Jake Sandoval

With neutral tones, lots of textural interest, and a whole lot of Moxie!

Using neutrals in a sleek, contemporary space says anything but boring. Working with a neutral palette can offer not only a sense of calm and serenity but also amazing personality and interest.

This main living space taking center stage at the recent Design Showhouse was created by Moxie Design Studio. Their vision embraced a neutral palette pumped up with lots of physical and visual textural interest.

A sleek low-backed white sofa carries your eye throughout the space, providing the perfect backdrop for Hans J. Wegner Shell Chairs. Loren Yagoda art graces the walls throughout the room creating repetition of style as well as visual interest on the 14’ soaring walls. Contemporary chandelier with Edison bulbs embraced the space between ceiling and floor. The result is a multisensory experience through its design and decoration.

This room not only looks great, but it begs to be touched. The cozy hand-loomed rugs from India and soft botanicals did not disappoint. And, because this is the southwest, a turquoise encrusted cow skull made this room complete.

Moxie Design Studio is comprised of co-owners Monica Sullivan and Michelle Pierce, who are friends as well as business partners. They have a mind for design, a heart for those they work with, and a flair for innovation.The diversity of their backgrounds allows them to easily connect and relate to people across the board.

They combine their zest for beauty, life and international excursions to create spaces for clients throughout the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Their design styles are fluid which opens the door for them to create truly custom environments based on their client needs.

Their positive energy, warmth, and integrity are a few reasons why they sustain long-standing relationships with clients, vendors, builders, contractors, and artisans alike.

Credit: Simon Photographic

In a room with verdant views of the outdoors, a simple gray, blue and white palette emphasize the room’s connection to nature.

Gray may be everywhere in contemporary design, but the winning combination of subtle shades in a very tight palette should make you feel at ease in a monochromatic mix of neutrals.

A touch lighter than most other shades of gray, warm grays make for a great backdrop for everything from classic works of art to bold contemporary compositions, allowing the artwork to determine the room’s color palette. Danielle Jacques Designs selection of soft warm tones in area rugs from Organic Looms balances the cool colors in the fabrics in this Paradise Valley Designer Show House.

Danielle’s palette works beautifully with bold accent colors like hot fuchsia. Striking a balance between warm and cool colors is important for interiors, and the walls and floor coverings in warm gray, paired with the cool tones of the textured sofa from Pacific Manufacturing does the balancing act quite well. Resulting in a low-key luxe style that’s easy to live with.

Some would label me a ‘Transcendent Visual Story Teller,’ others would say I’m a ‘Courageous Creator,’ but I believe it is all just amazing forms of art that evoke my passion for design.

Through my interior decorating, I am insanely committed to empowering my clients to own their greatness and live a life they are completely obsessed with, in a home they absolutely love.

My journey began as a student in this design work over two decades ago, working for big box stores. While the design success I was attracting was everything I had thought I had ever wanted, I knew, deep down, there was something missing in my life. I wanted my legacy to be one of contribution, creativity, collaboration, and love; I wanted to create interiors’ that mattered, and I wanted to inspire others to step into their own personal greatness, share the love that they are, and truly SHINE through my design.

Credit: Simon Photographic

Designer Adrienne Hart kicked off the creation of this bright and happy space with thoughts of fun times spent with visiting family.

Using a palette of teal, ochre, and warm reds make for a fun spin on the primary color palette in this vividly inviting guest room featured in the soft contemporary Paradise Valley home which was the location for a recent Designer Showhouse. Neutral furnishings and finishes help ground the cacophony of color brought forth by Beth Ann Swartz’ colorful art pieces and inherently tying the palette together with an earthy blend of browns and soft teal in graphic rug underfoot.

A bold blue-and-rust combo makes a statement in this guest bedroom. The bold contrast of the metallic sculpture is relaxed with soft fabrics and textures like the deep blue linen-covered headboard, furry brown rug, and mercury-glass furnishings.

Adrienne Hart of Modascapes Interior Design has three key values: creativity, collaboration, and compassion. She is self-diagnosed with color matchy-itis and has to work really hard to ignore when the hues have microscopically different values. She can see a color at someone’s house and go shopping weeks or months later and buy things that are a perfect match.

