Jake Sandoval

We’ve all familiar with that January refrain: New Year! New Me! New Resolutions! New Plan! New Everything! We have all been gripped with that frenzy of energy that comes with symbolically kicking the last 365 days to the curb—only to be overwhelmed by everything that stretches out before us, waiting to be changed. While we can’t claim to holding the secret to following through on your resolutions, we can offer some guidelines on where to start, especially when it comes to making your home feel as fresh as the new year!

Easy on the Eyes

Photo by Jen Jones (I Heart Organizing)

Do you lose your line of sight as soon as you open the pantry? Looked at the same spot in your cupboards five times without seeing the thing right in front of your face? The human eye can be easily fooled; make it easier on yourself by upping the contrast and painting the back of your cupboards a different color. A slate grey or deep blue can offset white cabinetry perfectly, or a splash of bright red or yellow could be the missing pop of color to add some warmth and life to your kitchen. It’s a small project, but it can make a big, bold difference!

Paint It Black

According to Houzz.com, one of the hot new trends to keep an eye out for in 2018 will be matte black appliances and hardware. After the gleaming luster of brass and the history-rich luxury of aged gold and copper, all of which took hold as popular trends last year, the bold impact of a solid black surface will certainly make a statement. Similar to the effect of minimalist white interiors, a matte black finish soothes the eye and calms the feel of the entire room—but where white adds a feeling of space and light, black adds depth and sophistication. Re-finish some of your surfaces or hardware, or think about replacing your existing ones, and re-make your bathroom or kitchen into a suave, muted escape.

Things are Looking Up!

Take inspiration from this photo by Wonderlane of a rustic home in Guadalajara

We spend a fair amount of time preoccupied with how to decorate the walls of our home: paintings, wallpapers, hip paint colors that shift from year to year, paneling and wainscoting, etc. But how often do we think about how we can add some personality and dimension to the fifth wall of any room—the ceiling? You would be surprised how much difference even the subtlest change to your ceiling can make to the overall atmosphere. Think about stripping your walls of their outdated wallpaper and picking a fresh design to decorate the top of your room instead. Add a few choice pieces of antique and vintage ceiling lamps or chandeliers to create character! Or if you’re looking for something a little more crafty, but not too strenuous, you can always follow the example of Atlantis Home blogger Judy Aldridge and install your own custom ceiling beams. The inexpensive project will instantly take any room from stifling and drab to something with dimension and dynamism.

Don’t Get Tangled Up

The longer you stay in one house—with your family growing and gradually making it your home—the more clutter naturally collects. Of course, most of that “clutter” is important and necessary for both practical reasons and sentimental reasons, but there is a fine line between keeping thorough records and keeping a hoard. Don’t get so caught up in re-organizing and beautifying your storage areas that you forget that not everything should make the cut. Before you think about how to transform a crowded office into a neat work station, consider first whether all of the folders on that desk are completely necessary. If your kitchen cabinets are looking overstuffed with mugs, maybe the solution is not installing hooks and finding creative new ways to stack them, but sending some of the old ones on their way to Goodwill. A fresh year isn’t just about building on what you have—it can also be just as beneficial and liberating to prune away the old growth and make room for the new.

Luxe Pros news inspires exquisite design through access, excellence, and inspiration. Find Luxury Pros connects you with premiere luxury professionals.

Soft white cabinetry, gleaming pottery, the artful roughness
of galvanized metal and worn wood: these are the tell-tale signs of a home slowly
giving in to rising tide of the farmhouse aesthetic. This return-to-roots
movement—which goes hand in hand with the growing interest in DIY homemaking—is
the current darling of Pinterest personalities and HGTV gurus, but how can you
achieve this popular look on your own? Here are five core tenets to keep in
mind when transforming your home into a country escape.  

The Importance of the Porch

When the farmhouse architectural style was first emerging, its
iconic features were all born out of practicality, including the essential front
porch. Although the transitional space may no longer be used to prevent the
grime of daily fieldwork from making its way into the home, it’s still vital to
capturing that farmhouse feeling. Here in the desert, porches aren’t especially
common, so if you already have one, you’re one step ahead of the rest! If you
don’t have the time or the extra money to dedicate to adding one, or if it
simply wouldn’t make architectural sense with the rest of your house, don’t
worry. You can still recall the welcoming feeling of a porch by adding a few reminiscent
touches, such as a rocking chair or bench and a rustic sign. It’s important to
make the right first impression, and a porch/front area can do just that,
before your guests even enter the house!

