Behind the Design: BLUE SAGE ESTATE

Photorealistic Rendering | Blue Sage Estate Kitchen

About the Clients

We absolutely ADORE this couple! They have several grown kids who are (mostly) out of their house and starting families of their own. We also got to meet her cute 90-year-old mother who will be living with them. We are excited for this home to reflect our client’s personalities, but also to grow into their next chapters of life together!

The Design

The inspiration for the style of this home is an updated, classic look. Lots of touches of traditional charm, done in a simplified, clean way with a fresh new color palette. Since this is their dream retirement home, we had to take multi-generational living and aging-in-place design principles into consideration. We also had to account for the frequent, large family gatherings that will be happening in this home.

The architect’s design for the front of this home required significant height and some high dormer windows that turned into high ceilings in a few rooms that you wouldn’t normally expect. One of the challenges of the interior design for his office was creating a cozy, inviting space despite the extremely tall ceiling.  So, to transform the feeling in there, we added dark cabinetry and wallpaper to the lower 10’ of the walls and designed some dropped decorative white wood beams that is open enough to let all of the beautiful natural light in, but make it feel like the ceiling was 11’ high instead of 16’. Besides his beautiful office, we can’t wait to see their kitchen and back kitchen (which is huge and SO functional) come to life. The play of the different finishes is beautiful in both spaces!

Stay tuned as we document the progress of this stunning Blue Sage Estate New Build project on social media. We’re on the edge of our seats watching this home come together! Alisha Taylor believes that every home is as unique as the family that lives in it. We know how important it is to feel comfortable in your living space and work hard to create personalized designs that our clients can be proud of.

Photorealistic Rendering | Blue Sage Estate Office
Photorealistic Rendering | Blue Sage Estate Office
Photorealistic Rendering | Blue Sage Estate Primary Suite
Photorealistic Rendering | Blue Sage Estate Primary Suite

With years of experience, the Alisha Taylor Interiors team is ready to bring your custom home vision to life.

Take a look at our services and contact us to start designing your luxury home!

Relieve Custom Home Renovation Stress: Secrets From the Pros

home renovation stress

You are getting ready to take an exciting step as a homeowner — renovating your home. While this is no doubt a thrilling decision, it is likely coupled with nervousness or stress about the sheer size of the project.

A custom luxury home remodel not only transforms a home, but also the lives of the people within it. That’s why it needs to be done right. Poor planning on a home renovation can lead to overwhelm, longer construction time, or dissatisfaction with the final product.

To create the luxury home of your dreams, you need the right information and a team of rockstars to help you bring your vision to life. In this article, you will learn tips to make your renovation as smooth as possible, how to find the right team, and why working with an interior designer like Alisha Taylor can relieve some of your home renovation stress.

Ways To Reduce Home Renovation Stress

1. Be clear with your budget

When it comes to a renovation project, the number one stressor is cost. It’s important to be very clear and honest with our team about your budget and to understand that cost expectations that go into a luxury home renovation.

Once your budget is established, create a list of all the changes you are hoping to make and bring this information to your remodeling partner, contractor, interior designer, and anyone else on your team so that everyone is clear on the budget from the start. Your team can then evaluate your existing home and estimate your full remodel cost.

2. Maintain open communication with the team

Letting a team of almost strangers into your house can be a very vulnerable experience. That’s why it is essential to work with people who you trust and who you feel comfortable with voicing any concerns, questions, or updates.

Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors knows that trust is the foundation for every client/designer relationship. We spend the early stages of the project getting to know you and your lifestyle in order to start off with open communication. A strong connection makes it easier to stay in frequent contact through every step of the remodel.

3. Create temporary solutions or consider moving

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear from clients is: “Can I live at home during my remodel?”

The answer is YES, as long as you are willing to weather some discomfort and set up temporary spaces within your home as phases of your full renovation get completed..

