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DISCOVER THE NEW COLLECTION
Color shapes atmosphere, light, and emotion within a home.
In the new collection, it is a guiding principle - refined, deliberate, and expressive. Balanced with soft neutrals, tactile materials, and sculptural forms, each design brings depth and harmony to modern interiors, creating a timeless vision of contemporary luxury.
Cr eating beautiful gardens is our business…what you do in them is yours.
FOR MANY OF US, IT’S BEEN A LONG, GRAY WINTER. But as snow and ice give way to spring’s rst owers, there is a sense of reawakening and renewal. That spirit is re ected in this issue, where we celebrate the energy that fresh colors, new talents, and great architecture and interior design brings.
Inside, you will be inspired by the design talent in our 2026 LUXE NEXT program. For months, our editorial team has been looking for emerging designers, architects, landscape architects and builders from across the country with a clear goal in mind: to seek out exceptional professionals who not only demonstrate remarkable skill, but also possess a unique perspective that sets them apart.
We sought design originality; be it in material use, innovative concepts, or (borrowing a phrase from the classic movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) “pure imagination.” In this issue, you’ll see highlights from their projects and more will be featured on luxesource.com. This group represents a wide range of styles, re ecting the rich tapestry of creativity found across the country— and a refreshing absence of the expected!
Alongside them, we showcase the transformative power of color. You’ll discover mood boards from top designers featuring vibrant blues, bold greens and moody peach hues; plus, tips for how to incorporate those and other colors into your own home. In addition, we’ve curated a bouquet of spaces representing a rainbow of furnishings, art, wallpapers and more.
All that is ahead, but here is an amuse-bouche for you: a selection of four rooms from our LUXE NEXT designers.
XO,
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
LegnoBastone |
56 DESIGN DISPATCH
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
72 ASK THE EXPERT
Leading designer Jamie Drake charts his lifelong love of vibrant hues.
74 COMMON THREAD
A commentary on chromaticallyenhanced design.
76 SNAPSHOT
LUXE features across the country highlight a trend toward color as interior punctuation.
78 LAST LOOK
A desert dwelling’s inimitable fenestration all but erases the indoor-outdoor divide.
84
The inaugural list of over 100 emerging talents shaping the future of luxury residential design.
110 MOOD BOARD
Top designers from around the country scheme their creative dreams for spring.
Unique color combinations from our regional issues inspire the latest shopping picks.
ROUNDUP
Peruse statement-making seating that’s sure to be the focal point of any room.
KITCHEN + BATH
Indoors or out, bright and bold kitchens make the case for living in full color.
Unlock infinite design potential in the kitchen with the JennAir he ® NextGen Downdraft Induction Cooktop. NextGen The powerful, effective extraction ensures cleaner air and he quiet ventilation, perfect for the modern, peaceful home. uiet
Rigorously modern and inventive to the core, Kendle Design Collaborative and Wiseman & Gale Interiors blur the line between a couple’s getaway residence and the desert beyond.
Written by Kathryn O’Shea-Evans
Photography by Ema Peter
Designer Elizabeth Hamill turns to a measured palette of rich neutrals in this landscape-embracing Scottsdale home by architect Mark Candelaria.
Written
by Lara Hallock
Photography by Kevin Brost
202
Classic style gets a modern edit in this ground-up Paradise Valley respite by designer Janet Brooks and architect Jim Blochberger.
Written by John Wogan
Photography by Laura Moss
ON THE COVER: Featuring copper-like Kynar detailing and hemlock ceilings, this geode-inspired abode by Kendle Design Collaborative and Wiseman & Gale Interiors reads as a sculpture against the desert landscape. Page 174
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LUXE Interiors + Design®, (ISSN 1949-2022), Arizona (ISSN 2163-9809), California (ISSN 2164-0122), Chicago (ISSN 2163-9981), Colorado (ISSN 21639949), Florida (ISSN 2163-9779), New York (ISSN 2163-9728), Pacific Northwest (ISSN 2167-9584), San Francisco (ISSN 2372-0220), Southeast (ISSN 2688-5735), Texas (ISSN 2163-9922), Vol. 24, No. 2, March/April, prints bimonthly and is published by SANDOW, 3651 FAU Boulevard, Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL 33431. LUXE Interiors + Design® (“LUXE”) provides information on luxury homes and lifestyles. LUXE Interiors + Design®, SANDOW, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in LUXE. Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods and/or claims made thereto. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Neither the Publisher nor its staff, associates or affiliates are responsible for any errors, omissions or information whatsoever that have been misrepresented to Publisher. The information on products and services as advertised in LUXE are shown by Publisher on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Publisher makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, services, contents, trademarks, patents, materials or products included in this magazine. All pictures reproduced in LUXE have been accepted by Publisher on the condition that such pictures are reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer and any homeowner concerned. As such, Publisher is not responsible for any infringement of the copyright or otherwise arising out of any publication in LUXE. Subscriptions: 1 year: $34.95 USA, $84.95 in all other countries. LUXE is a licensed trademark of SANDOW © 2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. ADDRESS SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS AND CORRESPONDENCE TO: LUXE, P.O. Box 808, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-0808. Email: luxe@omeda.com or call toll-free 800.723.6052 (continental U.S. only, all others 847.559.7358).
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| PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH EXLINE PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
FROM PAINT TO WINDOWS TO OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS, THESE NEW RELEASES CHANNEL SPRINGTIME’S CELEBRATION OF VIBRANCY AND NATURE.
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
Marvin’s new Vivid collection of windows and doors was designed in collaboration with trade professionals to better meet the industry’s demand for greater flexibility, sizing options, performance and efficiency. The result? Spectacular systems that let in all the color and energy of the outside in a pure and elegant way. “Built from customer insights, this collection rounds out our product portfolio to best serve the needs of architects, builders and homeowners across the country,” says Darrin Peterson, fifth-generation president of the family-run company. Vivid’s offerings—which include direct, casement and awning windows, as well as sliding, swinging and bifold doors, all featuring the brand’s newest fiberglass material—are designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of architectural styles. marvin.com
Benjamin Moore has launched Eco Spec, its healthiest paint yet and a perfect match for the fresh, bright energy that comes with spring. The line blends the brand’s trusted performance and durability—washability, even—with environmentally responsible innovation, making it the ideal choice for customers with strict wellness requirements. With zero VOCs or chemical emissions, this option is also optimal for anyone sensitive to odor (its scent dissipates within an hour of application), and its antimicrobial additives inhibit mold and mildew, reducing allergens and other irritants in the home. Available in a primer and three sheens, in any of Benjamin Moore’s more than 3,500 hues, Eco Spec sets a new standard for the nearly 150-year-old company. Filling your home with color has never felt better. benjaminmoore.com
The latest outdoor introductions from Made Goods elevate alfresco living with comfortable seating, playful stools and side tables, dining sets, and even a woven pendant light, planters and baskets—all infused with rich color and pattern. The new line boasts a material palette of teak, cast concrete, ceramic and more, alongside faux rattan and banana leaf, as seen in the Fowler daybed (left). Inspired by the Italian coast, performance fabrics in geometrics, botanicals and solids add a plush note, while surprising shapes bring verve: The steel Esmeralda dining collection features a retro scalloped motif; the terrazzo Keon entry table honors French designer Emilio Terry’s designs; and the Nima lounge chair reinvents the peacock form. madegoods.com
THIBAUT X SANTA BARBARA DESIGNS
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
Just in time for warmer temperatures comes a lighthearted collaboration between Santa Barbara Designs, which has been producing custom outdoor umbrellas in Southern California for more than 40 years, and heritage fabric company Thibaut. The capsule collection is composed of four designs using Santa Barbara Designs’ oak Riviera umbrella frame, canvas canopies and trim, with decorative linings by Thibaut. The Iggy Umbrella combines a bright blue canopy with a whimsical iguana pattern and mint-green brush fringe. The Protea Print Umbrella (right and below) features a mango-hued canopy with a floral lining and soft-orange fringe. The Esprit Stripe Umbrella marries a pink canopy and matching bullion fringe with a multicolored stripe. And the Panama Matelasse Umbrella blends a kiwi-green canopy with a verdant basket-weave motif. “Adding Thibaut linings provides another layer of design interest—the umbrellas become even more fun,” says James Sheftel, co-owner of Santa Barbara Designs. Customers can also personalize their design with the Thibaut fabrics available in multiple colorways. santabarbaradesigns.com; thibautdesign.com
If you visit Zakaria Boucetta at his Tucson home, you could play a more important role than simply that of a guest: You may just inspire his next creation. “I always look at how visitors use my furniture,” he says, his voice carrying a hint of a smile. “It makes my future decisions easier.” In addition to being one half of the architectural firm known as Studio BoPA, Boucetta also happens to be a talented, self-taught craftsman who is gaining acclaim for the furnishings he creates by hand through Atelier BoPA. So far, he has released two collections (Series 00 and 01), which include chairs, stools and a chaise lounge that “all follow a similar language,” he notes. Each piece nods to the geometry of Boucetta’s Moroccan upbringing, the planks of knotty alder—sourced locally in Tucson—fitted together in perfectly imperfect ways. “Knotty alder has a lot of irregularities, which I love. I rarely hide them. I usually accentuate them in nonstructural parts of a chair,” he shares. While North African design influences the composition of his work, the Sonoran Desert lays claim to its soul. “I am very driven by the surrounding landscape. I really get inspired by the nature out here and the tones,” Boucetta says, explaining how he stains each piece and invites them to patina naturally with use.“I really want them to age with the character of your life.” Keep an eye out for his next collection, which Boucetta plans to release later this year. @atelierbopa
When Ruth Price moved to the Valley from Portland, Oregon, in 2019, she keenly missed the festivals where art and design aficionados could gather over meaningful events and experiences. So, she decided to recreate that experience here. In 2024, she launched Desert Design Week (DDW)—eight days of conversations, connections and experiences all centered on the aesthetic. “I really want to bring Arizona into the national design scene conversation,” Price says. One step toward that goal is this biannual event, which returns April 16–23 and will feature a range of sensorial delights. Attendees might drop in at Wiseman & Gale Interiors, for example, to rub shoulders with craftsman and artist Mike Diaz. Or they may check out First Bites of Phoenix, which returns to DDW with chef-crafted cuisine presented against a backdrop of cutting-edge hospitality design by House of Form. Other highlights include a seminar on feng shui at the stunning Âme Bohème desert-contemporary residence designed by Bohemy Houz; a branding workshop; an art market at Local Nomad; and a block party with food creatives, artisans and Chef Reilly Meehan, who’s premiering his new cookbook. More than 1,300 people attended the spring event last year, proving that Price’s vision was well-founded. It seems there’s no shortage of people who, as Price says, “want to experience something beautiful.” desertdesignweek.com
JANET PRISET SANDINO
Part sleuth, part connoisseur, Janet Priset Sandino is the person to call when you’re trying to track down an artist you discovered while traveling, need a special piece of art for a certain space, or want to commission a painting of your favorite golf hole. Here, the fine-art consultant shares her insights. @prisetsandinoartresources
What are some of the more unusual requests you’ve fielded? I love a challenge, whether I’m asked to source a steampunk sculpture, a graffiti-type painting or scavolike glass to be made into light bars and installed on a fireplace. Sometimes, when working with designers, they provide their vision for the artwork. Many times, they just let me work directly with their clients so I can fully understand what they want. My goal is to make people happy with the art that surrounds them.