Formal and Informal Space

So, you’ve decked your porch and front door with vintage
trimmings—what next? From the moment your visitors step over the threshold, it
should be evident that they are in a living space designed to welcome them. In
a traditional farmhouse, the front room or rooms were for family gatherings and
receiving guests; it was a public space, as opposed to the kitchen, which would
have been at the back of the house, and the bedrooms, which would usually be on
the second story. If you’re looking for an excuse to re-organize and make your
home feel fresh again, here it is! Turn your front rooms into an open, social
space: a central sitting area with a large couch or antique-style armchairs, accented with handmade and vintage goods. 

Rethinking Storage

When the farmhouse style emerged in the 1700s, the average
American accumulated far less material goods than we do today, and dedicated storage
spaces such as closets would have seemed unnecessary. Furniture pieces such as
trunks and dressers would have been much more practical back then—today, you
can use those same pieces for their aesthetic value. A weathered antique trunk
for linens or quilts adds a homey touch to any room, and rescuing and
distressing a drab dresser can be the perfect project for your spare time! For
areas where storage is more of a necessity, like the kitchen, think about
making use of open cabinetry and hooks so that your assortment of rustic-style
cookware and crockery can be on proud display—and easier to grab when you’re
making dinner!

White Ironstone China

Speaking of crockery, perhaps the real mark of someone dedicated
to the farmhouse aesthetic is your very own collection of white ironstone
chinaware. This distinctive style of pottery emerged around the same time as farmhouse
architecture, so they tend to go aesthetically hand in hand, especially the later
pieces which frequently incorporate agricultural motifs. Genuine white
ironstone can span a wide range of prices, dependent upon what kind of piece
you’re hunting for—cake stands are rare and worth at least a couple hundred,
but more common pieces like handless teacups usually sit around $30. Individual
plates can be found for under ten, if you want to engage in some tasteful mismatching,
or between $30 and $60 for complete sets.

Some helpful guides for what to look
for when you’re getting started can be found here and here.

Wood Paneling

One of the best ways to achieve the farmhouse look is to
incorporate elements of wood paneling where you can. Traditionally these elements
would have been whitewashed, but you can also change things up a bit by
choosing a darker color in order to make other white accents stand out. Shiplap
is in the forefront of many home designer’s minds, thanks to shows such as HGTV’s
Fixer Upper, and can be a great way
to instantly add texture and a feeling of history to a room. You can also
consider incorporating beadboard wainscoting for a subtler and less
labor-intensive approach.

Header photo credit

First Year, First Act:

The iconic neighborhood at the base of the very chic Biltmore Hotel.

It made sense that Paradise on the Greens, fondly dubbed, became the location to host our first experiential event. Just like Frank Lloyd Wright and Albert Chase McArthur, Wright’s former student, collaborated to make the Arizona Biltmore “Jewel of the Desert” Resort into something beautiful and beneficial to the community, the interior design and real estate vocations came together to collaborate on a project of their own. 

Beginning with a 4-bedroom, 5-bath estate on the Biltmore Golf Course, a dream home in a high-end community, spanning over 5,701 square feet on .77 course-front acres. With soaring trey ceilings and wall-to-wall windows, this paradise became a haven for gazing at beautiful greens while connecting with old friends and forging new business opportunities.

Eight designers took on the challenge of conceptualizing the restoration of this stunning property, bringing together the basis for our first experiential networking event in the elite Biltmore neighborhood. Over 100 guests joined us in celebrating the March of Dimes, dazzling us with their talents, and debuting the Broker + Design Open Lifestyle event. More than just fun and games, company sponsors have enjoyed countless new clients and sales, with Estrella Cabinetry recently reporting revenues exceeding $90,000 resulting from the evening’s connections. Bravo!

