Top 6 Questions About Working with a Luxury Interior Designer

luxury interior designer
#ModernMountainside Kitchen

As you begin the design journey to building your custom build or full-service remodel, you’ll have important questions, and you deserve clear, honest answers from a seasoned professional. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we frequently hear the same important questions. Below, we’ll address the top 6 questions about working with a luxury interior designer so you’re fully informed to proceed with confidence.

  1. What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

This distinction is critical in our industry. A decorator may focus on surface treatments, like fabrics, furniture, and color, but a true interior designer is integrally involved in the architecture, space planning, systems, finishes, and furnishings.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we align structure, architecture, construction logistics, finish materials, lighting, furnishings, and style into one seamless whole. We don’t simply “decorate,” we design. That’s why when you’re investing in a custom home or full remodel, a designer’s role goes far beyond selecting throw pillows.

  1. When should I bring a designer into my custom home project?

As early as possible! Early involvement is strategic. When we are invited into the process during or immediately after the architectural plan phase, we can influence critical decisions, such as orientation, sight lines, finishes, and cabinetry layouts. If we join too late, say after the floor plan is frozen, the design becomes reactive, and opportunities (and budgets) are jeopardized.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our ideal involvement begins alongside your architect and builder so that your vision, your lifestyle, and your environment are all aligned from Day One.

  1. How do you manage budgets for luxury design projects?

Budgeting in luxury design is not about arbitrarily spending. We treat your budget like a strategic investment. We’ll establish a clear, realistic budget with you, and prioritize where to invest heavily (custom millwork, rare stone, hand-crafted elements) and where to leverage value. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we guide you through that process, identifying where quality matters most and how to avoid costly mistakes.

  1. What’s your design process like?

Our process is refined, disciplined, and client-focused. At Alisha Taylor Interiors:

  • Project Initiation: We begin with a deep dive into your lifestyle, your vision, and the functional goals of your home.
  • Concept & Development: We create mood-boards, renderings, spatial plans, and material palettes, bringing your vision to life in 2D and 3D.
  • Documentation & Implementation: We assemble a detailed Design Book and collaborate closely with your builder/architect to ensure every detail is executed.
  • Procurement & Installation: During the furniture scope of your project, we handle sourcing, logistics, inspections, staging, and installation of every item and finishing touches.

  1. Can you work with my architect/builder?

Absolutely—and we insist on it! The most successful luxury homes stem from collaboration between designer, architect, and builder. When all parties are aligned early, decisions, schedules, and budgets move forward efficiently.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we integrate with your existing team or recommend trusted professionals to ensure your project benefits from all our expertise.

  1. How long does a full-service design project take?

Timelines vary depending on scope, customizations, lead times, and construction complexity. A new custom home might be a 12- to 24-month journey or more. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we help set realistic timelines up-front, build buffers, monitor milestones, and keep you informed every step of the way. We like to say that the luxury process is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. But the result will be worth the wait!

Your home is more than a collection of beautiful finishes and a few walls. It’s the backdrop for how you live, gather, and grow. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we make sure that the journey (while complex) is as seamless and enjoyable as the result is stunning. If you’re ready to explore how design can elevate your custom home or remodel, let’s start the conversation!

 

Designing For Good: Almost There Rescue

Almost There Rescue

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our mission has always gone beyond creating beautiful spaces. We believe that every home and every heart deserves a place of love and comfort. This philosophy extends not only to the families we design for but also to the pets who bring so much warmth and joy into those homes.

That’s why we’re proud to support Almost There: A Mom & Pup Dog Rescue, a local Phoenix organization dedicated to giving dogs a second chance at life. Their mission resonates deeply with our values as a design firm by providing safe, loving environments where both people and pets can thrive.

Our very own designer, Mia Schultz, volunteers her time at Almost There, caring for dogs and helping them find their forever homes. Just as Mia designs homes with purpose and heart, she extends that same care to the animals who need it most. With her dedication, Alisha Taylor Interiors is a proud sponsor of the Annual Vanity Fur Gala, allowing Almost There to continue rescuing and caring for mama dogs and their pups.

Mia started volunteering at the beginning of 2025, in the hope of starting a new hobby that could get her out of the house, while also giving back! During her time volunteering, she’s gained a community!