How do you approach sourcing? I have a huge network of contacts. I do a lot of researching for certain
types of artworks, and I follow many people on Instagram. I always take suggestions from clients or designers of interesting artists to follow, and I visit galleries in Europe, New Zealand and, of course, locally.
Which artists are on your radar right now? I love Alfredo Palmero Hernández’s “Menina” figurative series, which features classical portraiture with bold colors, blending emotional intensity with a modern-day narrative. I’ve also reached out to J. Margulis, who does three-dimensional wall sculpture with some optical illusion. Dutch artist Eelco Hilgersom, with his series of lenses in different materials, is another creative with whom I like working.
How important are trends when it comes to selecting artwork? I don’t really want a client to follow a trend. Buy what you love! I’m so tired of bland art that just blends in with its environment. There is a place for subtle artwork, but most of my clients want pieces that “speak.”
TARACEA FURNITURE IS CRAFTED FROM NATURAL WOOD, EMPHASIZING SUSTAINABILITY AND CHARACTER IN EVERY PIECE. THEIR METICULOUS KILN-DRYING PROCESS ENSURES LASTING QUALITY, WHILE EACH CREATION IS A UNIQUE, ONE-OF-AKIND WORK OF ART THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE BEAUTY OF RECLAIMED MATERIALS AND SKILLED CRAFTSMANSHIP.
studiomlighting.com
ASK THE EXPERT | COMMON THREAD | SNAPSHOT | LAST LOOK
LUXE welcomes the seasonal shift with ARTFULLY SATURATED INTERIORS, EXPERT MUSINGS ON PALETTE COMPOSITION and a sun-drenched desert home.
DESIGNER JAMIE DRAKE,
WRITTEN BY JUDITH NASATIR
Does the past color the future? For interiors wizard Jamie Drake, long celebrated for fearlessly deploying all things chromatic, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
Drake traces his vibrant design psyche to his art-loving parents. Growing up near New Haven, Connecticut, Drake knew early, “the glory of Louis Kahn’s Yale University Art Gallery, a magical poetry of concrete, circular stair and interlocking triangles”—still among his favorite forms and materials, and the catalyst for his living room’s concrete-inspired Venetian plaster walls. His mother, a Yale Art School student who put down her brushes to raise Drake and his brothers, enlivened the family home with her canvases. Two live in Drake’s residence today. One, “a tree in a forest, heavily manipulated with a palette knife, in blues and greens,” he says influenced his technique for repeating various shades of a color throughout a room. The other, “a still life with a panoply of bright, fresh colors,” factors into his living room’s tonal composition (pictured).
The designer’s early discovery of pots of shiny, intensely colored inks at his father and grandfather’s printing company proved equally formative to his brilliant color ethos, usually implemented atop a foundation of neutrals. His recent New York Kips Bay Decorator Show House space illustrates the enduring appeal of this mix. Starting with “the orangey terracotta of the old brick floor as a base tone,” Drake animated the outdoor area with a coral banquette, along with complementary turquoise and aqua accents which he credits with “injecting invigorating energy.”
Drake’s palettes continue to evolve intuitively. “There are periods of more chromatic intensity,” he explains, “and others that migrate towards more subtle tones.” Always, his goal remains constant: to keep the eye delighted—and dancing. jamiedrake.com
“I often triangulate a room’s accent colors. In my living room, the throw pillow chromatically connects to the chair upholstery and my mother’s joyous still life with its saturated hues.” JAMIE DRAKE
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER BOLES
Like the sweeping range of shades made possible by mixing red, yellow or blue, feelings regarding color are many, especially when designing with it. On one end of the spectrum are individuals who delight in chromatic lavishness. Either choosing to blanket a room in a single hue or enliven it with kaleidoscopic variety, they cast color as the star of the show.
Others take a more judicious approach, electing to accent otherwise neutral spaces with no more than a colorful splash. Artwork, such as vividly pigmented paintings and prints, is a favorite means of injecting a dose of saturated color into a room, particularly when displayed on
museum-white walls. On the decorative front, rugs, painted millwork and accessories are also opportunities to chromatically punctuate a space without overwhelming it.
As far as color selections go, it is a matter of personal preference. Blues and greens are always refreshing choices. In sultry environments especially, they have a way of cooling off the interiors. Zesty shades, on the other hand, energize and imbue rooms with warmth and vitality. Then again, never forget the importance of achromatic hues. As legendary designer Albert Hadley often stressed, every room can use a drop of black.
Sometimes all it takes is a strategic splash of warmth to kick up a room, as evidenced by spring LUXE features across the country.
PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
For a powder bathroom tucked under the stairs, designer Kelly Hohla channeled “a bit of surprise, whimsy and playful shock on entry” by swathing the millwork in an unexpected hue: Benjamin Moore’s Currant Red. kellyhohlainteriors.com
Amid the restrained palette of this formal dining room, designer Brad Ford relied on a boldly scaled and saturated painting by Ray Parker for a color injection, or in his own words “a deliberate punctuation mark.” bradfordid.com
Angeline Guido Hall and Reno Grossi converted a pass-through hallway into a vibrant reading nook with Hermès-inspired paint (Benjamin Moore’s Orange Burst) chosen to play off the colorful book spines in the family’s library. angelineandco.com
To warm up a bright, all-white living room, designer Nicole White pulled tones from her clients’ art collection across textiles and decorative accessories—most notably, into an organic-shaped Angela Adams rug featuring seven custom colors. nwdinteriors.com
Subtle, yet impactful bursts of color imbue this home designed by Maura Fernández Abernethy, including in the breakfast nook, where an energetic artwork by Analia Saban takes center stage in a sea of neutral tones. studiovara.com
In this clean slate receiving area, designer Kay Douglass previewed the home’s rainbow palette in an artwork by Logan Ledford. Atop a pedestal table, the homeowner routinely arranges flowers in corresponding shades. southofmarket.biz
EMBRACING ITS PANORAMIC VIEWS, AN ARIZONA ABODE PROVES THAT WINDOWS CAN BE AS EXPRESSIVE AS ANY SCULPTURAL FORM.
WRITTEN BY KATHRYN O’SHEA-EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMA PETER
When designing this striking ground-up home overlooking Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale-based architect Brent Kendle knew that the many expansive panes of glass would play an essential role in the project’s overall aesthetic. “It’s a very minimalist statement,” Kendle says of the Paradise Valley, Arizona, retreat, whose brief called for sculptural architecture, an uninterrupted
indoor-outdoor flow, and above all, a strong sensory connection to the landscape. To achieve this trifecta with a visual weightlessness befitting the modern build, Kendle employed Fleetwood Windows & Doors, whose designs are defined by minimal seams and colossal scale. “The mullions are super thin so that there’s less metal visible, which
creates more transparency to enjoy the views,” Kendle elaborates. In this particular home, “each panel of glass is probably somewhere between 900 and 1,100 pounds,” he adds, noting that while those in the great room are motorized, elsewhere they are engineered to be effortlessly pocketed away by hand—a true design feat.
The vast fenestration maximizes every centimeter of the mountain-facing rear facade, but Kendle also used the windows to immerse the clients within more intimate architectural gestures, such as at the core of the home, where he designed a double-height gallery surrounding a pocket garden to bridge the public and private wings. Overhead, in a stroke
of desert magic, an oculus cut in the shape of a geode sheds light on a centuries-old ironwood tree that was carefully relocated here by Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture.
The finished result is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary where the windows all but disappear, reading as unobtrusive and delightful as a soft breeze through Echo
Canyon. “There’s a very spare footprint in the way the panes meet the ground in that there’s almost no track exposed,” says the architect. “So again, it fosters that indooroutdoor lifestyle and minimizes the separation between exterior and interior.” Perfect in a setting where the views arrive as if in widescreen. kendledesign.com
Meet today’s most promising design professionals around the country, the ones shaping our industry and charting its course for tomorrow. The Class of 2026 is composed of 120 interior designers, architects, landscape architects and home builders—individuals making their mark through a range of showstopping spaces, innovative approaches and altogether inspiring work. Consider this your de nitive list of ones to watch, presented alongside a selection of their work curated by style.
Some spaces invite repose while others cause a stir with statement-making panache. Think walls drenched in vibrant colors, occasionally audacious furnishings and splashy artwork, all of which adds a certain verve to the rooms seen here. Chromatically confident and pleasing to the eye, these rooms are meant to turn heads.
