had.” Indeed, she has built a collaborative, engaged team that flexes their skills for each client, under Marek’s tutelage.
Goal Getter
“We are constantly striving to push our boundaries and achieve new milestones,” Marek shares. “Our goals for the future include securing another LUXE RED Award, broadening our clientele to embrace larger and less restricted projects and increasing our social media presence to engage with our community and inspire new ideas.”
TRUE LUXURY LIES IN DESIGNING SPACES THAT SPEAK TO THE SOULS OF OUR CLIENTS.”
Tune In + Be Inspired
Asked to share her favorite sources of industry influence, Marek says, “I highly recommend the A Well Designed Business podcast by LuAnn Nigara, whose insights on running a successful business are invaluable. I was fortunate to be a guest on the podcast last year, where I discussed what being a business owner means to me. I also find great inspiration in female icons like Ashley Stark, who combines innovation with an outside-the-box mindset and creativity. Anne-Marie Barton also stands out for her masterful ability to integrate diverse elements into modern aesthetics.”
Top This built-in bar combines elegance and functionality with a lit-up wine fridge, antique mirrored backsplash and illuminated glass shelves, seamlessly blending storage and display in style.
Photography Kevin Brost; Headshot by Matt Young
It’s important for a design firm to have a consistent core value as they define their style. Eva Higby, the Owner of Higby Design, professes a deep belief in creating “homes with soul.” She explains, “Soul is what gives our homes a sense of authenticity and self-expression, it provides that elusive ‘home is where the heart is’ feeling. My firm specializes in soulful living and is celebrated for crafting distinct spaces that seamlessly mix art, science and soul.” Higby notes that she is motivated by the transformative powers of interior design. “I love taking raw potential and shaping it into a design that truly reflects someone’s personality and needs. It’s the moment when everything clicks—the right balance of color, texture and light—that drives me. Design is more than creating something pretty to admire, it’s about creating an experience.” Up next: “More authentic growth and creative fulfillment.”
Day In The Life
While no day is exactly the same, Higby shares the broad strokes of what her workweek looks like.
• Mondays:
“These are office days where I do all of my planning for the week.”
• Tuesdays and Thursdays:
“These two days are always team days in the studio where we collaborate and problem solve all day and meet with clients.”
• Wednesdays and Fridays:
“These days are open and subject to change, but I am typically with clients, on project sites or shopping for projects.”
Higby loves owning her own business and the flexibility it provides as a working parent of four. She notes, “On a typical day, I usually get started at 8 a.m. after dropping off the kids at school and then end around 4 p.m. when my kids get out of school. After practices and dinner I usually turn on my computer and work again. It makes for long days but I love that I am able to do it!”
Top The kitchen is the centerpiece of this complete remodel in North Scottsdale. Natural stone countertops unify the space in this functional and soulful kitchen. Bottom The Versailles pattern floors are the star in this bathroom, perfected by the mix of textures and patterns—from Roman shades to marble countertops.
THE AUTHENTIC HOME
Lavender Landscape Design Co.
It can be a rare thing to fulfill childhood dreams. Many envision themselves pursuing what lit their soul on fire in their youth, but later find they are better suited to another line of work. This wasn’t so for Haley Tew. “I’ve always gravitated toward two things: art and the outdoors,” she says. “Those passions naturally blended into a degree in landscape architecture. I guess you could say I am one of the few who went in the original direction I planned to go in.” Indeed, today she is the Principal of her firm, Lavender Landscape Design Co., where her love of all things creative and open air thrives. “Our staff has more than 120 years of combined design experience in crafting these unique places for people to create memories, and this resonates with our clientele,” Tew says. “We aim to be approachable and fun, designing and building environments that invite their owners to enjoy life outdoors.”
Industry Evolution
Asked to share her take on the state of the landscape architecture business, Tew offers up two insights.
• There aren’t a lot of women on this side of the design industry. I am one of a rare few, and I’m proud to be here, but I would love to see this grow as a profession women enjoy.