Adrienne has physical experience in a home’s construction – framing, drywall and texture, fixture installation, copper sweating, shingling a roof, tiling, and millwork. She is truly fearless. A Michigan native having made Arizona her home for the past 29 years. Her solid Midwestern work ethic are a perfect blend to collaborate with clients and trades.

Source: Taube Photography and Simon Photographic

Interior designer Monica Sullivan co-founded Moxie Design Studio in 2012 with Michelle Pierce. Together this designing duo have been a creative force.

Monica and Michelle shared with LuxePros and over 300 guests the best of their talents, inspirations, and techniques at a LuxePros Launch for a contemporary million-dollar listing in the heart of Paradise Valley.

After all, in the end, doesn’t it just come down to spaces with a sense of history and adventure that become part of people’s biography?

So let’s explore your history. Monica, what in your past inspired you to pursue design?

MS: I’ve been doing interior design since I was very young, starting with my first “house” that my grandpa built as my play house. I painted it, put furniture inside, and helped my grandma design the drapes! My passion has only grown since. Then it wasn’t more than a hobby until I went to school to get my Bachelor’s in Interior Design and took it to the professional level. I’m in love with what I do!

And Michelle, what was your muse?

MP: My father was a General Contractor and lured me away from my 10-year “stint” in office furnishings to work with him doing new business development, sales, and construction estimating. I thought taking a general overview interior design course would be fun and would align well with my new venture. It wasn’t long before my soul started humming and I was absolutely hooked! I felt all the pieces of my life come together in a profession where I could marry my business background and with my life-long love of all things creative. And so, the next chapter of my life-journey began.

If I was a client, Michelle what could I expect from you in style?

MP: I’m a very eclectic individual, although I generally lean towards a more transitional feel with a splash of Metropolitan.

What is your signature touch Michelle?

MS: I don’t necessarily like to say that I have a signature style although I do consider myself pretty eclectic. I might say a “Gypsy Interior Designer.” I take the client’s design preferences and add my own flair to make a space unique, sylish, and fitting to their specific requests.

What inspires you? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

MS: My inspiration comes from places that I’ve experienced, whether it be in another country, another state, another house that I find amazing or a website or blog with inspirational ideas. There is inspiration in all that surrounds us. Everything that I experience draws me in and grabs my attention.

The brands a designer gravitates toward helps tell the story. Which design brands do you love the most?

MS: There are so many design brands from which to choose. A few of my absolute favorites are: Maya Romanoff with their amazing wallcoverings; Hubbardton Forge Lighting; Holly Hunt furniture; Brizo plumbing fixtures; and Donghia fabrics.

And you Michelle? What are your go to brands?

MP: Marge Carson, Barbara Berry, Bernhardt, Currey & Company, Hickory Chair, Maya Romanoff, Phillip Jeffries, Walker Zanger, Ann Sacks … the list goes on and on!

Are the colors, textures, and techniques found in the show house reflect what you typically gravitate to in furniture design?

MS: I prefer neutral colors and organic textures on contemporary style furniture with a hint of charm and character. Modern organic with a twist of vintage.

MP: I absolutely love color. I love texture. And, I love furniture … ‘nuf said

What is your philosophy on design and life? Are you as fun as you both sound?

MS: Enjoy life and all its opportunities. Embrace your surroundings and yourself. Love life. Love your space.

MP: Successful design has a tremendous effect on our client’s lives. We create environments that work for them in whatever facet of life they’re in while harmoniously blending their treasures with new pieces that effortlessly showcase their personalities, tastes, and preferences. I’m a firm believer in our work should be a true reflection of the home owner – not the designer. I also believe that successful design encompasses far more than the product we deliver. It’s about the experience we create and provide our clients.

As a final thought, give our readers three words that best describe you.

MS: Sincere. Creative. Adventurous.
MP: Multi-faceted. Energetic. Fun.

Photography: Simon Photographic

Who says a neutral palette should stop at beige.

Clean lines and fresh colors make for a bedroom look created by Sujaya Reddy of 7 Dimensions that is timeless, sophisticated, and serene. With a color scheme of dove gray, pale biscuit, and earthy taupe, it’s easy to pair fabrics and furniture.

The wood panels establish scale consistent throughout the space. The linen-upholstered headboard gets a graphic boost from the art panels by Bobbi McMurry and Organic Looms patterned rug.

Modern or classic, this crisp, smart look offers a low-key luxe style that’s easy to live with and transforms a bedroom into a space of tranquility.