“Everyone is there for the same reason – to give these pregnant/nursing moms & pups all the love they deserve. The rescue benefits from all the help it can get: a short stop to help with laundry, or spending time teaching puppy preschool to help prepare different litters for the real world and giving all the cuddles they deserve!

What truly keeps me coming back is the atmosphere they create around prioritizing safety, health, and wellness for all the dogs. Almost There goes to incredible depths to create a safe space as well as ensuring they are going to a home best suited for them! With flexible volunteer hours, endless roles to help with, and a passionate staff… It is the place I look forward to going most!”

Mia Schultz
Mia Schultz is a proud supporter of Almost There Rescue

A Shared Mission of Compassion

Almost There Rescue focuses on helping pregnant dogs and their pups, offering them shelter, care, and the opportunity to find their forever homes. These dogs often come from uncertain beginnings, yet through the compassion and dedication of this rescue, they discover what it means to be part of a family.

Mia explains how her work as a designer connects to her passion for helping animals find homes:

“I believe an important part of the idea of ‘home’ is the people you share the space with! Helping stray dogs find their forever home off the streets is so healing. It’s the families that are coming in to get a new member of their family, a child’s first dog, or an adventure buddy that make these dogs’ whole lives. Home is an important place to everyone—even dogs. From designing the perfect home for you and your family to adding that extra furry family member, it’s something we will have for years to come.”

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we see parallels between designing a welcoming home and the work Almost There does every day. A home is more than walls and furniture — it’s the heartbeat of love, belonging, and connection. Just as we curate spaces that reflect the beauty and individuality of our clients, Almost There nurtures the unique spirit of every dog, preparing them for the family that will cherish them.

Creating Spaces Filled With Love

By supporting Almost There Rescue, we honor our belief that design is not just about looks; it’s about empathy. A well-designed home should feel alive with laughter, stories, and the unconditional love of our furry companions.

Partnering with Almost There, we aim to encourage others to offer the same sense of belonging to pets in need, knowing that every dog brings warmth and completeness to a home.

Interested in Donating?

The Vanity Fur Gala plays a vital role in raising funds that sustain Almost There Rescue throughout the year. As a small nonprofit, the organization relies on community support to cover essential costs, from spay and neuter procedures to life-saving medical care, helping save nearly 500 dogs annually. The event is dedicated to addressing Arizona’s homeless dog crisis and giving every dog a second chance. Whether through donations, volunteering, fostering, or simply attending the Gala, every contribution makes a meaningful impact on the lives of the dogs in Almost There’s care. 

From Alisha’s Desk: 3 Things Luxury Homes Do Differently

Weston Ranch Kitchen

When designing luxury homes, the goal is to create a space that elevates our clients’ lifestyle, supports their family, and tells their story. True luxury is intentional, and it’s felt in the way a home functions, how it flows, and how it reflects.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we guide our clients through a thoughtful process that goes far beyond choosing finishes or furnishings. Here are the three defining elements that luxury homes consistently do differently, and why they matter:

1. Intentional Customization

Luxury homes begin with you. Every design decision is rooted in how you live, not just how you want your home to look. This means understanding your routines, your entertaining style, and even how you want to feel in each space.

Rather than starting from a template, luxury design is built around lifestyle:

  • Personalized layouts that support your daily routines and family needs

  • Custom millwork and cabinetry designed for both beauty and function

  • Tailored lighting and materials that create warmth and sophistication

When every detail is designed with purpose, the home becomes more than a space; it becomes a reflection of who you are.

2. Focus on Quality over Quantity

Luxury design values craftsmanship over convenience. Yes, although every finish, texture, and material is chosen for its appearance, it’s also selected for its longevity and the story it tells, the depth it shows.

At the luxury level, quality means:

  • Working with artisans who specialize in their craft

  • Investing in materials that age beautifully over time

  • Taking the time to get each design element exactly right

True luxury is never rushed. It’s a process that respects detail and celebrates artisanship, and that all shows in the final result.

3. Timeless Design

Trends come and go, but luxury lasts. A truly luxury home isn’t defined by what’s fashionable this year; it’s defined by balance, proportion, and the quiet confidence of timeless design.

Our goal at Alisha Taylor Interiors is to create homes that will remain beautiful for decades, with design elements that evolve gracefully as your life changes.