Denise Sottile designs a contemporary getaway in the heart of Paradise Valley.

Situated by Camelback Mountain and surrounded by mature trees, builder/agent Denise Sottile brought her “Modern Luxury” contemporary design style to the newly built private enclave. A five bedroom, 5-1⁄2-bathroom home in the heart of the Valley’s most prestigious neighborhood, spaces reflecting chic, modern style with luxe touches. The SoCal life with a hint of unexpected subtleties describes this contemporary desert getaway designed in a warm gray color palette. The rooms reflected a modern sophisticated vibe, incorporating custom lighting, furniture, curated artwork and sparkling waters that provided the essence of a bright and airy coastal community. 

It was here we featured our first staged-to-own Broker Open and Modern Luxury Lifestyle event. Over 500 in attendance exchanging thoughts and connections at this one of a kind experiential event. 

Chef Billy Sims of Nine Degrees North Catering brought to the table a wonderful all-around dining experience prepared and enjoyed alfresco … their Fresh Herb & Parmesan Rissoto would be my choice for a most delish last supper. C-CAP our charity of choice wasn’t the only winner this evening as guests walked away with prizes, and designers with product sales and multiple offers to bid on interior design jobs ranging from big to small throughout the valley.

Exuding country charm and beauty, Arcadia has experienced a design renaissance.

Fairytale citrus trees in classic, beautifully preserved architecture, pastel-painted stucco facades, and manicured gardens are just a few of the things that make this southwestern neighborhood wonderful to visit and live. Arcadia has attracted a coterie of designers, athletes, and makers with its charming allure. As most visitors will say, it might be simply impossible to have a bad meal or view in Arcadia with its many restaurants and glorious mountain views. These sensory experiences are wholeheartedly embraced as is biking along the canal. Nearly 39 glorious miles from east of Scottsdale through Phoenix and into Peoria.

With a finger on the pulse of all Arcadia happenings, interior designers and artists came together to return this 6,000+/- home to its glorious splendor. A two-story, Classic California style stucco home fused with charming views and the best of intriguing architecture and big, beautiful design. Built in 2010, the spacious residence was designed by one of Arizona’s own, architect Mike Higgins, as a private home. The estate features original detailing including the coffered tongue and groove ceilings, beautiful rich wood flooring, and custom cabinetry. All unveiled Thanksgiving weekend with our first release of the Luxury Design Showcase. 

Adding the element of shopping for the holidays with stunning hand-crafted jewelry from C. Horton Designs were quite popular as were the masterful display of paintings and bronzes. Custom gallery brought to guests by local artists and Desert Mountain Fine Art representing some of my personal newly discovered favs, B.C. Nowlin and Paige Bradley. For more contemporary, yet approachable and equally stunning artwork, Gail Morris from Bonner David Galleries brought great impact to our walls.

Raising almost $6,000 in funds for Free Arts and a round of applause for the next act, the Luxury Design Showcase was an absolute success!

The Second Act:

No sooner did the doors close than preparation began for the 2018 season. We look forward to the spring event scheduled for April 2018 with Ovarian Cancer and Colleen’s Dream as our nonprofits of choice. Plans are currently underway for an even more extensive and equally fabulous design event, introducing new and beloved talent and an array of stunning products. 

As we diligently campaign to run a longer and expanding show, so does our need for sponsoring partners, docents, and designers. Requests continue to flow in for a robust seasonal fashion element, technology in home demonstrations, in-depth speaking engagements, and sleek, sexy vehicles.

Fall 2018 will bring the latest home fashions and holiday design with ample time to enjoy shopping for those special gift items.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: For information about advertising in LuxePros or with its media partner, please contact Allison Thompson at athompson@LuxePros.com or call Susan Solliday at 602.690.4238.

You’ve wrangled the family together under one roof for the
holidays, brought out the lovably kitsch sweaters to see the light of day once
more, and are frantically trying to guess the perfect, individualized gift for
everyone you know; it may be marketed as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,
but it can often feel like The Most Stressful Time. Having to make your house reception-ready
to host unexpected guests—perhaps Did I
mention I’m bringing my boyfriend home for Christmas? or Well, Dad and I just thought we’d travel
down for New Year’s Eve! or Say,
wouldn’t your house work great for the company white elephant party? sounds
familiar—would just be the star on the tree, so to speak. Here are some quick
tips to help transform your home into a dazzling winery wonderland in a pinch.