However, typically for our full remodel projects, we find the clients have more flexibility and comfort moving to a temporary home during the renovation process. Full remodels can take up to a year or more depending on the scope of the project, and living in those conditions for that long isn’t ideal.

4. Maintain a clear schedule

While almost every renovation schedule is disrupted by an unexpected bump in the road, it is essential for the team to be on the same page about what is supposed to be done by when.

A remodel schedule should include dates for the expected completion of each phase of the renovation as well as a project end date. This will reduce confusion and give you confidence that your project is on track. If anything comes up that causes any deadlines to be pushed back, the contractor or designer will communicate the change so that the schedule may be adjusted.

Everyone on the team wants to get the project finished on time, and a detailed schedule will help make sure this happens.

5. Take extra care of yourself

Our homes are where we go to relax and escape the hecticness of the outside world. During a home renovation, your refuge is being disrupted. That’s why it is essential to take extra good care of yourself, your physical health, and your mental well-being.

Oftentimes, being away from the project or limited to a section of the house causes people to stray from their routine. However, it is essential during this time that you continue your habitual acts of self-care. Exercising, eating well, and having people you can lean on are all factors that will reduce your home renovation stress.

How To Select Your Team

One of the most important steps in any home renovation project is assembling a team of seasoned professionals who will get the job done right. Here are the essential players you will need to hire for a successful renovation:

  • General Contractor
  • Tradesmen (painters, plumbers, electricians, etc.)
  • Carpenter
  • Interior Designer

You want to make sure your teammates have the experience and expertise needed to bring your dream home to life. With almost 20 years of experience in design, Alisha Taylor and her team have the passion and knowledge to make the remodel process straightforward and fun.

Reduce Stress By Hiring an Interior Designer

It’s no secret that working with an interior designer can reduce home renovation stress and make the journey easier. But how exactly do they fit into the puzzle?

You can think of an interior designer as the “facilitator” of your redesign project. Ideally, they will work hand-in-hand with your builder and all the other members of your team to keep the project moving forward.

They will also work closely with you to talk through any ideas you may have, introduce design concepts for your living spaces, and help with the selection and placement of furniture.

Whatever your luxury custom home renovation desires, a professional interior designer like Alisha Taylor can make the process smoother.

Learn more about Alisha Taylor’s personalized design services.

Ready To Renovate? Contact Alisha Taylor Interiors

Alisha Taylor believes it is an honor to design the space that you call home. That’s why our team approaches every project with the utmost care and professionalism. Our priority is to take away some of your home renovation stress so that you can enjoy the process of bringing your dream home to life.

Contact us today to get started!

A Homeowner’s Checklist To Building a New Luxury Home

home building checklist

Building a custom home is an exciting endeavor. The process of bringing your vision to life can feel magical; it’s your home space made by and for you.

While this is a thrilling adventure, a new home build is also a multi-layered process involving many steps and players. But, not to worry! We’ve broken down the process for you.

From years of experience working with clients building and designing new luxury homes, here is a building a house checklist for homeowners. Print this home-building checklist to mark off each step as you progress on this journey.

Home-Building Checklist: Starting Steps

You’ve made the decision to build your new luxury home. But where do you even begin? Here are the first steps to take to get started.

Step 1: Determine your budget

Your first task should be to identify a realistic budget for your project. This number will lay the foundation for everything else, including the location of the lot, the size of the house, and the design features that can be included.

Consult with your financial advisor or a trusted friend to determine how much you’d like to invest in your new luxury home.

Step 2: Set a time frame

Almost every construction project encounters road bumps and unexpected delays. That being said, it is important to have an end goal that you and your team can aim for. Having a clear schedule keeps everyone on the same page. When setbacks do arise, the schedule can be adjusted accordingly.

Step 3: Select and buy your land

If you don’t already own the land you want to build on, work with a real estate agent to identify a plot that would work for your home. Real estate agents can inform you about property prices in the areas you are interested in. They can also help you if you are planning on selling the home after it is completed.

It also can be helpful to consult with an architect during this step so that you can ensure the plot of land you buy fits the needs of your build.