Educated Design, Elevated Living

Luxury design is about thoughtful intention. It’s about understanding that beauty, comfort, and quality are inseparable when done well. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we educate our clients through every step of the process by helping them make informed, purposeful decisions that elevate their home and the life lived within it.

Designing with Heart, Building with Purpose: Designer-Builder Partnerships for Luxury Homes

A McIntyre Development & Alisha Taylor Interiors Collaboration

Building a luxury home in Scottsdale isn’t just about selecting the right materials or following a floor plan. It’s about crafting a lifestyle where every corner, every texture, every finish tells a story about how you want to live. And behind every truly remarkable home is a partnership built on trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

That’s why at Alisha Taylor Interiors, we believe choosing the right interior designer and builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the design process. The team you select defines not only the look of your home, but the experience of creating it.

It’s this belief that makes our partnerships with contractors, like McIntyre Development, so meaningful. Together, we bring design and construction into perfect alignment by uniting artistry and craftsmanship to create homes that are as intentional as they are beautiful.

Building with Integrity for McIntyre Development

What makes McIntyre Development stand out is their purpose-driven craftsmanship & client experience. Known across Scottsdale for their transparency, precision, and care, their builds reflect a dedication to doing things right, down to the smallest detail.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, that same integrity drives every design we create. We design with empathy, listening deeply to how our clients live, dream, and gather. Every selection, from the wood grain to the lighting hue, tells part of their unique story. When our design vision pairs with our contractors’ commitment to quality, the result is a home that looks extraordinary AND feels deeply personal.

A Collaborative Approach That Elevates the Experience

A seamless design-build partnership is about harmony. When builder and designer work in sync, your experience as a homeowner transforms from overwhelming to inspiring.

Together, our teams collaborate at every stage. Making sure to align the architectural vision with design details, ensuring that craftsmanship supports creativity. It’s a partnership built on respect and communication, thus prioritizes your vision and keeps quality at the forefront.

Designing and Building Homes That Tell Your Story

Every home should be a reflection of the people who live within it. When you bring together a builder like McIntyre Development, known for precision and purpose, and a design team like Alisha Taylor Interiors, known for heart and intention, our clients get more than a house. They get a legacy.

Together, we design and build homes that are authentic, timeless, and crafted for how you live today and dream for tomorrow. Because at the end of the day, your home isn’t just where life happens, it’s a work of art built with heart, purpose, and partnership.

Ready to Build a Home That Feels Like You?

If you’re dreaming of a custom home or full remodel in Scottsdale and want a design-build team that values creativity, craftsmanship, and connection, we’d love to create it with you.

Let’s start the conversation and bring your vision to life with heart and purpose.

Connect with Alisha Taylor Interiors | Discover McIntyre Development

Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year

Each year, Sherwin-Williams unveils a color that captures the spirit of the moment and the evolving rhythm of design. For 2026, they’ve chosen Universal Khaki SW 6150, a beautifully balanced neutral that combines warmth, versatility, and understated sophistication.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we see Universal Khaki as a timeless backdrop. It’s the kind of color that invites natural light to dance across the walls, revealing soft undertones of sand and stone. This hue’s approachable luxury makes it the perfect anchor for our modern Arizona homes.

Color of the Year | Inspired Storyboard

A Tailored Neutral for Modern Desert Homes

Universal Khaki carries a quiet strength and offers depth without heaviness. As Sherwin-Williams describes, it’s a color that encourages us to “find strength in simplicity,” and that philosophy resonates deeply with how we design.

In Arizona, where the golden light and earthy terrain are part of daily life, this warm neutral complements its natural palette. It’ll pair nicely with limestone flooring, creamy plaster walls, and hand-finished wood details. We can see that layering textures, like linen, stone, aged brass, and soft wool, will create a grounded feeling that is both timeless and personal.

Imagine a great room washed in Universal Khaki, accented by woven fabrics, rich leathers, and bronze fixtures. A palette that feels rooted in the desert yet polished enough for a Scottsdale retreat.

Inspired by Nature: The 2026 Colormix Forecast

To complement the Color of the Year, the Sherwin-Williams Colormix® Forecast 2026 “Anthology, Volume Two” introduces a spectrum of hues designed to harmonize across luxury interiors.

