Designing luxury custom homes with natural materials in new build designs adds personality and character to an otherwise blank slate. From timeless oak floors to sophisticated marble countertops, these earth-grown materials bring a unique softness to any space. For example, the natural grain patterns and warm hues of wood flooring create a cozy atmosphere, while the natural variations in color and texture in stone can also bring visual interest to a room. Clay tiles add a rustic warmth with their earthy tones and handcrafted beauty. By integrating these natural materials, new build spaces can achieve a warm, inviting feeling that is both aesthetic and comforting.

Each piece of natural material is unique, offering distinct patterns, colors, and textures. This originality allows for true customization in your home’s design, resulting in a one-of-a-kind space that reflects your individual style and taste.

Expert Guidance: Choosing and Integrating Natural Materials

Trusting your designer is crucial in the process of incorporating natural materials into your home. Interior designers have the expertise to curate and source high-quality natural materials that enhance both the beauty and longevity of your space. We have a deep understanding of each material’s unique properties and characteristics, which enables us to blend natural materials into a cohesive design.

Long-Term Value of a Luxury Home

Investing in natural materials is more than just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to quality and longevity. High-quality wood, stone, and natural fibers are incredibly durable, which guarantees that your investment maintains its beauty and functionality for years. In the event that you wish to sell your luxury home, natural materials add significant value creating a personalized space that stands out in the market.

We believe that luxury and indulgence can be felt in your everyday life, including in your own home. We will work closely with you in the beginning phases of the design process, and then you can turn it over to us to make your dream home come to life. You can expect our lead designer to be in contact with you through the entire design process, to have someone from our studio at every major installation, and at the end of the process, be able to walk into a professionally designed home that meets all your expectations and more.

We believe in building personalized relationships with every client and letting you know that you are our top priority. Because you will work with us over the course of a couple of months to a couple of years, you can expect nothing but professionalism and care for every aspect of your home.

A big THANK YOU to all our fantastic supporters who voted for us in the 

Luxe Interiors Magazine RED People’s Choice Awards! 

Thanks to your support, our company not only clinched one but TWO awards – the Regional ‘Best Kitchen’ Award AND the National ‘People’s Choice: Best Kitchen’ Award! The Regional Award was judged by a prestigious panel of designers, and we’re so honored to have been chosen by our industry peers! The People’s Choice Awards was voted by YOU, the public, and for that, we are so grateful for your support, following, and enthusiasm for this kitchen design!

“Collaborating with true professionals and experts in their field was simply fun as we each got to add

our own flair and expertise to the project. When a client gives you that level of trust, it is a gift;

a gift to not take for granted, and was truly the most enjoyable part of the entire project!”

– Alisha Taylor, Owner & Lead Designer

The Luxe Interiors Magazine RED Awards are shared between us and the amazing team that brought it to life! Scott Carson at Cosan Studio, and our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors, took pen to paper and designed this award-winning kitchen design with both drama & intention in mind. Phoenix Home Builder brought the vision to fruition, alongside some of the amazing subcontractors with their craftsman skills & attention to detail which allowed the design to truly shine! It was all beautifully captured by interior architectural photographer, Joshua Caldwell Photographic.

__________________________________________________________________________________

KITCHEN VENDORS:

Cabinetry: Sawmill Cabinets

Countertops: The Stone Collection

Appliances: Sub-Zero, Wolf Group

Wood Flooring: Provenza Floors

Painted Brick Backsplash: Solstice Stone

Pendant Lighting: Visual Comfort

__________________________________________________________________________________

Luxe Interiors + Design’s annual RED Awards recognizes and honors excellence & innovation for the best-designed new product introductions and the best residential architecture, interior design, built environment, and landscape architecture projects across the country. The Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design and a multidisciplinary panel of notable industry experts will review submissions and select winners.

The First Step to Building Your Custom Home is Creating Your Dream Design Team

Hurray! You’ve made the exciting decision to build your dream custom home! Now what?