Sujaya Reddy is one of the award-winning interior designers that created the master bedroom and bathroom for the Paradise Valley Designer Showhouse. Her favorite hobby is oil painting; landscapes in particular. She began painting as a teenager with no formal painting education. Some of her paintings are about 4′ to 5′ tall as seen below.

She has spent 16 years of her professional career primarily in information technology with Fortune 500 companies. In 2012, she missed the creativity of painting and left IT for design school.

As soon as summer goes from hot to over the top hot, “work appropriate” attire quickly becomes unbearable and unwearable.

Unfortunately, simply popping out a few softer colors won’t beat the heat outside and won’t help with the freeze when inside.

Follow these 7 simple and actionable tips to Rock Your Office Dress Code When It’s 100 Degrees Outside.

#1 Single Layers

Like the blazer look? Then lose the lining. Chances are your blazer lining has a high percentage of acrylic tissue.

Unlined blazers generally have softer lines, due to their lighter weight, giving your body a little room to breathe. A sharp polished style without all the heat.

Shamask linen sweater vest; $795
Joie Mehira blazer in chambray; $298
Berek “Daisy” lace blazer; $238

Other options are lace tops and cardigans. Softer, less constricting fabrics leave allow your skin to release the heat, keep the cold air off your back, and keep your look professional at the same time!

Go for unlined dresses and skirts if they are not transparent when backlit. In this case, opt for unlined items and wear a light-weight, high-quality slip.

#2 Natural Fabrics

Unless you work in a gym, as cool and comfortable as they are, hi-tech sportswear fabrics do not belong in the office. Instead, natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, summer cashmere and natural woven fabrics.

“Loretta” dress by Elie Tahari features scrolling trim down neckline and center front; $348
Eileen Fisher organic linen jersey tunic in your choice of color; $178
Mini dress in linen blend with medallion embroidery by kate spade new York; $498

Some fabrics, like linen, wrinkle easily. If this is a no can do for you, try a blend of natural and acrylic fibers. These blends are cooler, more wrinkle-resistant, and polished. Fine cotton blends or crepe de chine are perfect fabrics for fine, hot weather clothing choices.

#3 Wear Light Colors

Rebecca Taylor mini dress in optic tweed; $475
Lela Rose midi skirt with scalloped lace and edge; $1,295
Veronica Beard shirting top in stripes; $250

Women’s business casual summer wardrobe should avoid all black or deep blue clothing as they absorb heat. Unless your company dress code requires, think lighter colors.
Opt for lighter colors; whites, beige, and pastels help to reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing all that heat.

#4 Think Soft and Wide

Diane von Furstenberg linen-blend culottes; $368
Nanette Lepore “Hook Up” pants in cotton blend; $398
Badgley Mischka pique dress; $440

Loose fitting clothes like polished palazzo pants, wide leg pants, or trapeze style dresses that look amazing on women in the summer outfits. Leave the super relaxed, boho styles for the weekend.

#5 Don’t Forget Your Feet

Most offices have relatively relaxed shoe-codes, so unless your job requires protective footwear, there are great options out there.

Manolo Blahnik mesh bootie with sequin and floral appliqués; $2,135
Christian Louboutin floral-embroidered velvet pump with patent leather trim; $1,795
Christian Louboutin napa leather pump, decorated with spikes in geometric formation; $995

If you are one of the well-heeled set and are drawn to pumps, peeps-toes and d’Orsay pumps are great options to keep your toes cooler. Footwear summer trends are adorned and embellished with studs, flowers, and beading. Sure to catapult your ensemble to new heights.

Flip flops or beach sandals are never appropriate office wear. Neither are sneakers, as cute as they are. There are tons of kitten heels, flats, and perforated. With the many exquisite perforated styles, all shoe lovers can find some fashion respite and keep your feet breathing!

Jimmy Choo suede mule sandal in galaxy star print with floral embroidery and nailhead studs; $1,275
Balenciaga satin fabric mule pump; $665
Alexander Wang leather mule sandal; $550

One final thought. Mules are trending this summer and are super cute in and out of the office, but never when you need a pedi. Do it!

#6 Separates

Due to more frequent washing, sunlight, and less colorfastness of natural fabrics, most of our summer clothing is like a very expensive summer fling. Buy quality but opt for less pieces and focus on more mixability.