From the serene Halcyon Green SW 6213 to the earthy Rojo Marrón SW 9182 and the sophisticated Pavestone SW 7642, each tone reflects a story of balance and renewal. These palettes are about connection to the environment, to materials, and to the soulful nature of color itself.

The Art of Desert Luxury

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we design for the way our clients live. Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year, Universal Khaki, aligns with our design philosophy: creating homes that are refined, livable, and deeply connected to place.

  • In great rooms, it provides a neutral canvas for statement art and organic textures.
  • In bedrooms, it brings warmth and serenity, especially when paired with soft textures and layered lighting.
  • In kitchens and gathering spaces, it enhances natural materials like marble, rift-cut oak, or bronze hardware, balancing tone and texture.

This color isn’t just a trend… It’s a reflection of beauty and a deep appreciation for natural elegance.

A Timeless Palette for Arizona Living

As we move into 2026, we’ll see that Universal Khaki invites us to embrace a quieter, more intentional form of luxury. One that honors craftsmanship, texture, and the warmth of home. Whether used as a foundational neutral or paired with the rich tones from the Colormix® Forecast, it offers endless possibilities for creating spaces that feel calm, sophisticated, and distinctly Arizona.

To explore how the 2026 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year can transform your home, visit Sherwin-Williams or reach out to our design team. We’ll help you translate this refined color into a personalized, artfully curated interior that captures the essence of desert luxury.

The Design Philosophy Behind #MarinCourtRemodel

Kitchen cabinetry

Every full remodel dives into design philosophy and establishes the feeling that our clients want to live with every day. For our #MarinCourtRemodel, the request wasn’t just “new cabinets, new counters.” It was a mood: inviting, grounded, and quiet luxury. The existing spaces were bright and beautiful; however, they felt too polite and a bit distant, more of a showroom than a sanctuary. Our clients asked for deeper warmth, richer character, and a dining experience that encouraged lingering conversations.

Below, we’ll walk you through the design philosophy behind the #MarinCourtRemodel kitchen and dining room transformation, including how specific details shaped emotion, and how our process translated design philosophy into a lasting, livable design.

Designing for Feeling First

When we begin a full home remodel, we map the emotional concerns before we even draw a single cabinet line:

  • To establish safety & warmth, we use color, wood tones, and textural finishes.
  • To add character & identity, we design for unique millwork and natural stone that feel collected, not mass-produced.

In the Before images, the home leaned light and monochromatic, reading as a cold environment rather than part of a layered story. The After images show the shift our clients wanted to feel through materials that add quiet drama. These elements aren’t just finishes; they’re emotional signals.

Kitchen Design: From Polite to Personal

  • Color as Calm: Redesigning the cabinetry in a muted sage-olive immediately softened the room’s energy. In color psychology, green is restorative and connected to nature. It grounds the tall & coffered ceilings while allowing the other amazing materials to sing. Design lesson: When ceilings are high, a mid-tone color can reduce visual “float” and bring the room down to human scale.
  • Wood for Warmth and Character: We replaced the metal hood with a walnut-clad hood and valance, echoed in the island detailing. The walnut finish introduces character while bridging the green cabinetry and the warm wood floors. The result is a focal wall that looks built-in over time.
  • Stone With Soul: The new kitchen showcases a stone backsplash and island top with organic veining, creating visual movement against the calm green of the cabinetry. The stone’s tonal shifts function like artwork, establishing an unexpected depth. Design lesson: Pair a complex, expressive stone with a restrained cabinet color, so the materials complement rather than compete.
  • Mixed Metals, Layered Light: Brass pendants and plumbing add warmth and a soft glow to the space. The polished hardware balances the matte qualities of the cabinetry. The pendant light fixtures are scaled to the ceiling grid & height, so the architecture and fixtures feel beautifully choreographed. Design lesson: Treat lighting as jewelry in a space. Aligning each fixture’s scale with the ceiling rhythm will create calmness.

kitchen remodel design

design psychology kitchen

Translating Client Psychology Into Details

  • They craved belonging, so we answered with rich color and warm wood that felt collected and lived-in.
  • They wanted a statement piece, so we designed a unique hood wall and selected a stone with movement worthy of a focal point.

Every knob, profile, and finish was chosen to reinforce these feelings. That’s why it now reads quieter even with richer materials, a result of color theory and understanding the importance of layering.