Before you start picking kitchen cabinet finishes, estimating square footage, or planning your Master Suite bedding, the first step to the design process for your custom home is to select your Dream Team! Your team should have a builder, an architect, a landscape architect, and surprise, surprise, an interior designer!

So, you’re probably wondering, “What does each team member do, and why do I need them?”

To break it down:

• Your BUILDER is going to oversee the full construction of your home from start to finish. Their services go beyond just building your home; they also handle all the financial matters of the build, communicate with an HOA, and work with the city for inspections.
• Your ARCHITECT is in charge of outlining your floor plan and will be the artistic eye while creating the exterior style of your home. They are also responsible for following design guidelines set by your HOA & the city, and coordinating permits for the structural and engineering aspects of the plans.
• Your LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT is going to be necessary when outlining the exterior areas of your home. You’ll need them for patios, gardens, pools, and the aesthetics of all your outdoor living spaces. Many clients involve the landscape architect from the very beginning, while in other projects, the Landscape Architect can be pulled in after plans have been finalized.
• And, of course, your INTERIOR DESIGNER!!! Your interior designer oversees your space’s flow & overall design from the architect adding their professional eye and input. Once plans are finalized with the architect, your interior designer systematically presents and guides you through every single aesthetic decision as it relates to your interiors. Your designer will communicate all designs in scaled drawings, renderings, and specifications to your builder for construction, and will be there through the construction process to ensure design implementation.

Having these particular experts on your Dream Team at the beginning stages is crucial to a well-managed project. Each expert will be looking into your project from a different vantage point. Although we would love to say, “hire Alisha Taylor Interiors” – in reality, your dream team members must fit into your vision and expectations of the project, and vice versa. The best team of professionals is a team that is proactive, communicative, and available. It is important to have a team that knows each other’s methodology, timing, and style. Having the right team will ensure a supportive and well-developed project for our clients!

We suggest selecting your Dream Team members wisely, doing your homework & trusting your gut. Building a custom home is an exciting & extremely complex venture, and we encourage you to pick the team of professionals you feel comfortable with, trust, and enjoy working with throughout your project.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we don’t just design your custom luxury home details, but we focus on the client experience, bringing joy to building a custom home and alleviating stress. The first step to starting your design process for your custom home is to select a Dream Team that will contribute to your beautiful, luxury custom home, and provide you with a professional, positive home-building journey.

Schedule a consultation with Alisha Taylor Interiors today to begin. Happy Designing!

When furnishing your luxury custom home, you might pour over plans, visualizing the space and how it will look against the gorgeous Arizona landscape. Considering the architecture and fixed details, you’d likely create Pinterest boards for furniture or wall colors because you want the ambiance and style to feel comfortable and perfectly “you.”

Like many people, you’re naturally curious about the process, timeline, and cost of furnishing a luxury home. As interior designers, we know that the furnishing process takes a keen eye and an understanding of color palettes and functional design. It also requires project management skills for all the organization and planning that comes along with it. We want to share what the process of furnishing a luxury home is like and how an interior designer like Alisha Taylor can help you create your dream space.

What Are Furnishings?

First, what are furnishings? Furnishings include more than the furniture you add to a home. Of course, furnishings include that tufted wingback chair you want next to your gas fireplace and the gorgeous mahogany dining set and sideboard for your formal dining room. They also include everything that isn’t fixed or built-in, such as lighting, mirrors, rugs, decorative accessories, and the stunning art collection you’re continuing to amass.

Furnishings are what bring life, making a house a home and welcoming you into tailored perfection each night. Luxury furnishings are those with quality and timelessness — pieces that you can sink into, admire, and surround yourself with. They are attractive and functional, bringing a sense of cohesion to a space.

The Timeline for Furnishing a Luxury Home

After asking about pricing, people usually ask about how long a project like this will take. It’s a fair question. After all, we are building up your dream space — a space you’re eager to inhabit.