• Personally, I have also found that this industry could be better suited to collaboration. I hope this is something we will all work toward in the coming decades.
Gets + Goals
In 2024, Lavender Landscape saw tremendous growth of over 40 percent in all areas. For 2025, Tew has her sights set even higher, with a goal of 58-percent growth. “We moved from a small 3,500square-foot office to a massive 25,000-square-foot studio and warehouse,” she says. “This will allow us to be even more capable of creating experiences like no other.”
Top A backyard inspired by rustic sails, this space features a large shade structure that is a marvel of engineering. Left A very modern departure for Lavender Landscape, this full Lautner edge allows for a seamless transition from the hardscape to the water. Right This backyard escape is themed to resorts found in Cabo San Lucas.
Photography Courtesy of Lavender Landscape Design Co.; Headshot by Sarah Hoag
Melissa Mae Design
480.205.0600 | melissamae.com | melissamaedesign
One critical force behind many influential women is a strong support network of family and friends that believe in them and allow them to thrive. Melissa Mae, Chief Design Officer of her namesake firm, credits her mom as a source of strength. “She has always believed in me and encouraged me to utilize my creative gifts,” she says. Melissa’s firm is dedicated to creating bespoke spaces that reflect the essence of their clients. She explains, “With clients as ongoing inspirations, every design is inspired by their individuality and lifestyle.” As an artist with a background in fashion, Melissa brings “creative agility and a commitment to crafting homes as unique as the people who inhabit them” to every custom home design. She adds, “Unbound by a singular style, I pride myself on delivering homes that exceed expectations, offering clients the spaces they never knew they always wanted.”
EVERY PROJECT IS A THOUGHTFUL CELEBRATION OF OUR CLIENTS— CREATING SPACES THAT ARE AS PERSONAL AS THEY ARE TIMELESS.”
First Class: Travel
Melissa emphasizes how important travel is to her and how much she learns on her journeys. She finds inspiration and brings forth new ideas. “Traveling the world is like recharging my creative soul,” she explains. “Each destination offers a new lens—vibrant colors in bustling markets, intricate patterns in ancient architecture or the natural harmony of untouched landscapes. Walking through a centuries-old cathedral or standing before a modern skyscraper, I feel the stories of those who built them and the cultures that shaped them. These experiences ignite ideas: the bold textures of Morocco inspire layered interiors, while the serene hues of Scandinavian landscapes guide minimalist palettes. Travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about weaving its beauty, diversity and energy into the spaces I create, bringing the world home.”
Top This moody black and gold bathroom shines with intricate mosaic tiles and gleaming gold fixtures, exuding timeless glamour.
Photography Michael Duerinckx; Headshot by Tara Dunn
Salcito Design Group
One commonly hears inspired experts in the industries of design, art and fashion discuss how intertwined the pursuits can be. For Rebecca Salcito, this truth proved a guiding force in her path to becoming the Principal of Salcito Design Group. “I studied art in Paris, and that was where I realized that I would work in the design industry one way or another,” she shares. “I also love fashion and travel, and those passions remain today, serving as influences. My design work is inspired by Parisian and other European styles.” Known for the elevated interior architecture and design it offers to the luxury home space, SDG boasts a portfolio of projects that are impeccably finished, functional, exceed the client’s wildest expectations and blend the old with the new in an effervescent way. Combining inspired influences with the client’s wish list, Salcito and her team achieve design mastery on every project.
Paramount Projects
Salcito shares the details on two endeavors that best represent the firm.
• “One of my LUXE-featured homes, which the magazine described as ‘European glamour meets desert contemporary,’ truly exemplifies my style. It was set on an amazing site in Scottsdale, offering breathtaking mountain and city vistas. The clients were wonderful to work with and trusted the vision.”
• “My own home perfectly showcases my affinity for a soft white European plaster backdrop, layered with modern furniture, soft textures, Austrian crystal chandeliers and collected artwork.”