Dining Room Design: From “Pass-Through” to “Please Stay”

Before, the saturated blue built-in and black lantern fixture introduced contrast but not cohesion with the kitchen and great room. The proportions felt too heavy, and the room lacked soft elements to absorb sound and invite conversation.

After, we brightened and refined:

  • The crisp white millwork in the built-in cabinetry with slender brass hardware elongates the wall without overwhelming it. It acts as a functional piece, while also visually lighting the room.
  • Fully upholstered chairs bring comfort (and encourage longer dinners when entertaining).
  • A subtle striped rug and light drapery panels add softness, improve sound, and frame the stunning natural sunset lighting that streams in.
  • The sculptural chandelier sits lower and casts a flattering, diffused light, creating a warmer ambiance.

 

dining room remodel design

Behind the Detailed Drawings & Pretty Samples

Before we sketch, we listen. As designers, we translate adjectives like “cozy, elevated, collected” into measurable design choices. We map traffic patterns, hosting habits, and the “moments” clients want to feel. Those emotions become layout rules; where the eye should rest, how guests circulate, what gets hero status, and what materials will support quietly.

With the feelings defined, we then test the palette against the room’s architecture. We pair stone movement with cabinet color to ensure the veining reads as art, not noise. We balance tones and textures, so warmth builds without heaviness. Then we determine every profile to the volume of the space: coffered ceilings, tall doorways, long cabinet runs, and the island’s footprint. The result is drawings that don’t just look good on paper; they emphasize how the space should feel every day, transforming “cozy, elevated, collected” into a stunning kitchen and dining experience that also suits your lifestyle.

The #MarinCourtRemodel kitchen and dining spaces are more than pretty pictures; they’re a case study in how design philosophy can reshape daily life. By listening to our clients’ requests and guiding them through a disciplined process, we created rooms that feel grounded, gracious, and unmistakably theirs. Contact us to start your remodeling journey! 

Celebrating a Month of Teaching, Recognition, and Honors in Design

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, every step we take is guided by a deep sense of purpose: to create meaningful spaces and to leave behind a legacy of design that enriches lives for generations to come. This past month has been a humbling reminder of the journey we are on, the recognition we’ve received, and the responsibility we carry to honor this craft.

As we continue to carve our path in the design industry, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our clients, colleagues, and community. Your encouragement fuels our passion, and we look forward to sharing more of this journey with you as we strive to build a legacy of beauty, excellence, and inspiration.

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Honored on the 2026 Luxe Gold List

We are humbled and excited to announce that Alisha Taylor Interiors has been named a 2026 Luxe Gold List honoree. This recognition celebrates excellence in design and places us alongside a remarkable community of talented professionals whose work inspires and elevates the industry.

A heartfelt thank you to Jill Cohen, Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Magazine, and the entire Luxe Magazine team for recognizing us among such incredible talent. We are honored to be part of this prestigious list and will continue striving to create designs that enrich our clients’ lives.

Featured in Luxe Interiors for Industry Insiders

We are also proud to share that Alisha Taylor Interiors has been recognized in the September/October 2025 issue of Luxe Interiors in their Industry Insiders feature. This spotlight showcases the skills, talent, and vision of today’s leading experts who redefine the meaning of excellence. To be included among such a respected group of professionals is an incredible honor, and we are deeply grateful for the acknowledgment of our passion and dedication to design.

Inspiring the Next Generation at ASU’s ISA Event

Another highlight this month was the opportunity to speak at Arizona State University’s Interior Student Alliance (ISA) event. Engaging with bright, aspiring design students reminded me of the importance of mentorship and sharing knowledge with the next generation of creative leaders. Connecting with these students was both energizing and inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how their fresh perspectives will shape the future of design.

Outdoor Living in Design: Panel with Modern Luxury Interiors

We were also honored to participate in the Modern Luxury Interiors x InsideOut Showroom Discussion Panel, where the conversation centered on Outdoor Living in Design. This engaging panel brought together industry voices to share insights, trends, and strategies for creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. It was a privilege to join the discussion and connect with other thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of how design enhances the way we live.

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As we reflect on these recent milestones, we are reminded that our journey is not one we walk alone. Every honor, every teaching moment, and every recognition is made possible because of the trust, encouragement, and support we receive from you; our clients, collaborators, and community.

