Decorating Guides

City View: Phoenix Style Blooms in the Desert

June 28, 2019

Spanish colonial revival layout is still a big part of style from Phoenix, Arizona, but layout this is getting more modern, filled with unexpected color and more in tune with the desert scenery. “The hardest misconception that we face as architects in Phoenix is that the desert is a harsh, unfriendly environment which needs to be shielded out,” says architect Mark Tate of Tate Studio Architects. “If known and respected, the desert can be an extremely economical and relaxing place to call home. Understanding these challenges and always trying to find the option to the status quo are the keys to finding innovative solutions to living in the desert.”

We’ve asked layout professionals at the Phoenix/Scottsdale region to weigh in and reveal what makes a layout distinctly Phoenix, trends on the rise in Phoenix and the largest misconceptions about Phoenix style.

Hallmark Interior Design LLC

Spanish colonial revival architecture is a very common fashion in Phoenix and throughout the Southwest. The tile roof, rustic wood beam and elaborate detailing on the doorways, in addition to the courtyard strategy of the house, are elements of this style. This facade uses a regional stone instead of stucco, creating a strong connection to the natural environment.

Tate Studio Architects

“The most distinguishing design feature that we love about Phoenix is the exceptional setting,” says Tate. “The desert surroundings offers so many chances for a house to participate the environment and be a magical place to live. Vibrant flora, unlimited vistas and abundant fauna are the inspiration which permits us to bring the charm and mystery of the desert to the lives of our clients.”

Tate Studio Architects

A few of the manners Tate layouts for the desert include using energy-efficient glass partitions to invite the site to the inside and generous overhangs to make shade outdoors.

Tate Studio Architects

Tate Studio Architects

The experts agree that enjoying the desert landscape strongly affects design and interior layout here. “A style trend that’s on the rise in Phoenix is the desire to blend interior and exterior space,” says Tate. “A greater appreciation of style principals such as sun orientation and thermal components combined with more energy-efficient materials is enabling designers to make this fact.”

He adds,”The desert can be a seasonally challenging place to call home, but if well known and respected… there’s no place more pleasant to live.”

Chris Jovanelly Interior Design

The modern commercial urban structure sprouting up has also influenced residential tastes. “Our downtown region has grown considerably with residential high end buildings, trendy restaurants and pubs, hotels and clearly more modern interiors,” says interior designer Chris Jovanelly of Chris Jovanelly Interior Design.

Chris Jovanelly Interior Design

“With the abundance of structure in Phoenix reflecting Mediterranean and subtropical traditions sprawling through our suburbs, we are thought of as being homogeneous in that regard,” states Jovanelly. “However, over the last eight years that I have seen a shift to a more urban, modern way of life.”

Mediterranean styles have a strong presence in the region. “Designs which are directly associated with Phoenix incorporate an extremely Spanish colonial influence,” says interior designer Jamie Herzlinger. “Phoenix heritage is rich with layout influences such as sunset colours, muted tones and Saltillo tile by means of native materials such as flagstone and sandstone.”

Jamie Herzlinger

Jamie Herzlinger

Newcomers also have influenced architecture in the region. “With the advent of population to Phoenix, it is now the fifth biggest city in the nation,” states Herzlinger. “Together with expansion came an influx of folks from different regions which were accustomed to seeing contemporary layout, and it quickly became a petition from the population to architects. Today, Phoenix is known for a stunning new architecture known as desert modern.”

Jamie Herzlinger

“A major misconception regarding style in Phoenix is that desert alive is like living on a deserted island,” states Herzlinger. “Phoenix is known for much more, such as the incredible artwork museums and our amazing Phoenix symphony.”

Prideaux Design

Particular native materials are a major design factor in Phoenix. “I believe that the usage of wonderful local materials such as cantera stone and glazed Mexican ceramic tiles creates a layout distinctively Phoenix,” states Kathryn Prideaux of Prideaux Design. “We also love our own water features — there is nothing that cools the brain over the sight and sound of water.”

S Interior Design

While an adobe colour palette is popular ithroughout that the Southwest, it’s certainly not a necessity. “A misconception concerning layout in Phoenix is that it ought to have a Southwestern decor vibe and also be done in earth tones,” says Suzanne Lasky of S Interior Design.

S Interior Design

Lasky has been busy designing with many colour stories that break from the expected earth tones, while still honoring the ground by paying attention . “Here is a photograph of a great area we finished for a Scottsdale, Arizona, household; note using vibrant colours. We also incorporated ecofriendly reclaimed wood bits, such as the round coffee table,” says Lasky.

Fratantoni Luxury Estates

Builder Vince Fratantoni of Fratantoni Luxury Estates notes that marble countertops in kitchens have not been popular in Phoenix than they are now. “Placing marble in kitchens has always been something people feared when designing houses in Arizona, due to how porous the substance is. However, we get our clients over this by putting the marble slabs in a way that eliminates these issues,” he states.

Hallmark Interior Design LLC

“I am seeing an increase in a contemporary desert layout in Phoenix/Scottsdale from the Mediterranean/Tuscan architecture,” states Julie Hallmark of Hallmark Interior Design. “The neutral palette has proceeded from a brown base to a gray base.”

Hallmark Interior Design LLC

Hallmark Interior Design LLC

“I am using a lot more pops of colour and picture prints in my layout,” states Hallmark. “Even at the more Mediterranean-style houses, using fresh colors helps upgrade the layout with a fresh palette.”

Hallmark also notes that the inclusion of access and views into the landscape. “There is also a real desire to link the outside spaces together with the inside spaces. Doors that disappear or pile back, connecting the distances, is a fairly common request in new construction.”

Swaback Partners, pllc

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So Your Design Is: Southwestern
Stunning Desert Hillside Home in Arizona

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