Step 4: Assemble your team

Building a house requires a team of experienced professionals. Choosing the right players is an essential step in your home-building checklist. Here is a list of all the people you need to hire to create your dream team:

  • Home Builder or General Contractor: A professional who can oversee the execution of a home build from start to finish. This person will also be in charge of hiring out subcontractors to perform specialized parts of the construction job, such as electricians and plumbers.
  • Architect: The person in charge of designing the blueprints of the property for all other players to reference during construction.
  • Interior Designer: Once you have the blueprint for the house, an interior designer like Alisha Taylor will work with you to visualize the design for each room in the house — down to the pillows on the living room couch.
  • Landscape Architect: If you have a backyard or front yard, it is helpful to hire a landscape architect who can map out the design of your outdoor area and create a plan for your general contractor to execute.

Home-Building Checklist: Designing Your Luxury Home

Building a home from the ground up is a unique opportunity to design a living space to match your needs. Who knows what you would want in a house better than yourself?

The design portion of the process is especially thrilling. This is a great time to hire an interior designer like Alisha Taylor who can walk with you every step of the way.

Step 5: Collect examples of homes that you do and do not like

Search through Pinterest, social media, or home magazines to find examples of homes that you love. Identify the features that you like, and make a list to bring to your architect and interior designer. Then, as a team, you can decide which of these features are realistic to include in the floor plan of the house.

Knowing what you DON’T want in a home is just as important as knowing what you DO want — so feel free to bring examples that demonstrate what you would like to be left out of your home design.

Step 6: Determine the size and layout of your home

Then, it’s time to determine the master plan for your house. Determining how big you can go is dependent on a number of factors, including the size of your lot and zoning restrictions.

Discuss these factors with your architect, along with how many floors and rooms you want in your custom home.

Step 7: Line out the structure and function of each room

This step will depend not only on space but also on lifestyle. For example, if you have children, you might want an open kitchen concept so that you can chat with family from the living room while you prepare dinner. If you’re a fitness guru, you might want to include a room for a home gym. Work from home? Carve out space for a home office.

Whatever you need your house to do for you, Alisha Taylor can help.

Step 8: Determine your style and design

When working with Alisha Taylor Interiors, we will walk through each room with you and talk about interior design concepts that you are imagining. With this information, we create storyboards and renderings for each room to bring your vision to life

In this step, we will also work with you to pick out materials, such as flooring and countertops, and order products to fill out your home, such as furniture and furnishings.

Home-Building Checklist: Building the Home of Your Dreams

Once you have worked with your architect to create a blueprint of your house, your interior designer has completed 3D renderings of each room, and your general contractor has assembled a building team, it’s time to get to construction.

Step 9: Work with your team through the building process

During this step, it is essential to make sure correct permits are in place and that periodic inspections are scheduled as required by your city and state. These are tasks usually taken care of by your general contractor, but it does not hurt to stay informed of the entire process.

Remember your timeline and check in periodically with your crew to make sure you are on schedule. If something unexpected comes up, the timeline should be adjusted so that all teammates are on the same page.

Lastly, maintain close and open communication with your team. Everyone wants to get this project finished efficiently and on time, and checking in frequently helps this process.

Step 10: Move in!

Finally, the project that you have put so much time and energy into has come to life. Your floors are laid, the electricity is set, and your new dream home is ready to move into. This is your time to have a housewarming party to celebrate and meet your new neighbors.

Complete Your Home-Building Checklist With the Help of Alisha Taylor Interiors

When you’re building a new luxury home, you have the chance to design a space that is uniquely yours. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we are honored to walk you through the steps of a home-building checklist to bring your dream home to life.

Ready to design your new home? Contact us today.

What Makes a Custom Home a Luxury Home?

There’s a difference between custom & luxury custom homes.  If you are building a new home, it’s important to know the differences and be honest with your budget and expectations.  If you are ready to build your dream home, are looking forward to enjoying the process and the focus isn’t on the budget but on quality, then you are ready to build a custom luxury home.