AAHA Studio Los Angeles @aaha_studio
Aishah Nisar Interior Design Greater Chicago @aishahnisar_interiordesign
Alex Adamson Design Colorado + The Rockies @alexadamsondesign
Alex Yeske Interiors Los Angeles @alexyeske
Alexander D. Wilson Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @alexander_d_wilson
Alexandra Naranjo Designs South Florida @alexandradecorista
Alexandra Norwood Southeast @alexandranorwood
Alexandra Peck Design Los Angeles @alexandrapeckdesign
Alexis Banks Humiston San Francisco + Northern California @abhinteriors
Ali Vivoda Interiors Los Angeles @alivivoda
Alicia Cheung Design San Francisco + Northern California @aliciacheungdesign
Alison Giese Interiors Austin + San Antonio @alison_giese_interiors
Amy Pigliacampo Interiors Los Angeles @amypigliacampo
And And And Studio Los Angeles @andandandstudio
Anja Michals Design San Francisco + Northern California @anjamichalsdesign
Antonio DeLoatch Designs Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @antoniodeloatchdesigns
Arrowhead Construction
Austin + San Antonio @arrowhdtx
Ashton Taylor Interiors Houston @ashtontaylorinteriors
Atelier Oleana San Francisco + Northern California @atelieroleana
Beau Geste Los Angeles @beaugeste.design
A home that is in harmony with its surroundings is a sight to behold—just like Mother Nature herself. Designed to synthesize with the outdoor environment, these exterior-focused structures engage with the landscape through expansive glass, organic materials and airy, unobtrusive architecture, enhancing the experience of communing with nature.
Bespoke Only
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @bespokeonly
Best Practice Architecture Pacific Northwest @best_practice
Blessed Little Bungalow Southeast @blessedlittlebungalow
Brandon Fontenot Interiors
Houston @brandonfontenotinteriors
By George Collective
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @bygeorgecollective
Campbell Landscape Architecture
Austin + San Antonio @campbelllandscape architecture
Carrie Brigham Design
Naples + Sarasota
@carriebrighamdesign
Casework Pacific Northwest @casework.it
Catalina Castaño Interiors
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @catalinacastanointeriors
Catharine Willmer Interiors
Naples + Sarasota @catharinewillmerinteriors
Christina Simon Studio
Austin + San Antonio @xtinasimon
Coppel Design Los Angeles @coppeldesign
CoXist Studio
Austin + San Antonio @coxist_studio
Curio Interior Design South Florida @curioid
Czar Interiors South Florida @czarinteriors
Delgado Interiors
Pacific Northwest @delgadointeriors
Doniphan Moore Interiors
Dallas + Fort Worth @doniphanmoore
Emily Janak Interiors
Colorado + The Rockies @emilyjanakinteriors
Emily Tucker Design
Colorado + The Rockies @emilytuckerdesign
Emma DeRoche
Interior Design Los Angeles @derochedesign
Field Landscape
Architecture
Always captivating, never too bright and rarely flashy, moody rooms are expressive in subtle yet complex ways. The interplay of light and shadow distinguishes these designs, as do rich, aged-looking hues that imbue their setting with character. Evocative and atmospheric, the soulful spaces on this page are transporting.
Southeast @fieldlandscape architecture
Follow Architecture
Colorado + The Rockies
@follow_architecture
Form + Field
San Francisco + Northern California @formandfield
Forward Fruit Design
Greater Chicago @forwardfruit
Francesca Grace
Los Angeles @francescagracehome
Genevieve Lavelle Interiors Design
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @genevievelavelle
GO’C
Pacific Northwest
@go_c_studio
Grisoro Studio
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @grisorostudio
Hanna Li Interiors
Los Angeles @hannali.interiors
Helena Clunies-Ross Design
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @helenacluniesross
Henry Street Design
Austin + San Antonio @henrystreetdesign
Hines Collective
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @hinescollective
Homesmith Design
Arizona @homesmithdesign
Honed Studio
Colorado + The Rockies @honed.studio
House Rupert
Interior Design Studio
Southern California @baileedroberts
Humbold Architecture & Design
Pacific Northwest @humbold_design
Isy’s Interiors
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @isysinteriors
JAM
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @jambk_
Jennifer Lynn
Interior Design
South Florida @jenniferlynnid
Jeremy D. Clark
Southeast @jeremydclark
Jessica Alpert Design Los Angeles @jessicaalpertdesign
Keira Schultz Designs Arizona @ksdesignsllc
When rooms are endowed with shapeliness—through architecture, furnishings or a superb layout—the effect can be arresting, as it is in the interiors shown here. Whether curvaceous, geometric or even playfully twisted, sculpture-like furniture artistically enhances its surroundings.
John Ferguson Interiors
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @johnfergusoninteriors
Jubilee Interiors Southern California @jubilee.interiors
Kate Ives Design
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @kateivesdesign
Katie Harbison Design
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @katie_harbison
Kevin Francis Design Southeast @kfogara
KKB Interiors
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @kkbinteriors
KoDA South Florida @koda_miami
Laura W. Jenkins Interiors Southeast @laurawjenkinsinteriors
Lauren Carlucci Studio
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @laurencarluccistudio
Legaspi Courts Design Los Angeles @legaspicourtsdesign
Lindsay Kadlick Interiors Arizona @lkadlickinteriors
Lindsay Marcus Interiors Los Angeles @lindsaymarcusinteriors
Linette Dai Design Southern California @linettedaidesign
Loudermilk Jordan
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @loudermilk_jordan
Love Lake Studio South Florida @lovelakestudio
Lucy Doswell Interiors Southeast @lucydoswellinteriors
Maeve Design Collective Arizona @maevedesigncollective
Maison A San Francisco + Northern California @studiomaisona
Stripes. Checks. Florals. Pattern always makes an impression, like it does in this mix of playful interiors. Tropical flora, woodland scenery and a kaleidoscope of butterflies in flight give rooms the illusion of grand scale, while graphic rugs and beds festooned in printed fabrics enhance the beauty of the great indoors.
Meghan Jay Design
Greater Chicago @meghanjaydesign
Melissa Lacy Design
Southeast @melissalacyinc
Melrose
Southeast @melrose.interiors
Michelle Mele
Pacific Northwest @michellemeledesign
Modern Remains
Southeast @modernremains
Mountain Home Collective
Colorado + The Rockies @mountainhomecollective
Mr Alex Tate Design
South Florida @mralextate
Nicole Fisher
Interior Design
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @nicolerfisher
Nielsen Landscape
Architects
South Florida @nielsenlandarch
Nouveau Design House
Greater Chicago @nouveaudesignhouse
Paul J Morimoto
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @pauljmorimoto
Perez Construction San Francisco + Northern California @perezconstructionsf
Platner Studio Los Angeles @platnerstudio
Rembaum Hanau
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @sharonrembaumdesign
Rêver Design Co. Southern California @reverdesign.co
Ronen Lev
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @ronenlev_
Ryan Leidner Architecture San Francisco + Northern California @ryanleidner
Sabah Mansoor Design San Francisco + Northern California @sabahmansoordesign
Sagrada Studio Los Angeles @sagradastudio
Sally Wilkinson Design Southeast @sally.wilkinson.design
“What was once a concrete slab now feels like a true extension of our living space—romantic, layered and personal.”
-BARRY BORDELON, BROWNSTONE BOYS @brownstoneboys
Grounded in a love of history and the belief that old homes deserve to be lived in, not just looked at, designers Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum—better known as the Brownstone Boys—are celebrated for their reimagining of historic brownstones. As such, it comes as little surprise to find that they call Brooklyn home, and their own historic brownstone is an ever-evolving project. The latest pursuit? A patio build that brings the feel of summer travels home to their outdoor living space.
TileBar teams with top design talent in every issue of LUXE this year, unveiling tile-forward projects that transform spaces through pattern, texture and craft. Visit TileBar online to discover tile selections for every vision and find a showroom near you.
WWW.TILEBAR.COM
A PERFECT PAIR: Barr y Bordelon and Jordan Slocum on their brownstone patio, which features TileBar’s Avanti Verde Green and Crema Marfil Beige 12x12 Tumbled Marble Checkerboard.
Studio AK
Some design elements simply stand the test of time. Richly veined marble, lustrous velvet textiles and graceful furniture lend refinement to their settings that somehow always feel au courant. Similarly, polished surfaces and sophisticated hues never lose their appeal, nor do interiors that embody quiet elegance, exemplified by the rooms on this page.