We invite you to continue walking this path with us: follow our story on social media, subscribe to our updates, and reach out when you’re ready to create a home that reflects your life’s most meaningful moments. Together, we will continue building a legacy of timeless design.

PROJECT REVEAL: #MarinCourtRemodel

Marin Court Remodel kitchen design

Designing our #MarinCourtRemodel was about honoring a beautiful, well-built home while giving it the soul, detail, and layered warmth our clients craved. Every design choice ties back to livable luxury from timeless materials, thoughtful scale, and touchable textures, so the home now feels collected, connected, and deeply personal. Discover the before-and-after of our #MarinCourtRemodel, where we transformed a bright but basic design into a unique and beautifully layered home.

Be sure to check out the full gallery here.

A Reimagined Luxury Kitchen Design

We loved the kitchen’s bones, from the coffered ceiling, generous island space, and tall cabinetry; it was all gorgeous. However, it felt more “new build” than “custom.” Our goal was to add character and warmth.

We selected a dramatic, blue-grey marble with warm veining and pulled it up the entire backsplash to the range niche. The continuous slab creates a luxe focal point and eliminates the idea of any busy grout lines.

The two-finish cabinetry, a rich wood grain paired with a moody painted green, adds depth and dimension, while the integrated panels clean up the appliance wall. Reeded glass in the display cabinets softens the sparkle of glassware and adds that stunning texture to the design.

We reintroduced dentil molding above the hood wall to bring back that traditional touch without feeling fussy. Brass hardware and plumbing put a refined polish on the space and tie to the pendant light fixtures. And finally, a French-inspired range with brass accents anchors the entire space with elegance and acts as a piece of art in the kitchen.

With all these intentional design elements, the result is a luxury kitchen that balances symmetry with tactile warmth.

Kitchen Remodel

A Room That Sings: Music Room Design

This room already sang acoustically; it just needed some visual harmony. We kept the architectural paneling and coffered ceiling and layered in pieces with movement and texture.

A stunning chandelier with petal-like brass cups casts warm light and echoes the curves of the piano. We balanced seating through a velvet tufted bench for casual audience seating and a woven-frame lounge chair for reading between practices. Sculptural surfaces on the marble pedestal and crisp lacquer table bring a subtle sheen. Neutral, abstract artwork and a textured rug ground the palette, letting the piano remain the star.

The music room now feels collected and calm, with soft textures that complement the piano’s gloss.

Music Room Remodel

Sculpted Details, Soothing Palette: Primary Bathroom Design

We wanted a spa vibe without losing craftsmanship, so the new plan layers pattern, proportion, and polish. Two custom ribbed vanities with a thick, mitered stone top with subtle shadow lines add richness and texture. We kept the twin chandeliers centered on the upholstered bench for soft, ambient light, and added new vertical sconces flanking the mirrors to add true task lighting. Large-format stone and a basket-weave-inspired mosaic in the shower add scale variation to the bathroom design.

The Primary Bathroom now blends architecture with the ease of a retreat. Quiet luxury you feel every morning.

Remodel

The Magic Thread That Ties It All Together

Across our #MarinCourtRemodel design, we focused on scale, symmetry, and texture. The palette of warm brass, unique stone, layered woods, and soft neutrals travels from space to space, so the home feels intentional and connected. Thank you for following along on our #MarinCourtRemodel. If you’d like to bring this level of detail to your own home, we’d love to design it with you. Contact us now!

Understanding Your Furniture Investment with Full-Service Design

Furniture Investment

When furnishing a custom luxury home, it’s natural to wonder where your investment is going and why the numbers may feel higher than you first imagined. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our full-service approach means you’re not just paying for furniture; you’re investing in a streamlined, thoughtful process that ensures every piece is designed, delivered, and installed with intentional care.

Setting Realistic Budget Expectations

Furniture budgets vary depending on the size of your home and the level of customization you want, but here are some helpful guidelines:

  • Whole Home: Expect to budget between $60–$100 per square foot, which means a 5,000 sq. ft. home could range around $300,000–$500,000.
  • Individual Rooms: A living room (about 300 sq. ft.) might require $30,000–$45,000 to furnish with quality, lasting pieces.

These figures cover the furniture itself, but they’re just one part of the bigger picture. Roughly three-quarters of your budget typically goes toward product purchases, with the remaining investment ensuring your experience is seamless and stress-free.