Industry Inspo
Asked to talk about her greatest inspirations, Salcito says, “Holly Hunt and Rosemary Hallgarten both have a passion for quality and amazing design. Their lines are always elegant and sophisticated.” Salcito also shares four of her favorite Instagram accounts to follow as of late: @udesignmarbella, @paris.explore, @ruemonsieurparis and @jeffleatham.
Top The upper-level outdoor living area features a Lumacast fire table and a Holly Hunt area rug. Right A fully transparent wine cellar serves as a backdrop to this piano lounge. Drapery panels by Rosemary Hallgarten and a Salcito-designed hide rug from Kyle Bunting complete the look. Far right The formal bar, centrally located and adjacent to both the living and dining room, is equipped to serve large parties or small intimate dinners.
Photography Douglas Friedman; Headshot by Michael Franco
WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT CRAFTING DREAM HOMES DESIGNED TO INSPIRE FOR GENERATIONS.”
EMBERWOOD
SANTOS ROSEWOOD
EMBERWOOD
To capture the soaring views, a rustic Flagstaff dwelling takes inspiration from tree houses and the surrounding forest environment.
Interior Design: Amy Weber, Desert Rain Interiors Home Builder: Jon Poindexter, Builders Showcase Inc.
Landscape Architecture: Joseph Lowe, Lowe’s Landscaping, Inc.
Some years ago, architect Jessica Hutchison-Rough was commissioned to design a residence on a Flagstaff lot bordered by a golf course on one side and a national forest on the other. While that house remained unbuilt, when the property eventually changed hands, HutchisonRough’s name was passed along as well. Soon, she found herself atop general contractor Jon Poindexter’s scissor lift, surveying the site for its new owners. The Scottsdale-based couple wanted to build a home that would fully take advantage of the location in a climate that offers four-season living. To do so, Hutchison-Rough recalls, “We thought of a tree house metaphor.”
The architect’s take maximizes views while ensuring privacy. Positioned above the natural grade, the main living level overlooks the golf course and mountains as well as their own property planted by landscape designer Joseph Lowe. “The clients wanted something easy to care for and a natural look,” he notes. In addition to the generous, open-layout public spaces, this floor also contains the primary suite, which HutchisonRough situated to look out to the forest—protected land that will remain undeveloped—creating the feel of an isolated tree house high above the earth. “This afforded us the opportunity to create those floor-to-ceiling windows,” she explains, pointing to the sliders in the bedroom unobscured by draperies and the window behind the tub that frames a spectacular ponderosa pine.
Besides capturing the views, HutchisonRough’s clients wanted their home to have a mountain vibe with a few surprises. She obliged by choosing rustic-feeling materials both inside and out. Rubble stone wraps around the exterior and faces the fireplace, while Douglas fir graces the interior and exterior ceilings. The wood appears yet again in the columns, trusses, kitchen cabinetry frames and even the homeowners’ headboard. “They make it feel more like a cabin,” the architect says of the
monumental timbers. Cold-rolled steel accents, including the tie rods, fireplace surround and kitchen hood, lend a more industrial edge.
Interior designer Amy Weber’s approach to the mountain aesthetic was similarly expansive, giving the clients the cozy and inviting yet luxurious indoor spaces they desired. Weber’s long relationship with the couple—they met in 2011 when she was just starting her career—meant she was uniquely positioned for her role since they could skip over the usual getting-to-know-you phase and get straight to work. “Friendship,” she says, “is at the root of this project.”
To fulfill the cozy and inviting elements of the brief, Weber opted for generously scaled silhouettes in rich materials. Leather on the living room’s sofa and club chairs as well as nubby bouclé on the lounge chairs encourage sophisticated relaxation. In the primary bedroom, the large channel-stitched headboard is recessed into the wall for an enveloping feel.