Upgrade Your Garland

If, like many of us, you have a forgotten, bunched-up artificial garland somewhere in
your box of holiday decorations, this is the perfect way to breathe new life
into it and make it into a designer-worthy piece. If not, you can find one at
low cost at most grocery stores this time of year, or your local Target. As
seen on HGTV’s blog, it can be easy and fun to make even the dinkiest string of
fake needles into a lush, festive piece. Make a quick trip to the closest Christmas
tree seller or nursery, and ask for clippings, from a variety of trees if
possible. Then, using the garland itself or with floral wire, attach sprigs and
branches along the length of the garland, add some branches of artificial
berries from your local craft store, some fairy lights, some ribbon, and voila!
A thick, fragrant strand of winter splendor, ready to drape over the banister
of your front porch or wind along your mantle.

Silver and Gold

Picture and Craft from Tater Tots and Jello

Another easy way to decorate is to transform objects you already
have on hand or things you can easily find at no cost to you. Pick up one can
each of silver and gold spray paint, and select your chosen items—if you have
kids in the house, it’s fun to make this into a game! You can go with them to
collect pine cones from the nearest park, or have them sort through old toy
figurines for holiday-suitable ones such as deer, trees, birds, rabbits, etc.
Next (away from the kids this time) take your things outside and spray away! Try
to have an equal mix of both silver and gold, or if you already have a holiday
color scheme going, stick to which ever one of the two complements it best. Once
they completely covered and left out to dry, distribute your new shining
decorations around the house! If you were using pine cones, arranging them in a
bowl or a vase as a centerpiece is a great touch to any family room or dining
table.

Little Lights

For this table craft, all you need are glass containers,
such as small vases or candle holders, some greenery, tea lights, and tap
water. Visit one of the many local, artisan flowershops in the Valley—such as CamelbackFlowershop, Foothills Floral Gallery, or Rowan Tree in Tempe, to name a few—and
grab your favorite holiday greenery, whether it be holly, eucalyptus, rosemary,
or ferns. Or you can also use the leftover Christmas tree clippings from the
first craft! Add something to give it color: fresh cranberries, an orange wheel
slice, or a few springs of baby’s breath will brighten the arrangement. Then
simply add water, float a tea light candle on top, and you have yourself
simple, elegant luminaries to line your dining room table with and spark
conversation.

Smells Like Home

One of the simplest and most low-effort ways of adding that
special something certain to impress any guest that crosses your threshold is to
have the right candle burning when you begin your reception. Our sense of smell
has a powerful connection with our emotions, and making the right first
impression can set the tone for the entire evening. Local artisan candle-makers
Burn Candle Company and Vim and Vigor Candle Company both offer a selection of sophisticated
and unique scented candles to choose from. Scents such as Holiday Bonfire or Holly
Berry + Fir are the perfect finishing touch to a home already decked in stylish
winter cheer. Even if you do not have the time for anything else, a strong festive
scent can be enough to get the mood going and bring back happy memories of holidays
past.

If you’ve been up to date with all of the latest and greatest in the Valley (which you can easily become by joining our subscribers!) then perhaps you heard the buzz around our first Luxury Design Showcase, a smashing success of creative collaboration.

If life got in the way of attending the sprawling Arcadia home, however, fear not—you can still revel in all of its glory right here! Join us on a virtual tour as we cover each artfully curated space, room by room.

Foyer

Scottsdale Interior Design Group (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

The first taste of our designer’s collective imagining of a dream house waits to greet you as soon as you cross the threshold. The transformation of this space was the purview of the design team behind Scottsdale Interior Design Group, Jackie Funkhouser and Karen Clothier. They were drawn to the foyer, they say, because of the importance of a good first impression. “Our goal is to leave you wanting to see the rest of the home based on the glamorous feel of the entry,” say Jackie and Karen. “The favorite elements of our design are the gorgeous organic wool silk rug and the incredible brass console with the goatskin wrapped top. They ground our design with class and style and give a luxurious feel to the entire home.” This slick, chic space soothes the eye and entices you further inside to experience the rest of the house.