Additional Costs That Ensure Our Seamless Furniture Design Experience

Because we manage every detail from sourcing to installation, additional costs are an essential part of our full-service design. They’re not “hidden fees”; they are what make your journey smooth and your final home reveal flawless.

  • Procurement Fee: Covers the behind-the-scenes coordination: placing orders, vendor communication, quality checks, and scheduling deliveries, all reported by our Operations Director, Rebecca Phillips.
  • Shipping & Freight: On average, about 5% of the product budget ensures your furnishings arrive safely, whether from across the country or overseas.
  • Handling & Installation: Includes white-glove delivery, professional installation, and climate-controlled storage from our partners at Fully Loaded Deliveries, protecting your pieces until they’re perfectly placed.
  • Trade Discounts & Warranties: Our industry relationships often provide retail discounts that offset costs, along with extended warranties directly passed along to our clients.

Why These Costs Matter

Think of these elements as the infrastructure behind your dream home. Without them, you risk:

  • Delays, damaged pieces, or incomplete installations.
  • A lack of cohesion across rooms.
  • The stress of coordinating multiple vendors and deliveries on your own.

By entrusting us with the entire process, you gain beautifully designed spaces and confidence that every step has been handled with professional expertise & care.

When you partner with us, your furniture budget is more than numbers on paper. It’s a strategic investment in a complete, worry-free experience. From carefully curated pieces to full-service delivery and installation, each layer of cost ensures your home is not just furnished, but thoughtfully designed to reflect your lifestyle for years to come!

Ready to design your dream custom luxury home? Contact us today.

BEHIND THE DESIGN: #SereneHeights

Rendering
Photorealistic Rendering of #SereneHeights Kitchen

Designing our #SereneHeights hillside new build project allowed us to embrace the desert’s organic beauty while balancing it with a clean, modern aesthetic. One of the most common challenges in residential design is finding the right balance between natural, organic influences and streamlined modern style. At #SereneHeights, this meant studying the desert landscape and pulling textures, tones, and materials directly from its environment while ensuring the home still felt elevated and contemporary. By weaving these principles together, this design demonstrates how modern design doesn’t have to feel cold, and organic design doesn’t have to feel rustic. The two can coexist beautifully, and #SereneHeights is a perfect example.

Inspiration Behind the Design

Our #SereneHeights clients gave our team trusted freedom in developing the design direction. With expansive windows showcasing panoramic views of the desert and valley, we wanted the interiors to complement the natural landscape, not compete with it. The design plays on the organic textures of the desert while weaving in the sleek, modern sensibilities that reflect our client’s personal style.

Materials and Color Palette

A central theme of the #SereneHeights design is balancing warmth with the crispness of modern architecture. Throughout the home, warm wood flooring grounds the spaces, while rift-cut oak cabinetry introduces refined natural texture. In contrast, concrete panels and organic textured tiles add depth and a touch of rugged sophistication. Metal details are strategically placed to tie together elements like lighting & hardware, ensuring collectiveness.

Materials for #SereneHeights

The Power of Photorealistic Renderings

One of the most valuable tools in the design process is the use of photorealistic renderings. For many clients, it can be difficult to fully imagine how finishes, lighting, and furnishings will come together until the home is built. Our in-house Photorealistic Renderings bridge that gap by allowing our clients to visualize their future spaces in striking detail, from the texture of the cabinetry to the way light falls across the room at different times of day.

Photorealistic Rendering for #SereneHeights

Designing for Family & Entertaining

Our #SereneHeights clients wanted a luxury custom home built for connection. With five children and six grandchildren, their goal was to create a space for hosting their large & growing family. Every room was thoughtfully considered, from the open living spaces to the three guest suites, each designed with its own distinct resort-inspired aesthetic.

Our #SereneHeights project is more than a house! We feel it’s a statement of harmony between nature, modern luxury, and family living. By weaving together organic textures, expansive desert views, and elevated design details, this design creates a warm, yet contemporary home built for hosting, entertaining, and celebrating life.

Stay tuned for the final reveal in 2026!

Photorealistic Rendering for SereneHeights
Photorealistic Rendering for #SereneHeights

PROJECT REVEAL: #ClassicSomerset

#ClassicSomerset Kitchen
A Sophisticated, Timeless Home for a Modern Family

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, every one of our projects begins with a story. Our #ClassicSomerset project is a home that we designed from the ground up to reflect timeless sophistication, functionality, and deeply personal style for a young, vibrant family in Gilbert, Arizona.