Christian Louboutin dyed calf hair (Italy) tote bag with mixed-stud trim; $2,890
Valentino leather shoulder bag with beaded embellishments; $375
Kendra Scott “Dani” statement earrings; $130

Choose neutral colors for basics like slacks, dresses, and jackets. Then have some fun with colors in your handbag, jewelry, and shoes. Two to three neutral blazers, suits, and cardigans are enough to allow you to create many different outfits.

#7 Find a Summer Do

InStyle Magazine

No matter your morning ritual, it is almost guaranteed wind and heat will not be your friend throughout the day. Experiment with different updos like topknots, twists, and simple ponytails. They’ll keep you cooler and you can rock those fabby new earrings!

Choosing the right fabrics, colors, styles, and accessories can change your attitude and overall workday experience. Eliminating inappropriate items from your summer wardrobe will make dressing a breeze. And a little less morning frustration will increase your productivity as well as your self-confidence.

Spend a few hours over the weekend to get things in order and try a few different hair style. Come Monday, take a double take in the mirror and hear yourself say, “You’re rocking the cool girl!”

We’d love to hear about your personal closet updates? Please share your thoughts below!

TAGS: #SUMMERWEAR #WHATTOWEARWHEN100+ #BECOOLANDHOT #ROCKYOURLOOK #SUMMEROFFICE #BUSINESSCOOL #COOLLOOKS

Laura Eagan, Certified Kitchen Designer, is universally known for her ability to create stunningly modern, yet classic kitchens and baths, ensuring spaces are extraordinary and clients are happy.

It’s common knowledge these rooms are the workhorses of the home. As such, a kitchen and bath designer must utilize the highest level of planning and keep a strong focus on homeowner requirements whilst considering things like the future resale value of a home.

It was just this blend of referral that captured our attention and prompted our team to invite Laura to participate in LuxePros’ first experience of 2017.

A multi-million dollar listing is far more frequent in today’s real estate market. Each property launch requiring a unique approach to market the listing to the right buyers. Vying for the attention of this smaller buying pool, real estate brokers host open houses of wine, cheese, with a quick tour, hoping for at best, 50 or so attendees, which is considered a smashing success. Resale listings often present other challenges such as existing decor or dated finishes making it quite difficult for many clients to realize the potential beauty of the home.

The invitation to include Laura along with other top design teams to conceptually redesign the spaces, catapulted attendance to a captive audience of 200+ brokers, industry affiliates, and homeowners to experience the potential of this Phoenix Metropolitan luxury property.

Laura fielded questions on how to achieve a perfectly functioning and stunning kitchen, bath, or laundry design in spaces no longer viable for today’s families. As timing would have it, she had just attended The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2017 just weeks before and was ever so thrilled to be the first to share innovative technology to her focused listeners.

Her enthusiasm was felt among the guests, as she walked away that evening with several new clients. It was clear to all that spoke with Laura, she is not only a visionary with an eye for design as well as ability to complete projects beyond expectations, she absolutely loves creating those much-loved spaces.

We look forward to Laura’s participation at future events and in referring her out to our readership as a LuxePro.

What does luxury have to do with a paperless office?

More than you think! Today’s luxury is more than fine trappings and high-end labels, luxury is a way of life that beings and ends with your day-to-day activities.

It’s given that since starting in the workforce, our surroundings have changed. Office spaces have become streamlined, shared spaces more popular, and we often work from home or on the road. Organizing workspaces into paperless environments has become normal and quite frankly, expected. Think about it. How often are you asked for a file while out for coffee or sitting in a client’s office? A few clicks later, the file has been delivered.

Unless of course, your files are a digital mess.

Organizing digital files is just as simple as organizing files before you went paperless. The “folder” analogy used with organizing digitals files is the same as the hanging and manila folders you used with physical documents. In fact, it’s a whole lot easier.

Consider the physical paper workflow. You probably got a document in the mail, reviewed it, two-hole-punched it, and then added it to a manila folder, which is then put in a hanging file and stored in your filing cabinet. Or, you simply tossed it into a basket on your desk and boxed it up at the end of the project. A paperless workflow is similar, sans the tossing it in a basket.

Digital environments require, with the advent of digital signatures and email, a few right clicks and a quick save right to your computer. The occasional snail mail may find you scanning before filing in a folder on your computer. That folder is the 2-hole backer, which should be located within a folder for the client (manila folder) that is then stored in a /Client Files folder (the red rope or hanging file) in your filing cabinet (hard drive).