On average, it takes about 6 to 9 months to furnish a luxury home. However, each project is unique because clients and their visions are unique. Some furnishing projects finish sooner, it all depends on the decision-making process & item availability. Let’s break down the timeline process.

Step One: Conceptual Design

The first stage focuses on the vision for the design. This is where you let your creativity run free so that everything you’ve imagined makes its way from your mind to paper. Inspiration photos and mood boards are the first part of the design vision. From here, you start to identify your vision for each room of the home.

By working with us, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and get expert design insight to bring your ideas to life. We will set up a kickoff meeting to discuss colors, style inspiration, and any focal accents. During the meeting, you share your vision and any documents you’ve generated, such as Pinterest boards or brainstormed notes, to ensure that we include your ideas in the design.

Step Two: Detailed Planning

Now that we’ve gathered your inspiration and ideas for the overall design of the home, we develop a Furniture Investment Estimate, which generates the estimated quote required to furnish your luxury custom home. This estimate also includes the fees of freight/delivery and sales tax to ensure full transparency throughout the process. During this step, we also create storyboards with color palettes for each room, including pattern options, complementary fabrics, and furnishing examples. Along with 3D renderings, these storyboards are a vital part of the process because they help you visualize the design.

Step Three: Procurement Phase

Before ordering, we compare all plans against the budget and revise according to any changes you make. Upon your approval, we order the furnishings and wait for their delivery. Our Operations Director handles all the ordering of your approved furniture and furnishings items and makes sure everything will be ready for installation and delivery. Throughout the Procurement phase, it may seem quiet from a client’s perspective, but many tasks are being handled behind the scenes.

Also during this stage, we thoroughly inspect all items to ensure they meet our and your standards. Each piece must enhance the look and feel of your home for years to come. Items that meet approval are welcomed into your home. Those that do not are either replaced with a different item or reordered if damaged or incorrectly colored.

Step Four: Installation & Delivery

In this last and final step, we install all the furniture & furnishings in each room and fall progressively more in love with the design. The Installation & Delivery phase is intense & busy, but also a fulfilling process, as it brings the design to life for our client’s to start enjoying! We do all the work, so our clients don’t have to worry about a thing. We approach our projects as a turn-key install, which means that all furniture & furnishings are delivered by our professional warehouse team, Fully Loaded Deliveries, at one time (or max 2 install/deliveries based on lead times). This allows us to present a true Full Reveal to you and your family!

Factors That May Affect the Timeline

It’s important to remember that each design project is unlike any other, including factors that may affect the timeline. These factors could include:

• Items are on backorder. Some items might not be available at the time of order, adding time to the project.
• Furniture & Furnishings that come in broken or scratched. If furnishings arrive in an unsatisfactory condition, they must be repaired or replaced.
• Construction delays. If you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, your contractor might run into delays with material deliveries, inclement weather, or permitting approvals.

How Much Does It Cost To Furnish a Luxury House?

Since each project is unique, there is no single cost for furnishing a luxury home. That said, many homes fall into specific ranges depending on the room, with average costs of $100 to $150 per square foot.

Using those ranges, you might expect to pay $30,000 to $45,000 for furnishing a 300-square-foot living room and $20,000 to $30,000 for furnishing a 200-square-foot dining room. To furnish a primary bedroom measuring 250 square feet, you could expect the cost to fall between $25,000 and $37,500.

Keep in mind that these ranges don’t include taxes, delivery fees, or installation, which can cumulatively add several thousand more to the total. Don’t forget that the final cost of furnishing a home also depends on the materials, styles, and furnishings you choose.

Hiring an interior designer is another cost to factor into your budgeting, but it will be well worth the investment. The cost of interior design services varies depending on the size of your home, the professional’s experience level, and other project-specific factors.

Benefits of Working With An Interior Designer

You may wonder if working with an interior designer is necessary. Working with an interior designer is the best way to ensure you end up with a furnished home that matches your vision. For many people, though, hiring an interior designer becomes the best decision they ever make.

