Along with Brady Fenn, Fenn Rogers Custom Homes, is a luxury home builder, Adam Kostis, Creative Director at Cosan Studio, a Scottsdale-based architectural firm, and our team discuss how our clients and industry professionals can navigate luxury new build costs.

The biggest question that we get in this professional field is, “How much is my luxury new build project going to cost?” And my short answer is, “I don’t know. We’ll add it up when it’s all done.” And that’s the case because there are so many unknowns. Brady and Adam are here to educate our readers about what to expect for a luxury new build budget.

As a custom home builder, Brady, how do you field those luxury new build costs questions? 

Brady Fenn: The first few questions that we’ll need to be answered are, “What lot are you building on? What are the restrictions of your lot? Is it a flat lot? Is it easy to build on?” That’s kind of the first indicator of cost. The next indicator depends on your lifestyle. So, answering questions like, “What are you used to? What’s your current home like? Are you going to be building something similar to where they’re living now or is it going to be the next step to luxury?”

A question we like to ask to indicate the level of luxury is, “What appliance package are you used to?” That’s a big one. If it’s LG or it’s Sub-Zero, Wolf, then we know what type of client we’re dealing with and that can guide the cost of the project based on those expectations.

Yes, I agree. We navigate our clients’ budgets in the same way by really diving into what are they used to and what kind of lifestyle do they currently live or are expecting to live in their new build. What are you seeing for costs per square foot in this market right now from Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Queen Creek areas?

Brady Fenn: I think for us, we’re a little different kind of builder and the way we do things, but the bottom of what we could do starts at $350/sqft. But honestly, that’s getting harder to do. A year ago, that was a little bit easier to accomplish, but as prices and costs increase, and with so much demand, it’s getting hard to gauge. Ultimately, I would say the cost per square foot is in that $350 range up to even $1,200 a square foot. But with that being said, that cost includes the lot, the pool, and landscape design, whether this is a full turnkey package. There are just so many different variables to drive cost.

So many factors go into luxury new build costs. I like to use the analogy, “Well, how much would a car cost?” The response could be the cost of a Hyundai or the cost of an Aston Martin. So as the process goes on and as the designs from the architect and interior designer come in, we gather those little bits of knowledge to help to completely understand that budget and what level of luxury they want. My rule of thumb is to not be afraid of talking about budget and costs. As an interior designer, builder, architect, and especially as a client or homeowner, it’s important to tell your team what your expectations are. As an architect, Adam, how do you approach the conversation of budget with your clients?  

Adam Kostis: The earlier we know [your honest budget] on the front end of things, the better. As architects and interior designers, we value your constraints. Our job solely is to understand your constraints and your wants & needs and be able to assemble them into one package.

We want to push you in the design ability. We want to give you all those bells and whistles within your constraints, but we might have to dial back a little bit as we work through it. And that’s where Brady, your builder, comes in and starts putting numbers to those sticks & bricks and we work together to stay within that budget.

By the end of it, we’ve got something that you’re proud of and fits within your budgetary constraints.

Absolutely. And unfortunately, no one has a magic wand. Costs are costs. If budget isn’t shared, you are leaving a lot of room for headaches and negative outcomes. We all either design or build on any reasonable budget. Just because you have a luxury builder that has done an $800/sqft, doesn’t mean they can’t do the $400/sqft build. It’s just about education, expectations, and communication within your team!

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Paint color is one of our secret weapons for setting the perfect vibe in luxury spaces! We use it to spotlight architectural details, add depth, and make natural light work its magic in every room. Layering colors helps us create a smooth flow that connects each space in our spacious luxury custom homes. And let’s be real, the right color palette is like a signature drink—it’s stylish, memorable, and crafted to feel timeless with just the right dash of personality.

The Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color of the Year Capsule Palette captures the essence of modern design trends while honoring timeless elegance. This palette, curated with hues that create a sense of calm, sophistication, and connection to nature, is perfect for our timeless designs. (Sherwin-Williams, 2024).

Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams explains, “Our Color Capsule of the Year can be curated to stand out with any style. We wanted a modern, fresh take on color, with a balanced and usable assortment of shades.”

Chrysalis

Capture the essence of peaceful, intentional living and transformative future thinking in a sanctuary of colors inspired by wood tones, sifting sands, and freshly turned earth.

Paradox

Delve into the mystical blues, meditative midtones, and compelling chromas that connect us to the land, to creating things by hand, and to a richly personal epic narrative.

Wellspring

Embrace a mindset of openness and belonging with a collection of warm neutrals, sheltering deeps, and warm-hearted colors that nurture and nourish.