Simple, right? Yes, but improper filing can lead to a host of issues. However, implementing a few tried and true techniques will allow one segment of your life to be relatively effortless.

Folder Structure

Instead of a filing cabinet, I have various folders representing my file cabinets. For this discussion, we’ll use /LuxePros. Inside that folder are sub-folders (hanging files) for all my files such as /Collateral for logos, business card templates and other items that brand LuxePros, /Marketing, /Notes and Research, /Memberships, /Insurance, /Website, /Events, and a host of others. Each of these files then has sub-files (manila folders). For instance, in /Client Files I have subfolders that are labeled with a file number and the client’s last name or company name, /#### – Client Name. From there I have more subfolders such as /Documents, /Drafts, /Correspondence, /Financial, and with those further sub-folders. Creating a wonderful tree of amazing organization and easy recall when I need it.

There is just a specific rule that goes with /Documents. No drafts. Nothing goes in /Documents unless it has been finalized and, if appropriate, signed and is in PDF form. No editable files such as Word as they are malleable drafts that may look dissimilar on different computers, and can be easily edited. PDFs are documents and for most intents and purposes, cannot be edited and appear the same on all computers.

I also have an /Archive folder in my /Client Files folder with a subfolder for each year. At the end of each year, I drag inactive files into the archive folder for that year. It helps keep my /Client Files uncluttered and makes for easy search for a client since the name will come up under one search in the Client Files.

New Folder Template

Once I have something that works, I am a firm believer in not recreating it a second time. Under /Templates, I keep a /New Client Folders handy with all the basics for several types of projects along with a host of sub-files (not shown):

I also have templates for all current forms such letterhead, envelopes, tracking spreadsheets, contracts, marketing templates in /New Forms Templates. Keeping these items in one folder rather than in the above client folder template allows me to keep collateral together and easily make identified changes in one spot, giving me assurance, I will be consistent in implementing those changes. Same with the subfolders. As I go along, if I decide it would be handy to have a certain folder, I add it to the templates and then never have to think about it again.

When I begin a new client relationship I make a copy of the folder template and save it to the newly created /#### – Client Name in /Client Files. Then to complete the new client folder, I add copies of the appropriate forms by scrolling through the /New Forms Template and dragging them in.

File Numbers

I use consecutive numbering for my client file numbers. You might use the date the contract was signed or simply rely on the clients’ names. When looking for a client I find the client name to be the most important for searching purposes. The consecutive numbering just helps bring another level of order into my system for sorting purposes.

I also find matter numbers to be quite helpful. This is probably a throw-back from my legal days, but it’s a great habit to get into if you want to know how many jobs you did that were similar in nature. For instance, assigning the series, -10## being assigned to General, -20## for Color Selection, -30## Remodels, etc. and then replacing ## with 01, 02, 03 to represent the number of repeat jobs for that type of work for the client, your files will look something like this:

I know from quickly glancing at the folder tree that I did 2 remodels for the Travis’s, a room addition in 1999 and the kitchen in 2015, selected colors for both the Kitchen and Master Bedroom, in 1998 and 2000, respectively, and then probably just purchased a few items here and there. All without opening a file.

In our law firm, we also use a matter series: -10## Estate Planning, -11## Estate Planning with Trust, -20## Probate, -30## Prenup, -40## Formation, -50## Real Estate, -60## Tax. Each being set up with appropriate subfolders in our /New Client Folders. Keeping all the client’s files neatly categorized and saving the client money since we don’t have to go searching through voluminous paper files.

Document Naming

I also find that document naming is as important as client and matter number creation. I use dates to start filenames beginning with the year first: yyyy.mm.dd Filename and adding DRAFT or EXECUTED as appropriate, yyyy.mm.dd DRAFT Filename. Starting with the year keeps things chronological versus starting with the month helping in recall as to the sequence of events. I prefer to separate the elements of the date with periods to make it easier to read the date when looking at a list of files and saving the hyphens when needed in a document name. DRAFT and EXECUTED in all caps so it visually pops.

With proper folder creation and use, you should be able to easily find documents in client folders. And with a simple search, recalling information for yearly reporting, insurance calculations, as well as similar client examples will be a snap.