Here is what to expect when building a Custom Luxury Home:

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

A luxury custom home build includes a team of professionals; an Architect, a Luxury Builder, an Interior Designer, and a great Landscape Architect.  Each professional brings their expertise to the table working together to accomplish the most amazing house possible for the client.   For luxury custom home projects, we advise our clients to hire the entire team upfront, before a floor plan is even drafted. This will ensure the best design from the beginning to end.

REDUCED STRESS AND TIME

The professionals and processes of a luxury home build are designed to alleviant stress and time required from the client.  A professional interior designer will guide the client through all the aesthetic decisions before the build even starts. A luxury builder will educate and ensure the right quality products in construction are ordered ahead of time to ensure a smooth build schedule.  The experience is to be enjoyed by the client as they lean and rely on the team of professionals they’ve hired.

PREMIUM DESIGN

Luxury custom homes are constructed & designed with high-end/premium materials, finishes, fixtures, and appliances. They are designed with true stylistic architectural details & quality craftsmanship. Luxury custom homes often include indulgent amenities such as well-equipped kitchens, gorgeous back kitchens, resort-style bathrooms, a designated movie theater, or a lavish home office.  The design decisions are focused on the client’s lifestyle and desires.

COST

Due to their unique features and quality construction, luxury homes are listed above the median, in both cost and value.   The use of high-end materials finishes quality craftsmanship, and customization throughout result in a higher budget per square foot.  A luxury custom home builder and the client will work together to make sure construction details are done right versus putting the focus on cutting corners.  A luxury custom home budget is not about the sky being the limit, it’s about a really smart budget that is centered around quality.

If you’re considering building a new home, it’s important, to be honest about your expectations around quality, stress, and budget.  Are you expecting a luxury custom home build experience or does building a custom home without the tag of ‘luxury’ attached fit you better?  We work with both types of clients and part of our job as designers is to help navigate our client’s expectations and goals.  What fits one client doesn’t fit another so no matter what type of home you are building the best advice we can give you is to communicate expectations upfront to all professionals hired and then listen and be willing to learn along the way.

Custom Home Interior Design Guide for an Impressive Home

custom home interior design

Everyone wants a home they can feel proud of. After all, it is the place to kick off your shoes after a long day, a corner to gather with loved ones, and a space that holds cherished memories.

But with all the other responsibilities of life, styling and furnishing your own custom home can be a daunting task. Good design takes time, attention to detail, and experience. This is why many people in the process of building or redesigning a home make the decision to hire a professional interior designer.

But how does one go about hiring an interior designer? And what exactly does a custom home interior design look like? Read our custom home interior design guide to learn what an interior designer can do for you, how to go about selecting the best designer for your project, and how working with a professional like Alisha Taylor can make your dream home a reality.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

To start off our guide to custom home interior design, let’s take a look at what exactly an interior designer like Alisha Taylor can bring to the project.

Many are unaware of the time and effort that go into becoming an interior designer. Most reputable interior designers have a Bachelor’s degree in interior design and are trained in specialized skills like the application of color theory, space planning, and custom 3D renderings with the computer software AutoCAD.

With these skills, a professional interior designer will work with you to talk through your ideas, evaluate the living space you want to design, and partner with your builder and architect to bring your vision to life.

If you have an existing home in need of a transformation, an interior designer can also help with furniture and furnishing design, alleviating the stress of selecting, ordering, and organizing furniture all on your own.

Whatever your custom home interior design needs, Alisha Taylor can make the process simple and enjoyable.

Learn more about Alisha Taylor’s personalized design services.

How to Choose an Interior Designer

If you’re ready to select a custom home interior designer, you want to make sure to hire someone who has the expertise and experience to get the job done right.

Here is a list of just qualities and credentials you may want to look for in a designer:

  • Educated in Interior Design, holding a B.A. or higher.
  • “Speaks” the language of design and understands key interior design concepts.
  • Has a network of trusted vendors such as custom furniture companies and luxury fabric producers.
  • Has worked on similar projects.