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @studioakinteriors
Studio Cabida
Southern California @studiocabida
Studio Coco Greenblum Los Angeles @cocogreenblum
Studio Connate Los Angeles @studioconnate
Studio Emblem & Co. Los Angeles @studioemblem.co
Studio London Co. South Florida @travislondon
Studio PHH Architects
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @studiophh
Studio Seva
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @studio.seva
Sugarhouse Design and Architecture
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @sugarhousedesign
Supernature
Pacific Northwest @supernature_landscape
Tartan & Toile
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @tartanntoile
The Outside Design Studio
Greater Chicago @theoutsidedesignstudio
Tricorn Black Pacific Northwest @tricorn_black
Urbanology Designs
Dallas + Fort Worth @urbanologydesigns
Ursus Homes Pacific Northwest @ursushomes
Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut @valeriepenastudio
Vitruvius Built
Colorado + The Rockies @vitruviusbuilt
Well by Design Southeast @wellxdesign
White Label Interiors
Pacific Northwest @white_label_interiors
Wild Land Workshop
San Francisco + Northern California @wildlandworkshop
For 10 years, The Collector’s House To The Trade + Retail gallery has represented Verellen in Arizona. Known for made-to-order, sustainable furniture, Verellen emphasizes refined craftsmanship to create relaxed yet sophisticated luxury pieces, lovingly made in the USA.
thecollectorshouse.biz
Geo Orange is a striking Afghan rug inspired by the contours of a topographic map. Crafted in rich wool, it features a large-scale design in layered oranges and dusty purples, achieving a balance between warm and cool tones.
davideadler.com
A sculptural statement that brings refined botanical elegance to any space, the Magnolia Branch Mirror features polished brass magnolia blooms with patinaed stems and leaves that artfully frame a vertically oriented mirror. Priced at $7,920.
feathersdesign.com
Uttermost’s Stonewood outdoor dining collection reimagines recreation and outdoor dining. The removable ping-pong attachment makes the transition effortless from elegant entertaining to active recreation. It is crafted from a lightweight, glass fiber-reinforced concrete and 100-percentnatural teak roots carefully pieced together by hand.
uttermost.com
A refined modern statement, the Sofia Sofa blends classic curves, tailored comfort and sculptural presence. Bench-made in America and customizable in over 300 fabrics or COM (Customer’s Own Materials).
mgbw.com
Arcadia Custom’s thermally broken stainless-steel pivot door is designed to make an entrance. From custom hardware and finish options to limitless configurations, Arcadia Custom gives you the freedom to design like never before.
arcadiacustom.com
Established in Birmingham, England, Samuel Heath is a British designer and manufacturer of exceptionally crafted faucets, showers, bathroom accessories and architectural hardware. The brand is celebrated worldwide for inspiring design and enduring quality. samuel-heath.com
A sculptural focal point, the Orba Outdoor Dining Table features a heavily textured base juxtaposed against a smooth concrete composite top. The base’s intricate, hand-carved pattern is inspired by an ancient wall plaque and made for modern living. arteriorshome.com
The Feeney x Kerrie Kelly LaserCut Collection transforms architectural metal into art, introducing customizable panels that add texture, movement and a refined sense of drama to indoor and outdoor living spaces.
feeneyinc.com
Amity Home introduces the Brooke collection, featuring French Provincial florals in soft copper tones, layered with hand-woven textured pillows and luxurious sheepskin accents for refined, effortless elegance. amityhome.com
MOOD BOARD | TREND | ROUNDUP
Jump start spring with daring COLOR COMBINATIONS, MUST-HAVE FURNISHINGS, AND HEAD-TURNING SEATING—plus custom mood boards crafted by A-list designers.
Finely-crafted modern furnishings created by Workshop/APD, suitable for all projects.
WHERE STILLNESS UNFOLDS, THE LIGHT SOFTENS, AND DAYDREAMS DRIFT BY THE WATER’S EDGE. CRAFTED FOR MOMENTS WHEN TIME SLOWS AND THE
CURVILINEAR SILHOUETTES AND VIBRANT UPHOLSTERY DEFINE STATEMENT-MAKING DESIGNS
SURE TO SPARK CONVERSATION. PRODUCED BY SARAH SHELTON
“I
Color and pattern define these AIRY KITCHEN AND OUTDOOR SPACES, THE PERFECT GATHERING SPOTS for family and friends.
DIVE INTO A COOL AND COLORFUL FLORIDA
HOME WHERE BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR KITCHENS EMBODY EASY, BREEZY LIVING.
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER PFAFF SMITH
INSPIRED BY ITS VERDANT SURROUNDINGS, A FLORIDA HOME PLAYS WITH A ZESTY PALETTE.
During an early planning-stage conversation, Boston designer Laura Keeler Pierce of Keeler & Co. and her clients agreed on a key design element: a striking blue terrazzo floor each had spotted in a Bahamas residence by designer David Netto. “We had both seen the project and were smitten by it,” Keeler Pierce recalls. It’s a bold choice for the brave of heart, making it a fitting selection for the fresh and energizing look the Chicago-area couple envisioned for their new-construction home in Florida’s Hobe Sound. The designer flowed the statement-making flooring across the kitchen, dining and living areas, complementing the walls with a pearlescent zellige backsplash, painterly geometric tiles framing the bar, and grass cloth wallpaper throughout that acts as a neutral backdrop for their art collection. Also decided early on, a Michael Eastman photograph in the kitchen helped to inform the interiors’ Sunshine State-centric hues. “It gave us this playful color palette to pull from,” Keeler Pierce says, pointing to the piece’s lush greens and pops of reddish coral she repeated in light fixtures over the bar and island.
Culminating the family’s commitment to the local lifestyle, an inviting loggia proves to be the ultimate outdoor living space, complete with a custom turquoise kitchen that perfectly matches the sun-drenched swimming pool. “The goal was to make this project feel casual and relaxed but fun and different from what we’re used to seeing,” Keeler Pierce sums. Mission accomplished. keelerandco.com photos: sean litchfield.
DRENCHED IN COLOR AND PATTERN, THIS MIAMI BEACH REFUGE TEMPTS GOOD TIMES AND CHILL HANGS.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
Nestled in a canopy of flora and fauna, a Miami Beach guesthouse (which had once been relegated to a catchall for storage) received the glow-up of a lifetime thanks to designers Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of Moniomi Design. Now lovingly referred to as the cabana, the structure functions as part pool house, part bonus living room, part entertaining hub and part home bar—plus more. “We were inspired by the idea of creating a boutique hotel moment right in our clients’ backyard,” the duo says. Because of its location right off the pool and lush surroundings, it was only natural to make the space an extension of the outdoors. Cue the palm-patterned ceiling, which was the jumping-off point for everything to follow, including the lagoon-colored wall tiles and the green terrazzo countertops with flecks of orange and yellow. Even the bar faucet dons a cheerful seafoam hue— something you wouldn’t find in the main house, which features a pink-hued palette. Here, though, it’s all about escape from the ordinary. moniomi.com
FROM MOSAICS TO CERAMICS, TAKE STOCK OF THE SHAPES, COLORS AND MATERIALS THAT ARE CATCHING OUR ATTENTION. PRODUCED BY SARAH SHELTON
Clockwise from top right: 2x10 Impress Matte Terracotta Tile in Verde Green / tilebar.com 12x12 Terrazzo Tile in Las Palmas / ziatile.com Creta Tile in Mint / porcelanosa.com Handwritten Leaf Mosaic Tile in Gold Leaf / crossville.com Pietta Donovan Maroubra Field Tile in Saltbush and Lilly Pilly / walkerzanger.com Rosa Portogallo Marble Mosaic Tile / artistictile.com Ribbed Nita Fractal Mosaic Tile in Ming Green / annsacks.com 4x4 Zellige Tile in Vintage Rose / cletile.com
LEADING WITH VISION, PASSION AND PURPOSE
Meet the women whose creative work shapes the design world in meaningful ways. Experience their voices, values and visionary spirit. IMAGE COURTESY OF HOLLY WRIGHT DESIGN
JENI ROBISON AND MORGANNE UNDERWOOD, OWNERS AND LEAD DESIGNERS
480.699.1169 | dettagliodesign.com | dettagliodesign
ROOTED IN INTUITION, collaboration and a deep respect for how people truly live, great design is less about imposing a signature look and more about translating personal stories into spaces that feel effortless and enduring. That philosophy is at the heart of Dettaglio Interior Design, the Arizona-based boutique firm led by Owners and Lead Designers Jeni Robison and Morganne Underwood. With nearly 25 years of local experience, Robison built her practice on versatility and listening, rather than a single aesthetic. “Rather than saying I specialize in one style, I say that I specialize in listening to our clients and giving them the home of their dreams,” she shares. Joined by Underwood, who became a partner after years on the team, the duo has cultivated a studio known for thoughtful process and creative range. From their curated in-house showroom to a streamlined discovery approach, every detail supports meaningful collaboration. “Our clients energize us,” Underwood notes, “their personalities are expressed in every design.”
No two days look the same at Dettaglio. From sourcing and drawing to problem-solving with builders and vendors, the team thrives on responsiveness. Unexpected questions and on-site challenges are part of the process, and addressing them quickly keeps projects moving forward. Underwood credits teamwork as essential, noting that interior design extends far beyond creative vision. “It requires documentation, communication, continuing education and even marketing and bookkeeping,” she says. That dynamic pace keeps the studio energized and ensures that each project is executed with precision as well as creativity.
Asked about her goals for the future, Robison shares, “I feel very fortunate to have evolved beyond my original plans. It’s not that I had small goals, but I had always envisioned a small studio and never imagined I would have such an amazing and supportive team. They are creative and enthusiastic, and the ability to design stunning homes for great clients alongside them is such a privilege. My goals for the future are to keep my team and continue fostering the relationships we’ve created with builders, architects and others in the industry. Of course, what designer doesn’t want to continue landing bigger and better projects with creative challenges and breathtaking results?”
“It’s beautiful to work together as a team and appreciate what each person brings to the table.”
BELOW This Paradise Valley home underwent an extensive remodel, including reconfigured walls, raised ceilings and newly opened spaces, to support effortless entertaining and low-maintenance living. PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN BROST; Portrait by AUGUSTO HERRERA
EMILY MAREK, FOUNDER AND LEAD DESIGNER
480.492.0577 | emmycouturedesigns.com | emmycouturedesigns
SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS often require meaningful collaboration.
Emily Marek, Founder and Lead Designer of Emmy Couture Designs, thrives on partnerships and community support. “I think the future of women in design is rooted in real connection,” she shares.
“Often it seems the design industry encourages competition—but the more I grow in this field, the more I see how powerful we are when we come together.” A recent brand trip solidified the feeling for Marek. She enthuses, “I met several incredible women in the industry. Spending time together and talking openly sparked such a sense of sisterhood. We all left that trip inspired to start our own club and it has been a beautiful shift.” It’s fitting, as her Scottsdale-based design firm is a boutique composed of a small, tight-knit team of creatives. Marek adds, “Our strong, collaborative team excels in developing well-crafted, thoughtful designs.”