Interior designers are your ticket to total customization, expert guidance, access to better showrooms and pre-vetted brands, and cohesion with your entire home.

Work With Alisha Taylor Interiors To Furnish Your Luxury Home

Instead of wondering, “How much does it cost to furnish a luxury house?” reach out to the design team at Alisha Taylor Interiors today. We will tailor your Phoenix area home to your needs and desires, helping you settle into bliss each and every night.

Our goal at Alisha Taylor Interiors is to make the interior design process enjoyable and for each one of our clients to feel at home in their living space. Through our personalized design process, we work to create homes that are unique, timeless, and reflective of the people who live in them.

We strive to enhance our clients’ lives by not only creating beautiful interiors for them but also by keeping the design process understandable and efficient through a systematic method that allows them to visualize and be excited about their designs.

Read on to learn more about the interior design process you will experience working with Alisha Taylor Interiors.

The Interior Design Process

For over 20 years, we have honed our interior design process for luxury custom homes. We take your dreams and turn them into a beautiful reality. Our interior design process allows you to be involved every step of the way to ensure you are thrilled with the final results.

Let’s start at the very beginning and take a closer look at the Project Initiation Phase.

Project Initiation Phase

The project initiation includes the new client inquiry form, the initial client meeting, and the design kickoff meeting. This is the time when logistics are discussed, and visions are expressed.

Step 1: New Client Inquiry Form and Initial Client Meeting

The first part of the interior design process is filling out an inquiry form. This form will entail the type of project you are interested in (New Build, Remodel, or Interior Design) and logistics such as square footage and budget. We will review your form and provide you with the project proposal.

At the initial client meeting, we will take measurements of the spaces needed, evaluate the furnishings level, and take “before” photos of the existing home.

Step 2: Proposal/Design Kickoff Meeting

At the design kickoff meeting, we will discuss your lifestyle, style preferences, priorities, vision, and review inspiration photos.

We will use all the information we gather from the kickoff meeting to create a design that incorporates your unique vision and lifestyle.

Interior Design Development Phase

The interior design development phase is likely what you think of when you think about the interior design process. This phase includes interior design renderings and storyboards that are used to visually communicate each room’s design.

Step 3: Interior Design Concepts and Material Selection

Next, we will go room by room and talk about interior design concepts you are imagining.

With this information, we will present a storyboard for each room. An interior design storyboard like the one below showcases the different elements of a room’s design. It is an easy way to get an idea of what the finished room will look like before an interior design rendering is made.

During this step, we will also select quality materials such as quartz for kitchen countertops, high-end flooring, and paint colors to elevate the design.

Step 4: 3D Interior Design Renderings

We will present interior design renderings of each room for you to clearly envision the final product. These renderings are drawn to scale to create a realistic-looking model. All of the small details, including wall hangings, furniture, light fixtures, and more, are included in an interior design rendering.

Below is an example of a realistic 3D rendering we created for a client’s great room design.

Design Documentation Phase

The design documentation phase is an essential part of the interior design process because it’s when all of the plans are compiled into the Design Book.

Step 5: Floor Plans, CAD Elevations, and Ceiling Plans

During this phase, custom floor plans, CAD elevations, and ceiling plans will be carefully drawn to include in the Design Book. CAD elevations are computer-generated drawings of rooms as viewed from standing in the room itself. Ceiling plan drawings will show the interior of your home viewed from above.

Floorplans are like the blueprints to your custom home. They are drawn to scale and designed to show the relationship between different rooms in the house. Larger furniture pieces will be drawn to scale to see the organization of each space. Room sizes and wall lengths are noted and used in the construction process.

Step 6: Showroom Viewings and Material Selection

Next, we will take you to view showrooms and select more materials for the interior design process. We will work with you to decide upon materials that you love and work in your price range.

Step 7: Design Book

All of the design elements, materials selected, floor plan, 3D renderings, storyboards, and more will be compiled into the Design Book. We will spend time reviewing the final selections before the construction phase begins.