Kindred

Conquer the conventional with a palette of dopamine-drenched colors that defy expectations: electric brights, grounding neutrals, and candy-coated accents.

In luxury custom design, paint colors truly make all the difference—they set the tone, bring out the best in each element, and add that final touch of elegance. The right color palette turns a beautifully designed space into one that feels timeless and uniquely curated. Ready to bring your custom home’s color palette to life? Reach out to Alisha Taylor Interiors to explore how we can create a stunning, personalized look that perfectly fits your vision!

Did you know luxury tile has quite the history? We’re talking history that dates back to ancient Egypt and Babylon! In ancient Egypt, the very first clay handmade and hand-painted tiles were easy to make and beautiful!  It makes my designer heart happy to know that beauty was just as important as function back in 4000 BC.

Tile is one of my favorite materials to design with. It can add texture, pattern, or detail to any design. But there is a lot to know about luxury tile… the different types, where it can be used, and how to get maximum impact.  Don’t worry, I won’t geek out on you too much, but when you are building a luxury custom home, it’s important to understand the basics of tile and let your designer handle the specific details.

Luxury Tile: Wall vs. Floor Tile

While most floor tiles can be used as a wall tile, you don’t want to use a wall tile for flooring.  Floor tiles require an extra level of durability to withstand the wear and tear that foot traffic creates. It is key to read the manufacturer’s specifications that include the recommended use for each tile and follow it.

Wet Zone Tiles

Not all tiles can be used in wet zones.  Again, paying attention to the manufacturer’s recommended use is key when selecting shower wall or bathroom floor tiles.  For bathroom floors, we recommend finding a tile that has an R-11 rating, which is an anti-slip rating.

The trick is that tile manufacturers aren’t required to give any detailed info for their tiles.  Working with an interior designer who only selects from reputable tile sources will ensure you don’t end up on your back the first time you step out of the shower or have cracking issues down the road.

Now that we got the tile logistics out of the way, let’s talk about the fun stuff: the beauty of different tile materials!

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone tiles include all the beautiful tiles that mother nature herself creates.  Marble, slate, travertine, and limestone tiles belong in this category and are a favorite of mine because it displays the art that our earth has to offer.  Natural stone tiles often include veining and variation which can create a gorgeous design but also can be surprising if you aren’t expecting the variation. To maximize the beauty of the look of the tiles, natural stone tiles need to be sealed and may require some maintenance over time.

• Marble:  Considered one of the most luxurious natural stones that have a timeless look.  It is susceptible to etching and staining and needs regular sealing and care.
• Slate:  Has uneven surface textures and lots of variation from one tile to the next.  It’s waterproof and very durable but it’s limiting in what color tones it comes in.
• Travertine:  Travertine is actually in the limestone family but has its own name because of its warmer color palette.  It’s a very durable stone that is great for flooring and outdoors.
• Limestone: Limestone is a very hard durable stone and comes in lighter and brighter tones than travertine.  It’s also very durable and great for flooring and outdoors, because of its lighter palette it can stain, but a good sealer can prevent that.

Man-Made Tiles

Ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass, metal, and zellige tiles are all man-made and not cut from the earth.  These tiles are made by machine or can be formed by hand. Some of the tiles in this category can be very delicate and intricate in design and texture while others are engineered specifically for durability.

• Ceramic:  Ceramic tile is a very broad category that includes tiles that aren’t defined by the other tile names below.  Ceramic tiles go through a firing process that makes them durable and can be made into any color or texture. Your typical white subway tile is a good example of a ceramic tile.
• Porcelain: High-density tile that doesn’t absorb hardly any moisture or water, made from special clays and fired at a very high temperature to ensure durability.
• Cement:  Cement tiles are often used for their pretty and often bold patterns yet casual feel.  They aren’t fired but the nature of them being made out of cement creates their durable nature.  They do need to be sealed to avoid staining and only very light grouts can be used for installation.
• Glass:  Glass tiles are a fun way to add color or appeal to a design that would benefit from its translucent or reflective look. Not recommended for flooring but great for wall tile, and great in wet zones.
• Metal:  Metal tiles are usually in a small format and are best for wall tile applications.  The very nature of the material, metal, creates a distinct look and design.  Easy to clean and maintain it’s more about the look and design than anything else.
• Zellige:  Zellige tile is a hand-glazed Moroccan tile that has the internet buzzing right now. It’s used for its imperfect nature with each tile slightly different in texture, thickness, and color.  It’s typically installed with minimal grout and has a shiny finish to it but comes across as casual instead of glam.