“Fashion is my first love, and it still fuels me creatively every single day,” Marek shares. “I am always the most inspired in spaces when I feel beautiful in them. Designing a home is a lot like curating the perfect wardrobe—layering, accessorizing and choosing pieces that work well together. When everything comes together, it creates a special feeling.” She continues, “What energizes me most is the idea of setting a mood, whether it’s through the outfit I choose in the morning or the atmosphere I design for a client.”
The Emmy Couture team has a tradition of creating vision boards while developing goals for the group. Marek explains, “Once a year, our team gets together with stacks of magazines, glue sticks, coffee and a lot of excitement! It’s become one of my absolute favorite traditions—not only because it’s fun, but because so many of the things we put on those boards end up becoming real. Currently, my vision board is filled with homes in new cities, projects in different climates and new opportunities to design in places that challenge and inspire us.”
“We focus on creating refined personalized spaces that reflect the unique lifestyle and aesthetic of each client.”
TOP
The formal living room’s timeless design features a limestone fireplace. BOTTOM This primary suite reflects the sophistication of the client’s lifestyle. French doors open to the backyard’s stunning views of Camelback Mountain. PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN
BROST; Portrait by CARRIE EVANS
HOLLY WRIGHT, OWNER AND PRINCIPAL
602.410.3586 | hollywrightdesign.com | hollywright_design_
BUILDING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS with clients yields exceptional results. Holly Wright, Owner and Principal of her studio, understands this well. “The connections I build with clients function as a tool to connect them to their home,” she says. “I embrace each client’s personality, the way they live and their values. I then apply these details to their home environment in order to create a timeless and sophisticated space that encompasses who they are.” Communication and transparency are also key strengths. Wright notes, “My team is open with one another, our clients and our partners in the design community because we know that working with care and kindness yields excellent results.” She adds, “Our designs are fluid, which makes the home feel good as a whole. Then we take it a step further by adding a surprise and delight element to create something truly individual and epic for our clients.”
Wright is an Arizona native and has been a designer in the valley for nearly two decades. That regional commitment brings with it time-tested industry partnerships. “I have long-standing relationships with top architects, builders and vendors that continue to grow and provide the best resources available for any caliber of project,” she enthuses.
When she’s not in the studio, sourcing materials or on a jobsite, Wright enjoys spending time outdoors. “I find peace and connection and benefit greatly from the clarity I receive when spending time outside,” she shares. “I embrace the artistry of nature, beauty in the unconventional and the excitement of the unexpected.”
Wright describes her signature style as “modern, not trendy.” She continues, “We thrive on making each home unique. The serenity of the Arizona desert is often reflected in our designs, which brings an added layer of welcoming warmth that our clients love.”
“Most often, I find inspiration in the materials we use,” Wright shares. “I take their scale, texture and pattern into consideration and then try to enhance their beauty by using them in innovative ways.”
“ We offer an i nnovative approach to residential and commercial design that maximizes each project’s unique potential.”
KRISTIN HAZEN, OWNER AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
602.799.2184 | kristinhazen.com | kristinhazendesign
INSPIRING COMPANIES PRACTICE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. Kristin Hazen, Owner and Principal Designer of her namesake firm, is a big believer in refining the team’s processes. She explains, “We study what works, what doesn’t—and how each project can be better than the last.” She adds, “Our goal is to create more space for creativity by iterating on how we operate.”
The Phoenix-based, full-service firm specializes in tailored new builds and renovations nationwide. Hazen enthuses, “Our work is rooted in thoughtful planning and a strong architectural foundation, with an emphasis on strategy.” The team dedicates time to interior architecture, space planning and customized design concepts, making sure to invite clients into their collaborative process early on. She adds, “We deliver homes that are beautifully executed and smoothly managed, creating an elevated experience for our clients from start to finish.”
“I hope th e future holds more visibility, leadership and recognition for women across all areas of design and building.”
Hazen credits family matriarchs as strong influences. She shares, “One grandmother was a master seamstress who taught my mother and then me—filling our home with textiles, materials and an appreciation for craftsmanship. My other grandmother was an effortlessly stylish and impeccably dressed woman who layered her small home with color, pattern and personality. Above all, my mother shaped both my creativity and my character. She encouraged making and crafting. Most importantly, she taught me how to treat people with kindness. That empathy continues to guide how I work and choose to run my business every day.”
There are several designers Hazen finds inspirational. She cites:
Kelly Hoppen Her work is modern, sophisticated and deeply intentional, with a restrained approach that proves how powerful edited design and a neutral palette can be.
Sean Anderson He is a significant design icon. His ability to balance a clean, architectural aesthetic with layered antiques and unexpected details is exceptional.
Heidi Caillier I admire her fearless approach to pattern, color and style. Her work always pushes me creatively.
TOP LEFT A serene, spa-like bath is defined by monolithic forms, warm large-format surfaces and restrained black fixtures—quietly minimal, tactile and calming. TOP RIGHT An intimate powder bath is defined by warmth and restraint, with a black stone vessel sink on a terrazzo-tiled base. BOTTOM LEFT Vertical wood paneling, floating shelves and sculptural objects create a restrained backdrop for rich leather vintage seating. BOTTOM RIGHT A moody bar with dark oak cabinetry, curated spirits, integrated wine storage and sculptural quilted leather is designed for intimate gatherings and elevated indulgence. Styling by Concept Lighting Lab. PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDRIA WHITEFEATHER
HALEY TEW, PRINCIPAL
480.272.4016 | lavenderlandscape.com | lavender_landscape_design
THERE’S A MOMENT every business owner dreams of, when growth surges and success appears undeniable. For Lavender Landscape Design Co., that moment arrived in 2024-2025 with a 47-percent increase in revenue, but the expansion revealed an unexpected truth: scale can erode purpose. “We were becoming faceless,” says Haley Tew, Principal of the South Tempe-based design-build firm. “The intimacy that made our work special was disappearing. I found myself managing spreadsheets instead of designing spaces.” Rather than chase momentum, Tew chose clarity, realigning the firm toward boutique, wellness-driven projects rooted in her background in movement and recovery. “Success isn’t always about getting bigger,” she explains, “sometimes it’s about getting clearer on who you are.” The 47-percent growth year became not a finish line, but a catalyst— proving that redefining success can be a powerful pivot.
“Purpose-led design creates lasting beauty and value.”
“Rapid growth forced me to ask hard questions about why I started this firm in the first place,” Tew says. As Lavender Landscape expanded, the work became more efficient but less personal, a shift that felt misaligned with her creative instincts. “I realized that bigger wasn’t automatically better,” she explains. “By stepping back from rapid expansion, I was able to refocus on hands-on design and deeper client relationships; returning the practice to the intentional, people-centered approach that originally defined my mission.”
For Tew, landscape design has always been connected to wellness. “My background in movement and recovery informs everything I do,” she says. Outdoor spaces, Tew believes, “should support both physical and emotional healing.” This philosophy now guides the firm’s boutique direction, shaping gardens that encourage restoration rather than spectacle. “A landscape can help you breathe differently, move differently, live differently,” Tew notes, emphasizing that thoughtful design is less about excess and more about how a space makes one feel.
“I don’t see our growth year as a peak,” Tew reflects. “It was a catalyst. That experience clarified what I wanted my firm to become, and what I was willing to leave behind. Choosing intention over momentum required confidence, but the result has been renewed creative energy. Success isn’t always about getting bigger. Sometimes it’s about getting clearer.” Today, that clarity shapes every Lavender Landscape project, ensuring each one reflects the firm’s values as much as its aesthetic.
TOP Clean-lined architecture and sculptural water features elevate poolside living into a refined, resort-inspired desert retreat. BOTTOM Organic forms, tiered outdoor rooms and expansive vistas demonstrate luxury rooted in landscape, balance and sense of place.
MARY MARSH, OWNER AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER; SANDY BLACK, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER; NIKKI PERES, LEAD INTERIOR DESIGNER
480.702.0534 | lillianjames.com | lillianjamesdesign
STRONG FIRMS DELIVER HIGH-END DESIGNS in a varied array of styles, demonstrating a capability to create custom looks for clients with wide-ranging interests and preferences. The Lillian James Design Group is one such company. Founded nearly four years ago, it has grown into a dynamic, team-driven design studio with the depth, talent and infrastructure to take on a wide range of projects at the highest level. Mary Marsh, who leads the firm alongside Sandy Black and Nikki Peres, explains, “Our studio is not defined by a single aesthetic, but by an ability to thoughtfully design across styles, scales and locations—always tailored to the client. With a strong team of designers and a collaborative approach, we offer a level of versatility and capability t hat sets us apart from firms focused on one niche.” Marsh summarizes, “Our work is driven by the belief that exceptional designs always reflect the individual.”
“We are a full-service interior design studio dedicated to creating highly curated spaces for discerning clients.”
Marsh notes that the design industry is largely female-driven, and cites that as a strength. She notes, “Design is an industry where women lead with creativity, intuition, collaboration and business acumen. Looking ahead, I would love to see the industry continue to evolve as a space rooted in mutual respect and support. When women empower one another, the entire industry benefits. A connected design community creates better work, stronger businesses and meaningful careers for the next generation of designers.”
The team strives to continue building a strong, collaborative studio. Marsh shares, “Nurturing our expanding team and creating a system that allows us to take on a mix of projects with intention and care has led us to a great period of growth.” The structure involves multiple lead designers and a growing support team that facilitates work across different sizes and scopes, from large-scale luxury new builds to full-home furnishings and curated interiors. Marsh enthuses, “This flexibility allows us to meet clients where they are and provides an extremely personalized level of service.”