When you meet with a potential designer, come prepared with some design ideas and examples of the type of style you’re considering. Coming with as much information as possible upfront will give the designer a solid starting point and will create open communication from the jump.

Make sure to also discuss expectations around budget and timeline. The custom home interior design process may look different for every designer, so you’ll want to ask questions and receive clarification on what to expect.

Finally, trust your gut. This is someone you will be working with closely through a significant chapter in your life, so it is important that your personalities and priorities align. Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors knows that trust is the key to successful client relations as well as the foundation for collaborative design.

See how Alisha Taylor has applied all of the above qualities to creating beautiful custom spaces in her past work.

Bring Joy to Designing Your Home

Making the decision to bring on an interior designer in the process of building your home is an exciting step. After the decision is made and you’ve chosen your designer, you may be wondering what comes next in the custom home interior design process.

Alisha Taylor takes great care to ensure that the design process is smooth and fun for clients along the way. That is why we always begin with getting to know the client and their unique lifestyle. Building a relationship and taking your unique needs into consideration is an essential part of making the space feel like you. Our interior design process is as follows:

  1. Together, we will go room by room and talk about the personalized design concepts you are envisioning. With this information, you will be presented with a storyboard for each room.
  2. Next, the team will put together interior design renderings of each room for you to clearly envision the final product
  3. Custom floor plans, CAD elevations, and ceiling plans will be carefully drawn, and the plans will be shared with the architect and builder to ensure your needs and desires are met.
  4. Once agreed upon, orders will be placed for furniture and decor pieces. When they arrive, all pieces will be arranged to complete the perfect personalized design.

And our team will be with you every step of the way. Learn more about Alisha Taylor Interior’s process for working with clients.

Ready to Create Your Dream Home?

Alisha Taylor believes that every home is as unique as the family that lives in it. We know how important it is to feel comfortable in your living space and work hard to create personalized designs that our clients can be proud of.

With years of experience, the Alisha Taylor Interiors team is ready to bring your custom home vision to life. Take a look at our services and contact us to start designing your new home!

Elegant Ways to Position a Grand Piano in Living Room

grand piano in living room

A grand piano is a statement of sophistication and elegance. This piece can turn a living room into a performance area when entertaining or into a corner to play music and make memories with grandchildren.

However you decide to use your instrument, proper placement of a grand piano in your living room is crucial for the design and functionality of your home.

We know that the living room is one of the most important rooms in the house. This is where you kick off your shoes at the end of the day or where you gather to relax with loved ones. You want a space that is beautiful, elegant, and functional. And where you place your grand piano can make or break the flow of this room.

In this article, we’ll go over some tried and tested tips for grand piano placement that will preserve the integrity of the instrument, allow it to sound its best, and create a living room you can be proud of.

Grand Piano in Living Room Placement Dos and Don’ts

We’ll start by going over some of the basic dos and don’ts for creating a modern living room with a grand piano.

  • DO make sure there is plenty of space between the piano and furniture pieces for walkways.
  • DON’T place your piano in the line of direct sunlight. This will help to prevent fading in the finishing and stop the wood from drying and cracking.
  • DO keep the piano away from windows, heating units, or air conditioning air ducts. The changing temperature makes the wood on the piano expand and contract, causing damage.
  • DON’T place the piano directly by a door. You want to make sure all doors can swing fully open without contacting the piano.
  • DO face the open side of the lid towards your seating area. This will ensure that the sound from the piano is flowing towards your audience.

Determining Size and Space

The next key considerations are the size of your space and the width of your piano.

The most important thing in piano placement is that it is the appropriate size for your living room. If it is too big or there are too many furniture pieces, the space can feel cluttered, taking away from the comfort of the room.

The average width of a grand piano is five feet, so when choosing a piano, you must measure your living room and the spot you want to place the grand piano for it to fit comfortably. Be sure to leave two to three feet of space for the piano bench.