Kitchen 

(Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

The spacious, gourmet kitchen, although not personally arranged by an individual designer, stands all on its own merits as the pride of any family. “The custom cabinetry is gorgeous,” says Susan Solliday, our principal here at LuxePros. “This kitchen is a chef’s dream with double farmhouse style limestone sinks and Sub Zero and Thermador appliances.” Created in collaboration with sponsors such as Estrella Cabinetry and Beyond Stone Solutions, this state-of-the-art kitchen dazzles with its classic white palette and stone countertops, which reflect the plentiful light from the sink window overlooking the house’s backyard. The perfect place to create a feast befitting the grandeur of the rest of the house!

Garden Room

Duneier Design (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

Also enjoying generous light from the garden, and a beautiful view afforded by the glass doors is the room that was the brainchild of Jennifer Biffer of Duneier Design. Using child and pet-friendly materials, Jennifer sought to create “a serene garden room that combines the

modern way families live today with the traditional feel of the architecture of the home.” She goes on: “[T]he modern art and clean lines of the furnishings speak to the trend of easy living that is simultaneously elegant, beautiful, and functional.” The soothing Atlantic blue of the walls calms the spirit and is a harmonious compliment to the lush backyard, while the large mirrors leaning against the back wall reflect the light and enhance the feeling of being surrounded by the serene outdoors. Harmony of color and modern sensibilities are the perfect compliment to the organic energy of the garden.

Patio

Bella More Interior Design (Photo: Virtuance)

Curated by the practiced eye of Karen Mandarino from Bella More Interior Design, the patio is a refined but relaxed space to enjoy the spacious backyard and the temperate climate of Arizona autumns and winters. great family home calls for a little fun with patio seating. Karen advises, “A great family home calls for a little fun with patio seating. Mix it up in a playful juxtaposition of fresh, soft colors and refreshing patterns, the foundation for this backyard paradise.” The patterned upholstery on the furniture and the sculpture of two children running joyfully toward the large pool give the entire garden a sense of welcoming vivacity. 

Conversation Room

Quite Lovely Design (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

“I love a conversation room with year-round appeal,” says Beth Donlan, head of Quite Lovely Design. “This home sets the trend in both use of space and statement ceilings. No details overlooked, even down to the custom fretwork air grates.” She has enhanced the existing elegance of the room with a sleek palette of pale blue, silvery greys, and whites, using plush textures to make you feel like you can recline and regale each other at complete ease. She describes her take on the space: “Warm and welcoming, a luxurious modern update to a traditional setting. Bright brass, lavish wool seats along with a velvet settee, make for a sophisticated space for cocktails and conversation.”

Great Room

7 Dimension (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

The designer who decided to tackle the high ceiling and expansive spread of the great room was none other than Sujaya Reddy, owner of 7 Dimensions. A mix of sharp lines and organic shapes balance the energy of the space, while the area rug provides a nice pop of brightness against the more natural color palette. “The colors of warm gray and neutrals form the basis of the furniture arrangement in the family room,” Sujaya explains. “[I used] a juxtaposition of warm wood tones and organic elements, creating a natural backdrop to the nature outside.” The glass wall between the room and the backyard can fold away to even further enlarge the room so that inside and outside flow effortlessly together. The harmony that Sujaya creates between refined modernity and a cultivated natural presence creates a room that would be bound to impress any guests it receives.

Retreat for Two (Guest Room + Bath)

RoomService (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

“The beautiful fireplace, dry bar, and sumptuous bath offered itself as the perfect palette to create a luxurious retreat for two,” says mother-daughter team Joy and Mary Ann Hopkins behind Room Service. They transformed the combined room and bath into a lavish guest area full of class and charm. Joy and Mary Ann describe their take on the rooms as “an artful blending of possibilities and style.”