LEFT This joyful home office is a vibrant expression of the home’s Southwestern soul thanks to saturated blues, warm terracotta tones and layered patterns. Custom built-ins and coral seating unite personality and function. PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN LARUE; Portrait by MARK SACRO
MARIA ZAMBRANO, PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER
602.617.9213 | mariazinteriors.com | mariazinteriors
WHEN DESIGNING A HOME, many designers imagine life’s most remarkable occasions happening within the rooms they create. Maria Zambrano, Principal Interior Designer for Maria Z Interiors, devises spaces for “warmth, connection and unforgettable moments.” She elaborates, “My work goes beyond interiors; I create environments where life naturally slows down, where memories linger and where people feel effortlessly at home.” Her visions include “spaces where conversations flow long after the meal is over, where laughter becomes louder than the music playing and where every corner invites individuals to savor life a little more deeply.” Zambrano focuses on designs for “environments that hold stories—where time stops just long enough for a memory to take shape.” She summarizes, “I create lifestyle-driven interiors that celebrate togetherness, authenticity and the simple magic of being fully present.”
Growing up in Buenos Aires, many of Zambrano’s friends were the children of ambassadors, which gave her early access to extraordinary historic residences. “Beautifully appointed homes surrounded me,” she shares. “Design and interiors have always been a part of my family’s culture; one of my aunts works with Sotheby’s, auctioning antiques and possessing a remarkable ability to identify authenticity at a glance.”
Zambrano enjoys listening to design-related podcasts. She recommends, “My favorites are LuAnn Nigara’s A Well-Designed Business and Michael Boodro’s The Chairish Podcast.” Zambrano notes, “Nigara focuses on the business side of interior design, while Chairish is engaging and insightful, covering relevant design topics and broader issues that impact the interior design industry.”
“I find going to market and being immersed in that positive, creative environment to be endlessly energizing,” Zambrano enthuses. “Traveling to other states or countries is equally fascinating; I find it inspiring to see how people use fabrics and objects in different ways to shape their interiors and express design culture.”
“My goal is to continue creating beautiful, clever spaces, as a well-designed home can enhance health and happiness.”
BELOW Anchoring a dramatic open-plan great room with soaring ceilings, this fireplace’s scale responds to the architecture—establishing a strong focal point while maintaining warmth and intimacy.
PHOTOGRAPHY DAN RYAN; Portrait by MARIE FEUTRIER
MELISSA MAE, FOUNDER AND CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER
480.205.0600 | melissamae.com | melissamaedesign
CREATIVITY OFTEN TAKES ROOT EARLY ON, and this was certainly the case for Melissa Mae. The Founder and Chief Design Officer of her namesake firm, Mae got her start rearranging her childhood abode. “I was always improving my home,” she shares. “Rearranging furniture or painting scraps of wood, I was instinctively shaping spaces.” Today, her company is a luxury design studio known for personalized and emotionally resonant interiors that balance bold sophistication with timeless refinement. Mae notes, “My work begins with the client—their story, their lifestyle and the way they want their home to feel. I uncover the narrative that already lives within them and translate it into a space that feels intentional, elevated and completely one-of-a-kind.” Known for both an artist’s eye and an i nnovator’s mind, Mae consistently brings to life dream homes with the goal of exceeding client expectations.
“My vision is to keep delivering dream homes to our clients and to elevate designs with every project we take on.”
Mae’s most meaningful mentors have been her family members. She shares, “My greatest mentor has always been my mother. She believed in me with an unwavering certainty that made me feel capable.” Mae continues, “My paternal grandfather built homes and that connection to construction at a young age stayed with me. Likewise, my father brought me into his projects and provided firsthand experience in how homes come together. My in-depth knowledge of building helps me innovate. Those early experiences—equal parts arts and sciences—are the foundation of my work today.”
With a background in fashion design, Mae is drawn to the evolution of style and trends. “Fashion and interiors are deeply connected,” she affirms. “I pay attention to what’s emerging on the runways—especially in Europe with a focus on Milan. I study where design is headed in order to keep an eye on trends and stay strategic with my work. For me, the goal is to create spaces that feel both ahead of the curve and timeless—designs that are current and elevated, yet enduring in their beauty and relevance.”
TOP The kitchen transforms a dated layout into a sculptural showpiece with stained custom cabinetry, a Cristallo-framed hood and a faceted island that showcases luminous stone veining.
BOTTOM A full North Scottsdale reconfiguration, this moody bathroom features sensual curves, mirrored walls, cascading crystal pendants and floor-to-ceiling black stone. PHOTOGRAPHY Top by MICHAEL DUERINCKX PHOTOGRAPHY; Bottom by JULIANNE PALMER, PEARL BLOSSOM PHOTOGRAPHY
ERICA ORTIZ BERKE, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
505.795.0054 | neubleu.com | neubleuinteriors
FOR SOME, THE URGE TO DESIGN was always present. Erica Ortiz Berke, Principal Designer of Neubleu Interior Design, realized early on that interior design was her true calling. “My parents built homes,” she shares. “Growing up, I was immersed in construction. This hands-on experience showed me that spaces can be transformed through thoughtful planning and personalized finishes.” Berke received a Bachelor of Arts in interior design from the Art Institute of Colorado. Her goals for Neubleu are to continue growing and building the brand and to consistently create positive experiences for clients. She affirms, “I want to make a lasting impression on customers, vendors and everyone involved in bringing a project to life.” The team is committed to enhancing each client’s unique lifestyle. Berke shares, “We create sophisticated havens that reflect personal style and embody the essence of luxury living.”
“ Our bespoke approach caters to the individual tastes and preferences of those who appreciate the finer things in life.”
Berke is invigorated in her design work by travel. She explains, “Exploring new destinations, immersing myself in the rich history, diverse architecture and unique design elements of different cultures fills me with inspiration. I once sketched a chandelier for my dining table in a lamp shop in Morocco, capturing the essence of that experience and infusing it into my designs. Each journey enhances my perspective and informs the way I approach projects.”
Berke is proud to have been fortunate to work on many incredible projects, and cites her work in Modish: The B ook of Great Design by Beth Benton Buckley as an all-time favorite. She describes, “In this project, I crafted bespoke cabinetry that showcased stunning carvings and exquisite tiles, perfectly tailored to the client’s vision. A highlight for me was designing the lighting for the entire home and overseeing the production process.”
The day starts early for Berke, as she balances parenting and design work. She outlines, “My workday begins around six with a long-distance run or a workout session. This gives me mental clarity and keeps my health a priority. I am back before my daughter wakes up, and then my nanny arrives at eight so I can be in the office by nine. My day is filled w ith meetings, phone calls and proposal submissions—along with collaborating with my team and occasionally visiting jobsites. I aim to leave the office and get home in time to cook dinner and enjoy a family walk.”
LEFT Every detail in the family room is custom, from the luxurious cladding of the fireplace to the striking cocktail tables. PHOTOGRAPHY KATE RUSSELL
JOANNA MCBRIDE, ARCHITECT AND FOUNDER
480.467.8006 | tammenrosearchitecture.com | tammenrose
OFTENTIMES CLIENT FEEDBACK ELEVATES an architect’s final product from great to amazing. Joanna McBride, Architect and Founder of tammen + rose architecture, is proud that she and her team work closely with their clientele. She says, “Listening to how clients live and work informs my approach, making architecture a true team effort.” She developed her eye and artistic abilities at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before receiving her Masters in Architecture degree. McBride notes, “One professor—who worked at a prestigious firm in Chicago—spoke to our class about the collaborative nature of architectural practice. With every project, each team member contributes unique specialized skills. When these talents are brought together, the resulting creation has a much greater chance of success. That vision for the industry has stayed with me.”
“Informed by their unique experiences, women consistently contribute valuable perspectives to the world of architecture.”
“My passion lies in creating intentional homes that are thoughtfully situated on scenic hillside sites,” McBride shares. “The process is exhilarating and demanding, as it requires careful consideration of site restrictions and the unique challenges presented by the terrain. When the size of a home is limited—and its location and orientation must be optimized—every design decision is critical to ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who will live there. Designing for a hillside environment is like solving a complex puzzle.”
McBride recently completed a home for clients that was a truly rewarding experience. She explains, “Working with this couple was a pleasure. One of their primary requests was to maximize natural sunlight throughout the home. My goal was to ensure that ample daylight would fill the space while also providing the comfort and relief needed during our intense summer months. To achieve this, I incorporated the glass walls they desired, then designed trellises beyond the glazing.” She adds, “The trellises offered both a sense of privacy and dappled shade, resulting in beautiful shadow patterns throughout the interior.”
Early in her career—while an intern at an architecture firm in Chicago—McBride was working with an older engineer, and when they finalized an idea he would say, “Let’s put it on the cloth.” McBride shares, “I eventually asked him what he meant by this phrase, as all of our drawings were done on paper. In response, he took me to the archives where I discovered how architectural drawings had once been preserved on linen cloth.”
LEFT The team renovated both the house and a small, detached casita in a historic home in Phoenix that was originally constructed in 1936. PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL DUERINCKX PHOTOGRAPHY; Portrait by ISABELLA BLACK
tammenrosearchitecture.com tammenrose
AN ANGULAR, MODERN HOME BY KENDLE DESIGN COLLABORATIVE AND WISEMAN & GALE INTERIORS FRAMES THE LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE AS LIVING ART.
WRITTEN BY KATHRYN O’SHEA-EVANS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMA PETER
Brent Kendle was in a pickle. The architect had potential clients from Wisconsin who hoped to build a getaway for themselves and extended family in Paradise Valley—but if and only if their friend who owned the 1-acre plot they wanted to buy would approve of a design that could preserve the views he cherished from his own adjacent property. Winning the commission meant first winning over the neighbor. “We surveyed everything that we could to figure out exactly where the views were,” Kendle recalls.
The geode-like building that emerged, built by general contractor Greg Hunt, feels as if it rose naturally from the earth, or perhaps from Kendle’s subconscious. “I learned a long time ago that the more I overthink things, the harder they become,” the architect says. “Sometimes you have to let your intuition be the guide.” The site’s constraints shaped everything, including a façade that hides the bustling street behind the house. “It needed to have this kind of protective shell,” he explains. “The home is like a blinder, blocking out the things we don’t want to see and focusing on the things we do.”