Luxury tile can dictate the design of kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. So understanding the durability you need and the beauty you want will make tile selection so much easier and enjoyable. Don’t worry, if you walk into a tile showroom and see 437 different tiles and begin to feel overwhelmed… just step away, take a deep breath, and call us! We will design your entire new build project from perfect tile selections to all the other details you haven’t even thought of yet!

Placing the finishing touches on your newly designed home can seem overwhelming. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we know exactly how to fulfill your dreams — all the way down to the curtains on your windows. Read on to learn about the best curtain fabrics to consider and how to decide which one is right for your home.

Key Characteristics of Luxurious Fabric

While it’s simpler to choose the best curtain fabrics based on your chosen design style, there are a few factors to consider. As your interior designer, we will help you choose the best curtain fabrics to create a sophisticated look. To prepare for this exploration process, review these key characteristics of luxurious fabrics.

Durable

Your curtains should be able to withstand the test of time, so you’ll want to consider durable fabric. Common wear is natural, but your fabric shouldn’t fall apart after just a few months. You should also be able to wash your curtains regularly without fear of damaging the fabric. Once you’ve chosen the style you’re looking for, work with your interior designer to find a customized fabric that will maintain its flawless appearance for years to come.

Resistance

Along with durability, you’ll want to find a fabric that is woven with resistance in mind. The way your curtains hang in a room can be a small design detail that adds to your look, so why settle for fabric that won’t hold its shape? The natural drape of your curtain fabric should add an elegant flair to your overall design.

Color Hold

Selecting the perfect fabric color can be a key way to draw your entire style together. With such a careful decision to make, working with your interior designer to investigate fabric dyes can be a beneficial tactic for long-lasting curtains. You don’t want to be heading back to the store in a few months to replace your curtains because the color faded and no longer matches your space.

5 of the Best Curtain Fabrics for Luxury Homes

It’s important to understand the factors that play into a well-designed curtain. However, your interior designer will be the most reliable resource for choosing the best curtain fabric. We will assess your lifestyle and space to determine the best curtain fabric for you based on design and practicality. Karen Barnes, owner of the Elegant Window and Alisha Taylor Interiors partner, shares her expertise in drapery and different fabrics often used for curtains.

Silk

If you’ve ever found yourself enamored with a romantic interior design style, silk curtains are an ideal choice to achieve this look. The smooth fabric’s stunning drape adds a graceful appeal to your space while blocking out a high level of light. However, real silk is a bit more difficult to keep clean as it requires careful dry cleaning to maintain. Silk is also susceptible to sun damage, so we may want to install a solar blind or solar film to the window to prevent the damage.

Linen

Using linen curtain fabric is a stunning way to welcome natural light into your space.  Karen shares, “The flax fibers [linen is made of] are quite long and rigid and once they crease, they remain creased. Because of this characteristic, linen will develop wrinkles, despite careful handling. These wrinkles are an inherent part of the charm and beauty of linen.” The sheer fabric falls into a natural drape ideal for shared living spaces that need just a small touch of contemporary design. The billowy fabric is able to catch the slight breeze as it glides in through open windows, creating a peaceful movement through your space.

Polyester

Highly durable, affordable, and fade-resistant polyester fabric is a wonderful choice for any interior design style. Polyester curtains are easy to care for, making them a great option for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance style. Be aware that while this fabric is relatively simple to wash, polyester will hold onto stains. You may want to discuss with your interior designer which rooms would most benefit from this style of curtain in terms of cleanliness.

Cotton

Cotton fabric is one of the best fabrics for curtains in both a traditional or modernized space. Whether you’re looking for a more sheer design for a naturally lit space or opting for a more private feel, cotton is an adaptable fabric that can accomplish any design goal. Karen tells us, “Fabrics made from natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, and linen tend to hold the shape of the fold much better and are more easily trained than man-made fibers, such as polyester.” The fabric is also much easier to clean as its durable design makes it machine-washable.

Velvet

Extreme durability and luxurious feel combine flawlessly in a velvet fabric. The soft threads of this material are woven tightly together to create a stunning fabric capable of blocking both light and sound. Velvet fabric holds its shape unbelievably well, proving a beautiful additional detail to your grand design.

Reimagine Your Dreamy Drapery with Alisha Taylor

With Alisha Taylor as your interior designer, you can trust that you’ll receive the best fabric for your curtains. Alisha Taylor has spent the last 20 years learning the ins and outs of design, down to the best fabrics for curtains. Our experienced team of professionals can personalize your furnishings to create a timeless space that fits your wants. Contact us today to find out how we can bring your drapery dreams to life and design custom curtains that fit your lifestyle.