Creating a Focal Point

When designing a room, one of our main considerations is defining a focal point. A focal point is the place where the eye lands when you walk into a room, and it will affect the rest of the design decisions made in that space.

A grand piano in your living room can serve as the perfect focal point. Here are some tricks to make your piano the star of the room:

  • Place your piano under its own light to make it truly stand out. This can be under a ceiling light, a large arc floor lamp, or even a chandelier.
  • Give it space. Make sure that the piano has its own “spot” in the room and isn’t pushed up against any walls or pieces of furniture.
  • Dress it up. Draw the eye to your piano by adding a colorful textile to the bench or by placing vibrant photos on the wall behind it.

Making a Plan

A great design is a detailed design.

This level of preciseness can only happen with a well-thought-out floor plan. This is an essential step in our design process, and you can work with Alisha Taylor to create the perfect layout of your living room with an upright piano.

We’ll start by creating a 2D representation of your living room space and marking all of the non-moving features such as windows and doors. Then, we’ll list out all of the furniture pieces that you want to keep in the living room, such as rugs, chairs, couches, and side tables.

Don’t be afraid to play with the layout! Try different furniture arrangements until you find one that you like. This allows you to test out different room designs without having to lug heavy furniture back and forth.

Bring Your Dream Living Room to Life

We understand that you want your living room to be both a comfortable place to unwind and a reflection of who you are. And that’s why we’re here to assist you with placing your grand piano perfectly in your living room.

When you work with Alisha Taylor as your designer, you can trust that the placement of every last item will be considered in creating your perfect home. Whether you are building a home from the ground up or remodeling an existing room, you can put your trust in our expert design and project management skills.

Contact us today to get started with the design process!

Let’s Talk Tile

Did you know 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 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.

Wall Tile 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.

Chandler Remodel Project
Using marble tile on walls and shower floor can create a stunning variation pattern
  • 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.
This ceramic tile backsplash in a picket fence shape and glossy texture adds beauty and dimension to this kitchen
We used a glass tile for this dry bar design to create a glam feel and make an impact

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!

Our Favorite Posts of the Year

 

It’s no secret that our time in 2021 has been busy, busy, busy! We have a lot in store for 2022, and couldn’t be more excited for our 2020-2021 projects to start to take shape. Be sure you subscribed to our Inner Circle Newsletter to get monthly updates on our final reveals, behind-the-scenes of our design process, and studio details! In the meantime, we would love to share a few of our favorite blog posts that represent the fun we’ve had in 2021.

How Alisha Taylor Interiors Blends with the Sherwin-Williams 2022 Colormix Forecast

After Sherwin-Williams had announced their Colormix Forecast for 2022, we found the collection spoke directly to our team here at Alisha Taylor Interiors. Alisha curated a team that blends beautifully and can grow from the past, embraces the present, and transitions into the future. This Colormix Forecast directly speaks to us and we couldn’t be more excited to start 2022 with curated colors that reflect the team at Alisha Taylor Interiors.

SNEAK PEEK: Alisha Taylor Interiors Office

It seems as though our team tripled in size overnight, and it was time for a more functional, customized space. After looking for about a year, I came across this building that was a blank slate, and a perfect fit for the newest additions to our team. Although we still have so much to do to achieve that Alisha Taylor flair, we are excited to show you some sneak peeks and what’s to come for our new Alisha Taylor Interiors Office!

The Interior Design Process to Expect For Custom Homes

Our goal at Alisha Taylor Interiors is to make each one of our clients 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 by keeping the design process understandable and efficient through a systematic method that allows them to visualize and be excited about their designs.

Our Podcast Interview with AFT Construction

I had the privilege to sit down with Brad Leavitt, with A Finer Touch Construction, to discuss the behind-the-scenes of designing a New Build Project and creating a Dream Team on the AFT Construction Podcast!