The desire for luxury, on the other hand, was met with touches such as the pair of agate lamps on the living room’s bleached-oak pedestal side tables. The kitchen’s Shaker-style cabinetry, painted a crisp white, features brass pulls and knobs. “The wife wanted a white kitchen to keep things vibrant and fresh,” the designer observes. “It’s unexpected in a mountain home.” More gold tones appear in the pair of simple, geometric light fixtures above the island and the countertops’ dramatically veined stone. And in a nod to the mountain locale that still reads as chic, the primary bedroom’s chandelier is composed of crystals that resemble icicles suspended from branches.
The design team’s willingness to weave different ideas serves an important lesson. “It’s always possible to mix styles to create your own because there are many different materials and ways to combine them,” Hutchison-Rough muses. “No one should have to stick to one aesthetic, and don’t discount something just because it might be outside of your general stylistic vocabulary. That’s what makes a custom home a custom home.”
Designer Amy Weber furnished the dining area of her clients’ Flagstaff kitchen with an RH table, Lee Industries chairs and a Visual Comfort & Co. chandelier. Rustic materials, such as the Douglas fir beams, combine with industrial elements, like the steel tie rods, to create a unique take on mountain living.
Previous page: Weber arranged comfortable seating—Berman Rosetti wing chairs from John Brooks and leather Lee Industries club chairs—on the living room’s rug from J. Leigh Carpets. A Visual Comfort & Co. chandelier and agate lamps atop Robert James Collection tables illuminate the space.
Shaker-style cabinets by Distinctive Custom Cabinetry flank the kitchen’s BlueStar range and custom hood by Steel & Stone. Serenity Blue quartzite countertops from The Stone Collection are joined by Visual Comfort & Co. pendants and Lee Industries stools.
In the primary bedroom,
a chandelier by Currey & Company composed of icicle-like crystals nods to the mountain landscape. Holly Hunt fabrics cover both the channel-stitched headboard and Lee Industries bench. The bedside table is by Bernhardt.
From the primary bath’s Signature Hardware tub, fitted with a Brizo faucet, the owners can enjoy views of the nearby ponderosa pines. A hanging mirror ensures nearly unobstructed vistas from the Crystalo Extreme quartzitetopped vanity.
Interior Design: Alisha Taylor and Marti Diehl Pearce, Alisha Taylor Interiors
Home Builder: Brad Young, Better Choice Homes
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA
COZY INTERIORS AND AN ENHANCED CONNECTION
TO THE OUTDOORS.
A DATED TUSCAN-STYLE HOME IS
REFRESHED WITH BRIGHT,
Let There Be LIGHT
CALDWELL
After living in their dark, Tuscan-style abode for years, one couple was ready for a change. Though they had tried to make small improvements on their own, they decided it was time to do things right. So, they turned to designer Alisha Taylor to completely transform their Gilbert home into something better suited for their family. “The house needed more functionality, and they wanted it to feel crisp and clean—a look that reflects their sweet, suburban family lifestyle,” Taylor describes.
As the designer and wife walked the property together, they discussed what could stay and what should go—and most of it went. “It wasn’t conducive to today’s lifestyle, and the masculine nature of the house just didn’t fit the wife’s personality,” she explains. With that, they said arrivederci to the rotunda entryway, as well as features like the built-in bar. “They don’t drink, so we took that wall down, which opened up the kitchen to the living room,” Taylor adds. The new open great room plays well with the homeowners’ desire for flexible spaces that encourage togetherness—no teens retreating to their bedrooms. “It draws everyone in, even if they’re doing their own thing,” says Taylor, who worked with designer Marti Diehl Pearce on the project. Aside from connection to the living area, the focus of the kitchen became a large island to serve as a gathering point for the family. And should the kids need a quiet area for study, the multipurpose laundry room’s high table can accommodate everything from schoolwork to crafts.
To further open the living area and create clear sight lines to the outdoors, Taylor relocated a fireplace that dominated the rear wall. “There was really no access to the backyard because of it—you couldn’t even see the backyard,” explains general contractor Brad Young. “But Alisha’s new layout moved the fireplace to one side of the room, letting her open up the back wall with glass and allow in more natural light.” Taylor and
Young also created a box beam ceiling that adds dimension to the living area and brought in new finishes like pale-gray stone from Utah for the hearth and wide-plank oak flooring. “We’re seeing a lot more natural materials like this now,” Young observes. “Things aren’t so Tuscan anymore; people want a fresh approach.”