RoomService (Photo: Dino Tonn Photography)

Family Room + Bedrooms

The second floor of the extravagant Arcadia house is reserved for three ensuite bedrooms and the family game room. Away from the more open area of the first floor, where rooms transition from one to another with ease, this floor is the perfect private space for a family to unwind. With a large entertainment center and plenty of space for a game table or other activities, the carpeted rooms and peaked ceilings make for a much cozier feel for both bonding time and personal leisure. 

Don’t miss your next opportunity to experience unmatched luxury, and be sure to join us in April 2018 at the next Luxury Design Showcase!

Although the weather may not always seem to align with it,
it is finally the season of holiday decorating in the Valley of the Sun. There’s
nothing like that thrill of unpacking that dormant box of garlands, lights, and
household adornments and transforming your home into your own winter
wonderland. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for taking your
festive décor to the next level.

Deck Every Hall

It can be easy to get carried away in the whirlwind of transforming
your family room into the picture-perfect setting for gathering and
gifts—before you know it, you’ve run out of decorations for the rest of the
house. Try to disperse your materials so that each room has its own share of
the festivity. Even a few simple spare pine clippings in the nooks and crannies
can spread the holiday cheer throughout the rooms and make the entire house—and
not just the hearth—feel cozy and welcoming. Focus on a unifying color among
your accents: gold, red, green, or white are classics, of course, but there is
just as much appeal in icy silvers and blues, or even warm, rustic browns.

Twinkle, Twinkle

Who doesn’t love the annual pageantry of holiday lights?
Houses draped in flashing strings are a trademark of the winter season, but the
dazzle doesn’t all have to be reserved for the exterior of your home. With a
few strands of battery-powered LED fairy lights, Jennifer Biffer suggests, you
can weave some glitter and shine into any room. Try winding them along your
mantelpiece, or around some of your potted plants to make even the lowliest
succulent a star of the table. Battery packs are much easier to hide than the
long cord of traditional light strings and make it possible to drape them
anywhere you please, rather than only within reach of a power outlet.

Let it Grow

Winter may not be exactly known for its abundance of fresh
flora, but that doesn’t mean that the season is entirely bare. Evergreen plants
such as pine and eucalyptus, of course, are classic, always stunning, and can
be the perfect natural touch for a minimalist winter décor. If you opt for the
more colorful, however, there is still plenty to choose from. Many citrus trees
are beautifully ripe in the winter; some branches of bright oranges or
tangerines are the perfect contrast to cold weather. The vivid red of holly and
winterberry adds some traditional color to the mix. And if you have access to a
winter-blooming rosemary bush, then the silvery leaves, delicate blue flowers,
and heady fragrance of a couple fresh-cut sprigs are a sublime accent to any
winter floral arrangement.

O, Christmas Tree

If your household celebrates Christmas and is investing in
the pleasure of a tree for the season—whether natural or artificial—then you
know the pressure of delivering a vision that dazzles from every angle.
Contrast the grandeur of more traditional or family heirloom ornaments with the
understated polish of minimalist decorations, such as simple metal stars or
single-color globes, for a balanced aesthetic. Jennifer Biffer also offers some
key hints for taking your evergreen above and beyond the rest: instead of
opting for a traditional tree skirt, she suggests making a fun statement with a
decorative pot or pail—this is especially ideal for helping smaller trees
become just as spectacular as larger ones. You can also intersperse some curls
of ribbon along with your ornaments to fill space between the branches and add some
variation in shape and texture. To get more holiday decorating tips, watch Jennifer Biffer’s segment on Arizona Midday!

Beyond the exciting slew of talented designers and generous sponsors, beneath the dazzle of it all, what was the inaugural Luxury Design Showcase really about? Why transform a sprawling Arcadia home into a visual extravaganza of all the best in design that Arizona has to offer? It was not just an excuse to spend a day in a lavish house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Phoenix, although the draw of that is not to be discounted. “The Luxury Design Showcase explores the unique beauty and charm of luxury living in Arcadia,” said Lara Broadrick, Sales Professional with The Team/Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and event co-host. More importantly, however, it offered the chance to both experience and support the variety of art forms that Arizona professionals are excelling in every single day.