While Kendle initially considered copper for the exterior, supply chain realities pushed him toward an attainable look-alike alternative: Kynar, a “metallic coating that should last a hundred years,” the architect says. To offset all that sheen and the minimalist walls of glass, he used custom-milled vertical-grain hemlock in protected areas of the ceiling. “It warms up the space a lot,” Kendle says. “We love modern architecture, but we don’t want it to be cold; we want it to feel cozy.”
Interior choices also add to the sense of welcome, with upholstery in soft desert browns and snug, low-slung furniture. “For a contemporary house that has a lot of glass, steel and hard surfaces, the architecture is very inviting, livable and comfortable,” says designer Michael Marlowe, who worked on the project alongside Karen Rapp. That’s partly owed to the team’s ability to pivot. When something didn’t feel right during the furniture installation, they were quick to make a swap. “In the 11th hour we changed out the coffee table in the great room to two very organic cypress tables,” Marlowe recalls. Their original choice was far more streamlined, but “as soon as we started installing, Karen and I both realized we needed something a little bit more organic and dynamic; pieces that reflected the outdoors.”
Adding architectural interest to the grounds by landscape architect Michele Shelor, Kendle designed aluminum screens with abstract laser-cut patterns that protect certain exterior spaces. The screens behave like sculptural veils, producing dappled shadows where used. “The greatest resource we have here is sunshine,” Kendle says, noting that because the light changes throughout the day and year, “it helps animate the home inside and out.”
Light itself becomes architecture in one of the residence’s defining gestures: an angular cutout that illuminates an atrium-like garden centered on a nearly 200-year-old ironwood tree. “It creates this little magic garden in the middle that all the other rooms circulate around,” he says. “It’s kind of like having a little pocket park in your house. And, if you just turn your head to look out to the view, you can see 30 miles across the valley.” The result is a home that feels primal and futuristic at the same time, shaping and reshaping the experience of nature season by season, hour by hour.
Opposite: Inspired by
the entry’s
Previous page: Kynar detailing on this Paradise Valley abode by architect Brent Kendle gives it a geode-like appearance. The dwelling opens wide to the property, designed by landscape architect Michele Shelor.
“ THE GREATEST RESOURCE WE HAVE HERE IS SUNSHINE. IT HELPS ANIMATE THE HOME INSIDE AND OUT.”
—BRENT KENDLE
As dusk falls, the dwelling appears to glow from within, almost as if phosphorescent. Warm hemlock ceilings add to the effect.
Opposite: Shelor sourced mature trees for the site through Native Resources International.
“The ironwood placed within the sunken garden was chosen for its ability to tolerate partial shade,” she says. “Its ancient, gnarled form lends a sense of permanence and anchors the arrival sequence.”
INSIDE THIS PARADISE VALLEY ABODE BY ARCHITECT
MARK CANDELARIA, DESIGNER ELIZABETH HAMILL USES RICH, LAYERED NEUTRALS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR CONNECTION.
WRITTEN BY LARA HALLOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BROST
When a family of six relocated to the Scottsdale area for work, they were quickly drawn to Paradise Valley for its canopy of mature trees, hushed streets and architecturally distinctive homes perched on generous parcels of land. And they discovered a surprisingly ideal scenario: a modern estate already designed by architect Mark Candelaria that maximized indooroutdoor living, which they purchased before general contractor Erik Tinker began construction so that it could still be tailored to their lifestyle. “I loved that the project was just starting,” the homeowner says. “I was able to jump in and tweak the floor plan in order to best suit our family.” Working with interior designer Elizabeth Hamill, the clients then explored finishes and layered in accents that imbue the space with a highly customized aesthetic.
To blur the boundaries between inside and out, Candelaria envisioned an H-shaped layout that organizes public spaces on one end and private spaces on the other, capturing four separate courtyards. “We really try to make use of that Arizona climate and wanted to connect as many rooms to the outside landscape as possible,” Candelaria reflects. He focused on precise alignments to augment the flow: The interior great room fully opens to its exterior counterpart, which also aligns with the guesthouse’s great room, while the indoor kitchen directly mirrors an open-air cooking space just beyond the glass. “People always tell me, ‘I don’t know what it is, but your houses always feel so comfortable,’ ” Candelaria says. “It’s all of these mathematical alignments that put your subconscious at ease.”
Playing into that sense of serenity, the home’s material palette leans soft and textural, featuring stucco, limestone with a light mortar wash, steel-framed openings and warm woods. Hamill carried that sentiment indoors using natural materials selected for their ability to withstand frequent use and age beautifully over time, such as the living room’s performance fabric-clad sofas and
leather-upholstered ottomans. “Function was huge,” Hamill reflects. “With every choice, we asked ourselves: How is it going to live? How is it going to last?” In the kitchen, she opted for marble countertops that will show their years artfully. “The homeowner fell in love with the romance of the material,” she says. “They use marble a ton in Europe, and if you think about a European bakery, the patina is part of its charm and story.”
The kitchen blends these time-honored cues, such as the classic European range, with modern touches, like the sculptural hood. For the ceiling—which he refers to as the “heaven of architecture”— Candelaria devised a grid of darkly stained beams that strike a balance between transitional farmhouse warmth and contemporary crispness. They frame the white oak floors below, which were treated with European oil to allow for reconditioning over the years.
In contrast to the openness of the gathering spaces, the primary suite remains intentionally cozy. “I don’t like making bedrooms too big,” Candelaria says. “I want them to feel intimate.” Building on that atmosphere, Hamill layered the room in supple fabrics, including a warm linen wallcovering that softens the architecture. These rich neutrals again allow the connection to the outdoors to take center stage, with the bathroom opening to a private courtyard featuring an alfresco shower and pergola.
Outside, activity areas unfold organically across the acre-plus property, from a bocce court, sport court and pool to tucked-away terraces where adults and kids can spread out—or come together. One of Hamill’s favorite moments pairs European-inspired stone and plantings by landscape designer Harrison Hoffman with a strikingly modern couple’s daybed. “It encapsulates everything we tried to do, balancing fresh, contemporary family relaxation with authentic European artisanship,” she observes.
For the owners, the result is a deeply personal refuge. “I wanted this house to feel special and extraordinary but also cozy and familiar,” the wife says. With materials chosen to improve as they age and a layout designed to evolve with the family’s rhythm, the home is exactly that: an enduring foundation for the life they’re building.
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Architecture: Jim Blochberger, Blochberger Design
Interior Design: Janet Brooks and Ali Schierbrock, Janet Brooks Design
Home Builder: Austin King, Rafterhouse
Landscape Architecture: Jeremy McVicars, Refined Gardens
IN PARADISE VALLEY, DESIGNER JANET BROOKS AND ARCHITECT JIM BLOCHBERGER
CREATE A STYLISH PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN TIMELESS DESIGN AND FEARLESS MODERNITY.
WRITTEN BY JOHN WOGAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MOSS
From the outside, this Paradise Valley family home appears grounded in tradition, despite being a new build. There are pitched rooflines, dormer windows and the kind of classic symmetry that suggests a long-established residence rather than one just recently completed. But step through the foyer and the illusion gives way to something unexpectedly nuanced.
“We didn’t want the house to feel like just a bunch of massive spaces with very little character. We wanted it to feel cozy and inviting,” recalls homeowner Kerrie Addante-Jacobs of the vision for the sprawling dwelling that she shares with her husband, Geoff Jacobs, and their two children. That desire became the emotional backbone of the project for designer Janet Brooks, who knew the house needed to honor its traditional silhouette by architect Jim Blochberger without pushing the interiors into formality for formality’s sake. So, while they embraced crown molding and wall paneling in spaces where they wanted to emphasize the tall ceilings, they loosened up a bit in other rooms: “Instead of installing paneling everywhere, we steered to other vertical treatments, such as wall upholstery in the dining room and wallpaper in the breakfast room,” Brooks says.
This willingness to let each space claim its own personality became a guiding principle. “What makes this house so interesting is that every room is a little different, yet together they all feel cohesive,” the designer notes. In the great room, that came in the form of a pair of oversize wall sconces set with green gems on either side of the fireplace. “They influenced the direction of the room with their color, which we then pulled into the rug, accent pillows and the green table by the piano,” she adds. Indeed, the lighting choices set an effervescent mood throughout. “In each space, unique fixtures set the stage for the vibe of the room,”
Brooks says. An elegant chandelier adorned with ceramic leaves peacefully swirls above the primary bedroom, while on the fixture in the foyer, crystals appear to drizzle like honey to dramatic effect. The architecture required thoughtful negotiation with the site itself, featuring grounds by landscape designer Jeremy McVicars.
“The façade was intended to feel timeless rather than trendy,” Blochberger says of the structure, built by general contractor Austin King. “I focused on classical proportions, restrained detailing and a balanced composition so that the home would feel as relevant in 30 years as it does today.” Because the team wanted generous ceiling heights, the dwelling “had to sit a few feet below street level,” Brooks says. Blochberger responded with grand limestone staircases that descend to the entry and from the pool terrace to the lower level, creating a ceremonial sense of procession.
Perhaps the most transportive chapter lies below ground. While many designers might have tried to brighten a subterranean space, Brooks went in the opposite direction with a palette of deep blues and browns. “The client wanted to evoke the feeling of the Man Wah restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong,” she says. “The dark hues, in a way, embrace the lack of windows, creating visual depth through layered lighting.” The lower level’s speakeasy corridor—a moody, low-arched walkway linking the bar and wine room—might be Brooks’ most theatrical touch. “It has very low lighting and ends at a small wooden door, which is the back entrance to the wine room,” the designer describes.
The true test for the clients came less than a month after moving in, when they hosted Kerrie’s 50th birthday celebration for upward of 120 guests. “We hadn’t even had the time to experience all of the cool spaces that we had created,” Kerrie says, “but at that party I got to see our friends and family discovering and enjoying the entire house. Seeing that really made me feel like it was something special.”