Throughout the home, Taylor kept the palette to soft neutrals so that the rooms would work well in every season and with changing holiday decor. “This redesign was all about creating light, bright, cozy interiors,” she describes. Patterns and florals—which the wife adores—were used in a minimal but meaningful way that keeps the interiors contemporary, with just a touch of what the client and designer dubbed “grandma chic.”
Playful botanical wallpapers (one with lotuses, one with monkeys) line the laundry room and glass-doored kitchen pantry, and the dining room was given peachy-hued draperies in an almost Arts and Crafts-like print.
While Taylor and her clients removed most of what wasn’t to their liking in the home’s original design, the couple’s bedroom provided one nonnegotiable: a bay window wall that connects to the basement (where the designer created a rec room and home theater) directly below their suite. “At first we didn’t really love the narrow, vertical windows, but now that we’ve countered it with really sculptural pieces it works,” Taylor says. The designer brought down the room’s over-scaled proportions by borrowing a little square footage for the new bathroom. “The reconfiguration creates a more intimate and inviting atmosphere,” she explains. And at the husband’s request, a glass door in the bathroom leads directly to the backyard. “It’s his shortcut to their pickleball court,” the designer shares.
“It’s always fun to show homeowners all the possibilities of a redesign, and our goal here was to create spaces that engulf these clients in warmth and coziness,” Taylor says. “Balancing modern and traditional elements became the unifying theme, and the result is a transformed family retreat that feels both relaxed and refined. It’s all about supporting the way they want to live.”
Designer Alisha Taylor and general contractor Brad Young renovated a Gilbert home with an updated, contemporary spirit. The living room chair by CR Laine is topped with a custom pillow fabricated by The Elegant Window and joined by a Gabby table.
Previous page: The new living room fireplace—faced with ashlar from Solstice Stone and accented by a wood mantel from MagraHearth—is flanked by bookcases lit by Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures. Beneath the Vanguard
Furniture sofa table sit woven Palecek stools. Oak floors from ADM Flooring run throughout the abode.
Taylor created a comfortable living room with a custom sectional fabricated by Pacific Manufacturing as well as a coffee table, armchairs and benches by Vanguard Furniture. A Fibreworks rug from Deb Design Source grounds the space.
Kitchen cabinetry by Burdette Cabinet Co. is adorned with Top Knobs hardware and joined by Vadara quartz countertops.
Above the Delta sink faucet from Reece and Essentials For Living counter stools are Visual Comfort & Co. pendants. The range is Wolf.
Set against the primary bedroom’s bay window, CR Laine chairs, Gabby tables and a Palecek light fixture form a cozy seating area. The Vanguard Furniture bed and nightstand, the former dressed in linens from Pom Pom at Home, are joined by a Universal Furniture bench and Kravet rug.
In the primary bathroom, a mirror by Burdette Cabinet Co. and Visual Comfort & Co. sconces are backed by a Thibaut wallpaper. Next to the MTI tub is a Gabby table. The Haussmann Natural Stone limestone flooring is from Craftsman Court Ceramics.
GROWING SEASON
In a Phoenix neighborhood ripe with agricultural history, one design team helps a young couple put down roots.
DAN RYAN
BY
LAUREN GALLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
WRITTEN
Architecture: Jim Blochberger, Blochberger Design
Interior Design and Home Builder: Austin King, Rafterhouse
Landscape Architecture: Russell Greey, Greey|Pickett
Just south of Paradise Valley near the base of Camelback Mountain, acres of orange, lemon and grapefruit citrus groves once flourished. Today, the Arcadia neighborhood holds onto its lush agricultural past with leafy landscapes and tree-lined streets, all framing an eclectic mix of homes, many in a traditional ranch house style. Here, on a prominent corner lot, a young family set out to create something new: an abode that would artfully mix tradition with a fresh, contemporary language.