This custom luxury home captures everything our client loves: curated materials, a cohesive palette, refined craftsmanship, and intentional design.

The Legacy Approach to Design

As a legacy-level design firm, our process is rooted in more than style; it’s built on precision, collaboration, and thoughtful execution. For #ClassicSomerset, we collaborated with Pinnacle Conceptions & Fenn Rogers Custom Homes from the very beginning to ensure each space was both beautiful and intentional in its design.

From the moment we step inside, we’re greeted by tall ceilings, dramatic black iron railings, and natural light pouring in through custom steel windows. The floorplan is open but purposeful, guiding the eye through airy, inviting rooms grounded in architectural detail.

Classic Palette, Elevated Details

The color palette of #ClassicSomerset is timeless with a twist. A bold navy blue anchors the custom kitchen island and study built-ins, adding richness and depth, while soft whites and pale oak flooring create a warm, balanced backdrop.

We layered in visual texture through mixed materials: herringbone tile in the fireplace surround, vertical black zellige tile in the bar, brushed brass hardware, and gorgeous veined countertops. Each detail was selected to create depth, contrast, and quiet drama throughout the home.

#ClassicSomerset Details
#ClassicSomerset Details

Design That Lives As Beautifully As It Looks

Our favorite part of this project? The way it blends everyday function with beauty. Every space, from the cleverly hidden laundry room with built-in drying racks to the moody home theater kitchenette, this home is crafted to elevate daily living without sacrificing aesthetic value.

Integrated sinks are one of our favorite ways to blend function with refinement. By using the same stone as the countertop, the result is seamless, easy to clean, and visually elevated. In utility spaces like the laundry room, this detail brings quiet luxury without sacrificing practicality, a hallmark of timeless, luxury design.

#ClassicSomerset Details
#ClassicSomerset Details

The Final Layer: Personalization

What makes #ClassicSomerset unforgettable is how it feels. It’s not just a pretty house; it’s a reflection of the family who lives here. Our goal was to design a home that felt tailored, not trendy. Classic, not cold. Sophisticated, but never untouchable.

From custom millwork to the curated light fixtures, every detail was chosen with intention. #ClassicSomerset isn’t just a home; it’s a legacy in the making. And that’s exactly what we design for.

#ClassicSomerset Primary Suite with sitting area Details
#ClassicSomerset Primary Suite with sitting area details

Cambria Style Webinar: Designing Spaces with Staying Power

Discover timeless interior design insights as Alisha Taylor Interiors joins celebrated designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Gil Melott in the upcoming Cambria Style Webinar on August 7, 2025.

 

Cambria Style Webinar countertops

We’re thrilled to share that Alisha Taylor Interiors will be featured in the upcoming Cambria Style Webinar, streaming live on August 7, 2025! This virtual event brings together top interior designers for a lovely conversation around timeless design, elevated material selections, and creating spaces that truly last.

→ Reserve Your Spot Now

Meet the Dream Team of DesignCambria Style Webinar Panelist

 

Alongside our very own Alisha Taylor, the webinar features two other very inspiring talents from our interior design world:

  • Corey Damen Jenkins – A celebrated New York City–based interior designer and best-selling author known for his bold, polished style.
  • Gil Melott – Founder of Studio 6F, Gil is recognized for his eclectic and sensorial approach to high-end interiors.

Together, our panel will explore the foundations of timeless design, the value of smart design investments, and the stories that shape exceptional spaces.

Why You’ll Want to Tune In

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we’re passionate about designing homes that reflect the unique personalities of our clients, and we’re excited to bring that philosophy to this national stage.

Expect to take away:

  • Inspiration from three celebrated design voices
  • Insights on design longevity and luxury material choices, like Cambria quartz
  • Candid conversations about client storytelling and personal style
  • A visual journey through some of our favorite interior spaces

Whether you’re a fellow designer, design enthusiast, or homeowner dreaming of your forever home, this is a webinar that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. You won’t want to miss it!

Cambria Style Webinar Details

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 1 PM CDT / 11 AM MST
Location: Online (free registration required)

Register Now →

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