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“WHAT MAKES THIS HOUSE SO INTERESTING IS THAT EVERY ROOM IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT, YET TOGETHER THEY ALL FEEL COHESIVE.”
—J ANET BROOKS
SEAMLESS STYLE MEETS NATURAL REFINEMENT
Meet today’s leading creative minds and delve into the design philosophies shaping spaces where interiors and exteriors converge with elegance and intention. IMAGE COURTESY OF DREWETT WORKS
520.901.0566 | deluxedesignsaz.com | deluxedesignsaz
IN ARIZONA, WHERE OUTDOOR LIVING IS A YEAR-ROUND WAY OF LIFE, the most successful homes are designed without clear boundaries between inside and out. That philosophy defines the work of Deluxe Designs of Arizona, led by Principal Bry Pavlov, whose firm specializes in creating cohesive indoor-outdoor environments. “Arizona specifically has a huge calling for year-round outdoor spaces, which is why we make indoor-outdoor design one of the key factors in our design process,” Pavlov says. Drawing on more than a decade of experience, the firm applies the same thoughtful principles—materials, color palettes and architectural details—across interiors and exteriors to ensure a seamless flow throughout the home. “We extend the same design language from the interior into the exterior spaces,” Pavlov notes, whether working on new construction or remodeling an existing residence.
“We opened our business with indoor-outdoor design as the focal point, creating unified spaces that feel intentional.”
Every project at Deluxe Designs of Arizona begins with listening. The firm starts with an indepth meeting to understand how homeowners use their spaces, what’s missing and what already works. From there, detailed space planning ensures layouts are both practical and tailored to daily life. Clients are then guided through 3D renderings that bring proposed designs and finishes into clear focus, followed by precise construction documents that translate vision into reality.
A strong connection to the Sonoran Desert informs every outdoor environment the firm designs. “A well-designed softscape with droughttolerant plants helps the yard blend into desert surroundings,” Pavlov shares. “We use evergreen varieties that bloom at different times to keep the landscape lush and colorful throughout the year. Natural hardscapes, like travertine, further integrate the yard with its environment.”
Early experience at a landscape design-build firm allowed Pavlov to gain hands-on knowledge of grading, hardscapes, planting and construction, skills that now inform every project. By pairing that expertise with interior design, the firm offers a rare, fully integrated service that unites architecture, interiors and exteriors under one vision. With more than 50 industry awards recognizing both interior and exterior work, the studio has built a reputation for precision, creativity and cohesive design, crafting homes that feel unified across the entire property.
TOP A close-up of the range wall showcases twotone cabinetry accented by a refined brass detail beneath the integrated hood, all framed in white oak. BOTTOM This custom home’s kitchen embodies modern elegance with bold-veined countertops, two-tone cabinetry and pendant lighting.
PHOTOGRAPHY RON MCCOY
480.488.0128 | dflaz.com | desertfoothillslandscape
PROPERLY OPTIMIZING ONE’S HOME for ideal outdoor use is critical to maximizing indoor-outdoor living—and that is no easy feat in a complex climate. As Jake Plocher, Vice President and Lead Designer at DFL, explains, “People buying luxury homes in our area want endless sunshine and stunning views, but the desert environment can make it tough to enjoy outdoor spaces. Outdoor living features that are not tailored to desert conditions can cause owners to retreat indoors to escape the heat, missing out on poolside afternoons and beautiful sunsets. Without shade or cooling, a backyard can feel off-limits.” Putting in the time and energy to weatherproof a space pays off in endless dividends. Plocher adds, “Luxury outdoor living areas designed for our region create a year-round retreat. By adding shade structures, cooling water features and cozy fire pits, that space becomes a functional private oasis.”
“ We love to collaborate with interior designers and architects for the ultimate indooroutdoor concepts.”
The team lists their must-haves for creating a magical and inviting outdoor environment. Plocher recommends:
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar: A fully equipped outdoor kitchen is essential for upscale desert entertaining. This extends the living space, creating a transition from indoors to outdoors and keeps cooking heat out of the indoor kitchen during warmer months.
Custom Fire Features: Fire pits, fire tables or outdoor fireplaces become dramatic focal points, offering both heat and ambience. Beyond providing warmth, the mesmerizing flicker of fire gives the yard a relaxing ethos and extends the usability of the space.
Elegant Water Features: Introducing the element of water adds a soothing, resort-like energy and natural cooling to one’s yard. A decorative fountain with intricate stonework, a serene pond or a swimming pool with a cascading waterfall bring a refreshing and luxurious feeling within a desert landscape
Comfortable Shaded Seating: Shade is absolutely non-negotiable in our harsh desert environment. Strategically placed pergolas or expansive covered patios protect seating and dining areas from the intense sun, ensuring comfort during the hottest parts of the day. Integrated, advanced cooling systems like overhead fans or subtle misting systems keep patios cool and inviting, allowing homeowners to lounge outdoors even on the most scorching days.
855.373.9388 | drewettworks.com | drewettworks
A HOME’S OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS are just as important as the interior ones. As C.P. Drewett, president and founding architect of Drewett Works, notes, “Everything we use for indoor living needs a counterpart on the exterior. There’s a level of expectation now—especially locally with our climate—that homeowners want us to design an appropriately appointed outdoor space. I think there are many people who will pass on a property, no matter how perfect the house is, if it doesn’t have adequate outdoor space.” The team focuses on solar design principles. Drewett explains, “I spend time in the design process making sure the architecture optimizes itself and protects the house from the elements. This is achieved through deep overhangs, correct home positioning, covered patios and the use of deciduous trees.” He adds, “Our indoor-outdoor spaces are essential and all of our designs are very intentional.”
“I enjoy spending as much time crafting outdoor spaces as I do interior ones— because they are equally important.”
“Outdoor kitchens have come a long way,” Drewett shares. “There is an abundance of different cooking elements available for the outdoors, including teriyaki grills, Blackstone grills and various types of smokers. People are increasingly interested in pellet smokers and there are numerous pizza ovens available on the market.”
The team is available to fully deliver on just about every wish list. Drewett shares some of the more unconventional creations, noting, “One of the more unusual requests was for a wave pool where people can surf in the pool. There are technologies to provide that experience, including a vertical watershed that creates the sensation of wakeboarding or skiing. Another playful choice is to make living plant walls, which are visually interesting and do very well here in the right setting.”
Drewett advises, “It’s important to be mindful of our hot climate and to be thoughtful in one’s selection of textile. I never cut costs on outdoor fabrics because of our tough environment. I also recommend purchasing lighter-colored shades without deep saturation when looking for longerlasting choices.”
TOP The architect designed an asymmetrical outdoor fireplace to balance the sitting area at this modern residence. BOTTOM A corner of the bar area at this Phoenix home is designed with glass doors that collapse into structural insulated rammed earth wall masses, making the entire side of the room open-air. PHOTOGRAPHY Top by KEVIN BROST; Bottom by WERNER SEGARRA
480.837.6844 | hydroscapes.com | 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?”
“Being the owners and d esigners who are on-site supervising each detail on every project makes Hydroscapes truly distinctive.”
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 they 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.
TOP Undermounted lighting, travertine decking, a richly tiled pool and spa and a welcoming fire feature make this the perfect place to view sunsets, city lights and night skies. BOTTOM An innovative pool cover and a high-efficiency gas heating system keep this beautiful glass tile and pebble sheen pool and spa at optimal temperatures. PHOTOGRAPHY
SCOTT SANDLER
480.922.2500 | iwired.com | iwired
IN THE ARIZONA DESIGN WORLD, innovation doesn’t just mean new; it means seamlessly integrated, artfully executed and deeply connected to place. That’s the vision behind iWired, a premier integration firm led by CEO Johnathan George, whose team collaborates with top architects and designers to create multi-sensory environments that elevate how people live. “We’re here to support the artistry of the design team, not compete with it,” George says. “When technology disappears into the background, the experience becomes effortless.” Based in Scottsdale’s Hidden Hills community, George brings a personal understanding of the desert’s natural beauty to each project, drawing inspiration from slot canyons, native materials and traditions of craftsmanship. Whether it’s Lutron lighting that highlights architectural textures or sound systems woven invisibly throughout a home—inside and out—iWired’s approach prioritizes both aesthetics and ease. “Ultimately,” George adds, “what we’re building are relationships—with our clients and the creative professionals we’re proud to partner with.”
Today’s clients are seeking technology that enhances design rather than disrupts it. iWired achieves this by concealing speakers in discreet apertures, framing televisions to echo architectural lines and layering lighting from ceiling to floor. “It’s about creating a space that feels intuitive,” George emphasizes. “Every detail—from custom switches to elevated keypads—is deliberate.”
Arizona’s deep-rooted traditions inspire iWired’s commitment to authenticity. “The ingenuity of early desert cultures—how they worked with natural materials and the climate—continues to shape how I think about sustainability and design,” George says. He hopes to see a resurgence of traditional techniques that fuse timeless craftsmanship with modern performance.
As Arizona experiences record-setting growth, iWired remains focused on delivering consistency th rough its “People, Product, Process” model. The firm limits its brand partnerships to ensure deep vendor relationships and invests in employee training to uphold elite service standards. “Growth should never compromise quality,” George notes. “We’ve scaled by being intentional, refining our internal systems so our clients always know what to expect. That structure is what allows our creativity to flourish. From curated lighting scenes to adaptive audio experiences, every solution is customized to support architectural vision and enhance daily life.” George adds, “In the end, it’s about building trust, and homes that feel as good as they look.”
“ Our work is about more than technology; it’s about creating experiences that feel effortless.”
BELOW This open kitchen and living area features Lutron lighting and whisper-quiet automated shades, while Origin Acoustics speakers vanish into the ceiling. PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of iWIRED
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