“When we started talking about building our family, we knew we wanted to live in Arcadia,” the homeowner recalls. “We love how friendly the area is and how every day you see people out walking, biking and getting around on golf carts.” After combing through the neighborhood looking for properties, the couple sent dozens of letters to the owners of their favorite lots describing how they were newly married and looking for a place to start a family. “Luckily, one person responded, and it was the folks who owned this corner lot,” the owner says. “I’ve always loved the building process, so we knew we wanted to build versus buying new.”
After securing the property, the couple set out to find a team to create their dream home. Chatting with some friends in the neighborhood led them to architect Jim Blochberger as well as general contractor and interior designer Austin King. The two had not only worked together on several previous Arcadia projects but are also both local to the area. “My wife actually grew up in Arcadia,” King adds.
From the start, the team knew they would create something out of the box. “They wanted a home on the more contemporary side,” Blochberger recalls, noting that it required increased intentionality to fit into a neighborhood with more traditional-style architecture. The solution merged clean lines with classical touches,
resulting in a dwelling that harmonizes with its environment. Rather than the typical flat-roofed box, Blochberger drafted an elevation featuring prominent pitched roofs facing the street with flat sections in between. Metal roofing lends a contemporary feel, softened by wood outriggers in the overhangs. “The combination of those materials helps tie the house together with the rest of the neighborhood,” he explains.
On the façade, a custom application of stacked limestone gives a subtle yet distinctive sense of texture and depth. “This particular stone came out of a quarry in Mexico,” King points out. “Some of the pieces are flat and others have a bevel, which casts a unique shadow line. It makes for an incredibly memorable exterior.”
Inside, soft white oak floors and ceilings lend a cool minimalism to the residence. Beyond space to grow their family, the couple wanted to be able to move seamlessly from inside to outside during the temperate winter months. “We desired a resort feel that takes advantage of the sunrise and sunset views,” the homeowner says. To that end, many of the rooms enjoy broad expanses of glass and retractable window walls.
In the main living area, the entire north wall and corner open via an automated system to a covered patio with a fireplace. “We wanted to maximize our backyard to have activities and a nice garden,” the owner adds, referring to the raised vegetable garden beds designed by landscape architect Russell Greey. Outside, an alfresco kitchen connects to an exterior staircase leading to an upper terrace off the home office and fitness area. Complete with its very own speakeasy-style hidden lounge, “The upstairs really becomes its own destination,” King muses.
Throughout, the abode’s clean lines and warm spaces offer a solid framework for the clients’ lives to unfold. “We knew we wanted this to be a home we could grow into,” the owner shares. Much like the Arcadia of years past with its good soil and sturdy trellises, the dwelling is a fertile place for the family to blossom.
Quiet neutrals reign in the living room, where Baker chairs frame an Arteriors side table. Completing the seating area are a Vanguard Furniture sectional, Shoppe Amber Interiors coffee table, twin Baker ottomans and a rug from Floor Styles.
Previous page: Doors by Euroline Steel Windows & Doors flood the dining room with natural light. The Dovetail chairs and Palecek table are grounded by a Feizy rug and lit by a Moooi chandelier from Design Within Reach.
In the kitchen, Silver Macaubas quartzite contrasts the white oak ceiling, flooring and cabinets by Distinctive Custom Cabinetry. Noir stools complement the Apparatus pendants. Above the Wolf range is a stainless steel hood by GrayLeaf.
The second-floor home office, illuminated by a chandelier from Warmly, opens to a covered patio.
Set atop a floor covering by Loloi Rugs, a McGee & Co. chair and Four Hands table face an RH desk and rolling ladder from Custom Service Hardware.
Anchored by a McGee & Co. canopy bed dressed in Parachute linens, the primary suite enjoys direct access to the backyard.