Construction Phase

So how does an interior designer fit into the construction process? An interior designer incorporates your lifestyle needs and aesthetic wants into the entire interior design process, including construction. We will share the plans we created with the architect and builder to ensure your needs and desires are met.

Step 8: Builder Reviews Design

After you approve the Design Book, we will review the designs with the builder to ensure they have a perfect understanding of the project. The builder will see what changes you want to make to your home and how the interior design will fit into the process.

Step 9: Site Visits

Throughout the construction process, we will conduct site visits to check in on the builder and the home. This will ensure that construction is on track and that your needs and desires are being met. You can rest assured that we will keep the process running smoothly.

Furniture/Furnishings Development Phase

The furniture development phase is when we source the custom and unique furniture pieces that will fill your new home.

Step 10: Furniture Layouts/Sourcing

We will present final furniture layouts and decide the placement of pieces in your space. This step is where the design begins to feel complete. Through 3D renderings and storyboards, we can communicate what your space will look like at the end of this process.

Furniture/Furnishings Project Management Phase

Step 11: Order Placement, Inspection, and Installation

Once agreed upon, orders will be placed for furniture and decor pieces. The goods will be received and inspected thoroughly to ensure they are in good condition. Then, the furniture and furnishings will be installed in your home. We will stage each room to create a balanced and elevated look.

Step 12: Reveal and Walk-Through

Finally! The time has come for the big reveal of your new home design. The interior design process is complete. You will do a final walk-through of your newly furnished home and see your dreams come to life!

Trust Alisha Taylor Interiors To Design Your Home

Now that you know the interior design process, it’s time to work with a professional interior designer. Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors is ready to bring your vision to fruition. Our expertise and collaborative process provide our clients with the best possible experience.

Let us work with you to showcase your style and meet your lifestyle needs with our design services. Contact us today for more information!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Haven Workshop and discovered a wealth of invaluable insights on optimizing my design firm’s operations & enhancing our client experience, all while reveling in the vibrant community of talented designers and industry experts!

A Business Retreat for Interior Designers

For those who don’t know, The Haven List is an online community of lifestyle creatives who inspire living well through meaningful connections. In addition to Haven providing an industry-leading business retreat, called the Haven Workshop, for interior designers by welcoming an environment for designers at all levels to translate their talent into a flourishing brand, Haven is also an online platform for inspiration with a trusted vendor guide, and home tours of fabulous projects around the country.

Personal Reflections: Navigating the Haven Workshop Journey

The Haven Workshop brings the best and brightest designers from around the world together in Carmel-by-the-Sea to learn from influential industry experts and each other.  At Haven Workshop, we focused on the business side of our design firms, to enhance the client experience, and business processes, attract amazing talent to bring on board, and also how to enjoy the amazing community we are all in as designers. There were lots of laughs, way too many notes taken, brain-draining yet helpful business-focused sessions, the most amazing food and so so many new friends.

We were spoiled and stayed in a historic boutique hotel called, La Playa Hotel, in the heart of town just steps away from the white sands of Carmel Beach. As a business owner for over 20 years, I was one of the more seasoned designers in attendance and was in awe of the business-savvy younger designers in our group and the industry experts. It was a week of pulling back the curtain, sharing with each other the challenges and successes we’ve faced, asking questions, and gaining insight.

WE ARE HIRING! Alisha Taylor Interiors is looking for a professional, organized, and self-motivated experienced Interior Designer who loves residential interior design and wants to come work with a great team!

Alisha Taylor Interiors is a small boutique luxury residential interior design firm, which means we are like a family.  Finding a candidate who above all else is kind is important to us!  Beyond that, we value honesty, a willingness to learn, and someone who is hard-working.