French Touch by Clo, Kimonos by Pauline Paquin, Burst by Ross Holzman

With a thriving arts community and a growing tourism industry, Phoenix is quickly becoming a new increasingly desirable destination city. First Fridays, exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum, shows at Gammage and the Herberger, new music venues like the Van Buren—all of this combines to paint a portrait of our Valley of the Sun as a vibrant center of innovation and creativity. Of course, Arizona also has a long-standing association with design and architecture, and these communities are also experiencing a thrilling rise in activity. The annual and prestigious Awards Gala for the Northern Arizona chapter of ASID, for instance, grows in attendance with each passing year, not to mention Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine’s Masters of the Southwest Awards night, and the newest contest for accolades, the upcoming debut of the RED Awards from Luxe Magazine.

Ghost Horse by Greg Albracht, Palavela, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams by Quite Lovely Design

This burgeoning cultural renaissance did not spring up out of nothing, however. The success of the arts is dependent upon a corresponding support base, both through financial contributions and promotional efforts. At the Luxury Design Showcase we assembled a variety of creative professionals in the hopes of endorsing all the ways in which the Arizona community is coming into its own. The Showcase featured Design Trend Talks throughout the day; speakers such as Laura Eagen from Estrella Cabinetry, Michael Levenberg of Buffalo Collection, Sheri Briles with Hinkley’s Lighting, and Randy Mungo of WI Pliance all highlighted exciting new areas of growth in the design world. The Showhouse’s walls were also graced with the stunning contributions of prestigious galleries such as Desert Mountain Fine Art and Bonner David Galleries, as well as works by independent artists, Lori Landis and Ross Holzman.

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona

More than all of this, however, a portion of our proceeds from ticket and art sales, as well as donations made throughout the event went to the benefit of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, a charity whose mission is to extend accessibility to an arts education to children from all walks of life and give them a positive, constructive, creative outlet. Susan Solliday, Chair of the Showcase and LuxePros Principal, said, “[The house is] such an exciting canvas to celebrate the debut of the bi-annual Showcase. The beautiful floor plan is the perfect palette for this year’s designers. We look forward to a successful event to raise needed funds for Free Arts.” Artwork created by children in the Free Arts programs was also featured throughout the house.

The Luxury Designer Showcase is a collaboration, above all else—it is about artists, professionals, and sponsors all bringing valuable skills, resources, or knowledge to the table to create something unforgettable. We could not have accomplished any of it without the support of ticket sales, so we were pleased to offer raffle drawings for luxury items and gifts for our attendees in return. Many thanks to everyone who joined us on November 21^st and 26^th—together with our designers and sponsors you helped us transform one Arcadia house into the ultimate luxury home experience.

Missed out on this event, look for the next Luxury Design Showcase home in the Spring of 2018. 

The best-designed rooms follow a cohesive vision from top to
bottom—looking down should continue the experience, not stop it short. While
I’m sure some of us know that the hunt for the perfect area rug can haunt you
for months, with the aid and expertise of our next sponsor, it doesn’t have to
be an impossible quest.

Organic Looms will be adorning several of the floors in our
Arcadia home with their unique, artisan creations. Organic Looms’ three
locations in Chicago, Denver, and our very own Scottsdale provide the
state-side grounding points for a global endeavor in pursuit of the finest
designs and materials for rugs. Their ability and willingness to customize
anything from the size and shape to even the coloration of their rugs make them
the perfect choice for the discerning client with specialized needs or precise
taste.

Founded ten years ago by Chicagoan Christopher Frederick,
Organic Looms continues to pursue his mission of providing rugs of exceptional
quality for reasonable prices, and sourced from skilled artisans and natural
materials. Each of their rugs is hand-knotted on a vertical loom before being
cut to your specifications and shipped to the United States. Christopher’s
extensive experience with the design and building industry, when combined with
his true love of world travel and the environments and peoples he experiences, allow
him and his company to offer one of the best sources of sustainable, ethical,
and high-quality rugs on the market today.

Looking for a unique statement piece or artisan good to add to your living room? Trying to find the right creative mind for your next improvement project? Join us at the inaugural Luxury Designer Showcase and see why Phoenix is one of the most innovative and diverse design destinations. Experience a stunning showcase of established talents and rising stars in the world of home design.