A Shoppe Amber Interiors chair and CB2 bench serve as comfortable perches from which to take in the verdant views. The chandelier is by RH.
It took two engine hoists to lift the 1,800-pound honed Marquina Taupe marble tub by Stone Forest into the primary bath. Watermark fixtures, a Loloi Rugs runner and Visual Comfort & Co. sconces complete the space.
In the backyard, an outdoor living space with furniture by Four Hands opens to a pool with plenty of areas for lounging. The custom planters are filled with cacti and succulents selected by landscape architect Russell Greey.
Designing Homes For Inspired Living.
INDOOR + OUTDOOR LIVING
Drewett Works
WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR TRANSITION, AND WHAT WE COME UP WITH IS VERY INTENTIONAL.”
Drewett Works
In the past decade, indoor-outdoor living has taken hold as one of the design industry’s most desirable objectives. In fact, according to C.P. Drewett, it has become a nonnegotiable for most homeowners. “I think there are a lot of people who will actually pass on a property, no matter how perfect the house is, if it doesn’t have adequate outdoor space,” he says. “All of my designs include indoor-outdoor living, and I spend as much time crafting the outdoor spaces as I do the interior ones—they’re equally important.” Indeed, Drewett and his team at his award-winning architecture firm have become known for their skill in establishing the indoor-outdoor connection. “One of the ways we approach that is by engaging materiality, taking something like a wall massing or cladding and allowing it to penetrate the architecture into the interior,” Drewett says. “We also use sophisticated door systems to blur the line between indoors and out.”
Open-Air Musts
Drewett shares a look into homeowners’ top priorities.
• Outdoor kitchens have come a long way, and homeowners are loving pellet smokers and pizza ovens.
• Outdoor water features have the same sort of appointments you see with indoor fireplaces.
• Outdoor heating is a big deal. We often plan infrared or gas heating elements, and I’ve even incorporated in-floor heating outdoors.
• Zero-edge pools and other complex pool designs are becoming more common.
Sustainable Thinking
“Following sound solar design principles, I spend a lot of time in the design process making sure the architecture has the potential for longevity and that it protects itself from the elements. This is done with deep overhangs, thoughtful positioning of the house, covered patios and the use of deciduous trees. I’m also using more indigenous stone and other building materials so that we don’t have to ship product across the world.”
Top Looking toward several mountain ranges, the view from this home in North Phoenix is perfectly captured. Left This light-filled home was conceived to take advantage of the lot’s phenomenal views, including Pinnacle Peak to the northwest and a lush golf course below. Right With its raised T-shaped pool and inset fire feature, this relaxing outdoor setting showcases the home’s architectural simplicity and its purposeful siting.
Photography Top by Werner Segarra; Left + Right by Dino Tonn
Hydroscapes
Working with design professionals who are highly skilled and deeply passionate is the key to achieving exceptional outdoor spaces. Enter Hydroscapes. Celebrated for luxury pools and water features, this award-winning design-build firm puts the client first. “The best thing we do for our clients is to simply listen,” say Owners Roger Soares II and Sheri Soares. “Getting to know them while bringing our fields of expertise to the table results in projects that are balanced and successful.” That holistic approach continues to their creative process, where they apply their unique understanding of color, design and architecture so that indoor and outdoor spaces have a harmonious look and seamless feel. “When the interior and exterior work cohesively, great living environments are the result,” the Soares share. “This gets people motivated to step outside and enjoy life. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”
Let’s Dive In
• What are some of the most popular client requests right now? At the top of our clients’ wish lists are shade structures that provide protection from the sun, fire features and outdoor heaters for chilly winter nights, pool and spa covers that make them energy-efficient and keep loved ones safe and game areas for bocce ball, cornhole and more.
• How do you include the client in your creative process? We listen to each client’s wants, needs and visions for their outdoor spaces and encourage them to share photos of places that excite and inspire them. These ideas and images help us get a feel for their taste, lifestyle and what they enjoy most.