Candidate must be organized, energetic, eager to learn, cheerful, good at multi-tasking, and comfortable talking with clients, contractors, architects, etc. The Interior Designer will contribute to the success of the firm by assisting with all aspects of design development, sourcing, meeting preparation, technical drawings, and maintaining organized binders (hard copy and digital). Candidate should be able to work within existing systems and help create new systems for continued success. Must be adaptable and able to successfully function with lots of balls in the air!  We are a small boutique firm, which means we are like a family and are looking for the right person to add to our awesome team! We are flexible regarding a start date.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN.
• 4+ years of residential design experience is required.
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD – ability to develop very detailed floorplans and elevations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Ease with computers and learning new software applications and tools.
• Must have a great sense of numbers, math, geometry, and spatial awareness as it relates to design.
• Experience with any of the 3D rendering software programs taught in schools (We use Sketchup and will train if you have experience in a different software program).
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to multi-task; meet deadlines and is eager to learn and grow with the firm.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
• Have a positive, friendly, and professional attitude.
• Great communication and people skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently create full design concepts for projects based on the Principal’s design vision.
• General research and all sourcing.
• Prepare for client presentations by creating mood boards, detailed floorplans, drawings, and elevations.
• Research new products and materials.
• Type up and organize meeting notes, project status, deliverables, etc.
• Maintain organized client binders (digital and hard copy).
• Read architectural plans and produce scaled sketches, drawings, and room layouts.
• Work with a design team from inception to completion on designs and drawings.

Salary: Will be discussed in the interview and is based on experience.

Benefits: 10 days paid vacation, 12 paid holidays and paid sick time, Monday Lunches provided, Work Laptop Provided, Beautiful & Inspiring office space.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to alisha@alishataylor.com and be prepared to submit references upon request.

WE ARE HIRING! Alisha Taylor Interiors is looking for a professional, organized, and self-motivated Design & Office Assistant who loves residential interior design and wants to come work & learn from a great team!

Alisha Taylor Interiors is a small boutique luxury residential interior design firm, which means we are like a family.  Finding a candidate who above all else is kind is important to us!  Beyond that, we value honesty, a willingness to learn, and someone who is hard-working. We all help with many roles being a small business and this role, specifically, is all about being part of the family, a team player, and assisting where needed.

Candidate must be organized, energetic, eager to learn, cheerful, good at multi-tasking, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Must be proficient in 2D aspects of AutoCAD, have a willingness to learn, and a love for luxury residential design. The Design Assistant will contribute to the success of the firm by assisting with all aspects of design development, sourcing, meeting preparation, technical drawings, and maintaining organized binders, and sample library.  The Design Assistant will also work closely with the Marketing & Operations Director to assist in marketing and office management tasks as well.  Candidate should be able to work within existing systems and help create new systems for continued success. We are flexible regarding a start date.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN.
• 1-2 years of residential design experience, preferred but not required.
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD – ability to develop very detailed floorplans and elevations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Ease with computers and learning new software applications and tools.
• Must have a great sense of numbers, math, geometry, and spatial awareness as it relates to design.
• Experience with any of the 3D rendering software programs taught in schools (We use Sketchup and will train if you have experience in a different software program).
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to multi-task; meet deadlines and is eager to learn and grow with the firm.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
• Have a positive, friendly, and professional attitude.
• Great social media skills, especially Instagram, which include creating reels, writing posts, and a general understanding of social media marketing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General research and product sourcing for projects.
• Prepare for client presentations by creating mood boards, detailed floorplans, drawings, and elevations.
• Follow up with vendors on lead times and quotes.
• Organize and manage sample library.
• Type up and organize meeting notes, project status, deliverables, etc.
• Maintain organized client binders (digital and hard copy).
• Read architectural plans and produce scaled sketches, drawings, and room layouts.
• Assist with social media posts and other marketing tasks, Excel & Canva skills are a plus.
• Assist with general office management tasks.

Salary: Will be discussed in the interview and is based on experience.

Benefits: 10 days paid vacation, 12 paid holidays and paid sick time, Monday Lunches provided, Work from home Fridays, Work Laptop Provided, Beautiful & Inspiring office space.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to alisha@alishataylor.com and be prepared to submit references upon request.