• Share your number-one tip for a seamless design-build experience. Hiring an outdoor design professional at the start of any project is crucial. Not only do they create design concepts, but can provide construction drawings, engineering insights, topography and a proper survey, drainage and grading reports and material selections so that any issues can be mitigated and a comprehensive estimate of costs can be done up front.
Paddy O’ Furniture
In the right climate, outdoor living can truly be enjoyed yearround. As Tony Schindler, Founder of Paddy O’ Furniture, says, “Integrating a thoughtful outdoor area as an extension of your interior living spaces makes sense and helps to increase the overall usable space for living and entertaining in a home. Other benefits include facilitating a connection with nature and ultimately increasing home value.” Furniture that can withstand natural elements is critical to providing long-term use and value. Schindler says, “Located in Arizona, we’ve learned about the weaknesses of traditional outdoor furniture caused by mother nature and developed thoughtful products that endure. In addition to our top-quality materials and smart designs, we stand behind our products with exceptional warranties and best-in-class customer care.” A popular request these days? “Our fire tables! People love them.”
SPECIALIZE IN STUNNING OUTDOOR AREAS AND OUR STYLISH FURNITURE IS ALSO PERFECT FOR SUNROOMS AND TRANSITIONAL SPACES.”
Sustainability
The firm keeps an eye on its environmental footprint. Schindler notes, “We make thoughtful decisions about our materials, manufacturing and processes to improve sustainability. Several of our lines are manufactured in our Phoenix factory using EcoLumber, sourced from recycled plastics. It has a 25-year warranty, so customers enjoy their outdoor furniture for a long time!”
Client Collaboration
The team has design guides that work with clients to create and furnish their outdoor spaces. The goal, Schindler says, is to “complete each client’s vision of an inviting setting for spending time with friends and family.” They work with clients on all critical details, “from choosing the right pieces to determining which colors will work best and, finally, scheduling deliveries.”
Top The Resort Sectional and Chair both feature plush cushions for outdoor moments that are both chic and comfortable. Center The Villa Club Chair looks lush thanks to a deep cushion. This one is in Bliss Bordeaux. Bottom The Frame Dining Chairs feature padded slings. These ones are seated at a Bliss Dining Table with a Keon top.
Today’s homeowners understand the true value of being able to properly use every corner of one’s home, inside and out. Peggy De La Garza, Owner and Principal Designer of Trademark Landscape, says, “Indoor-outdoor living has evolved into a lifestyle choice, allowing homeowners to easily transition between interior and exterior spaces. They are no longer mere extensions of the house but instead are integral components that enhance a home’s overall look, feel and function. They provide opportunities for relaxation, entertainment and connection with nature, elevating the quality of life.” Making the most of indoor-outdoor living can also be infused with high-end touches. De La Garza notes, “Luxury in outdoor living is achieved through a harmonious blend of form and function. High-quality materials like teak, stone and stainless steel create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.”
WE ARE CONSTANTLY EXPLORING NEW MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGIES AND TECHNIQUES TO BUILD UNIQUE AND PERSONALIZED OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES.”
Pro Tips
La Garza shares expertise on how best to maintain one’s outdoor space. Here are her top tips:
• To maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your outdoor space, careful consideration and consistent care are key.
• Regular maintenance, such as pruning, weeding and fertilizing is essential to keep all of your plants thriving.
• Implementing water-wise irrigation systems and selecting drought-tolerant plant species can help conserve precious water resources—and keep down utility bills.
• Protecting your plants from harsh weather conditions and pests is crucial. Consider using shade cloths, windbreaks and organic pest control methods to safeguard your outdoor oasis.
• Lastly, choosing sustainable materials for your outdoor structures and furnishings not only minimizes your environmental impact but also ensures the long-lasting beauty of your space.
Top A stone waterfall creates a dramatic backdrop for colorful flowers and lush plants. Center Agave cacti and other native plants are interspersed among beautiful stonework. Bottom A collection of various cacti creates a beautiful border along the hardscape.