Listen in as I give my thoughts on educating and setting expectations with our clients. I explain why embracing the role of an interior designer as a facilitator is more important today than at any other time due to changes in the industry brought on by the turbulent circumstances of the last year and a half. Brad and I unpack the reality that “there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap bid.”

The First Step to the Design Process For Your Custom Home

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!

Thank you for another wonderful year! From everyone at Alisha Taylor Interiors, we hope you have a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

 

Expert’s Guide to Luxury Kitchen Remodeling Scottsdale AZ

kitchen remodeling scottsdale az

You’ve finally made the decision — you’re ready to remodel your custom home and turn it into the luxury space of your dreams, starting with the kitchen. With the help of an interior designer like Alisha Taylor, you can bring your ideas to life. The first step to your kitchen remodel in Scottsdale, AZ, is to understand what this process will entail. Our expert guide to kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale can help you get started with creating a luxury space.

The Kitchen Remodeling Process: Step-by-Step

1. Assemble Your Team

Once you’ve decided on a luxury remodel, it’s time to start working with a team of experts. You’ll need an interior designer, contractor, electrician, and other professionals to help get the job done. Working with Alisha Taylor provides you with access to the best contractors, builders, and more in the area. Assemble your team using these contacts and schedule a consultation to discuss your remodel.

Specifically for your kitchen remodel, one of the most important elements of creating a luxury kitchen is to ensure that everything is up to code and completely safe for use. That’s where your team comes in. During your kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale, AZ, your assembled team will take care of all the necessary permits and work with local inspectors to make sure that your new kitchen is not only gorgeous but also 100% safe.

2. Settle on a Design

The next step in a kitchen remodel in Scottsdale, AZ, is to settle on a design. This will include both the layout and the overall theme that you’ve been envisioning. Meet with Alisha Taylor to determine what style and layout will best suit your lifestyle and preferences.

3. Demolish Old Kitchen

It’s time for demolition! Removal of the old kitchen is the next step in this process. This includes pulling out any cabinets, flooring, and other features that need to be removed before work can begin. Your team will be able to properly and safely dispose of all old materials.

4. Complete Rebuild

Once your old kitchen is demolished, you can start the rebuild! This is when you’ll start to see your vision come to life. Your team will work to install new flooring, build stunning cabinetry, place your chosen countertops, and more.

5. Install Appliances

The next step is installing new fixtures, lighting, and appliances. This is an important step in creating a luxury kitchen. The hardware for your kitchen is an important consideration that can make or break your space. The light fixtures and appliances that you’ve chosen with the help of Alisha Taylor can bring the space together and create the luxury feel you’ve been dreaming of.

6. Add Finishing Touches

No luxury kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale is complete without the finishing touches. Alisha Taylor and her team will hang wall decor, style a centerpiece on your new kitchen island, or skillfully display your wine collection in your new cooler. This is when your dream fully comes to life.

7. Complete a Walk-Through

Finally, perform a final walk-through to complete your project and address any questions. You’ll want to be satisfied with the finished space before moving forward, so take the time to complete this step carefully.

Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

Kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale, AZ, can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on the size and scope of the kitchen remodel and the other zones of your full remodel. The first step you’ll take is to schedule an appointment with Alisha Taylor, where she will come out to your home to meet with you about your vision for your kitchen. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your budget, look through design magazines for inspiration, and set out any specific requirements you might have.

Once this initial meeting is done, you’ll be able to work with Alisha Taylor and the general contractor who will oversee the project and bring your remodeling dreams to life. You’ll be able to witness which materials, appliances, fixtures, and finishes go into making your dream kitchen a reality.

Alisha Taylor will communicate with you every step of the way to ensure you know where the process is at and are completely satisfied with each stage of your full remodeling project.

kitchen remodeling scottsdale az

Kitchen Remodeling Cost

The cost of your kitchen remodel will depend on the size and scope of the project and the quality of materials used throughout. Generally, you can expect to spend $100,000 on a luxury kitchen remodel. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just a ballpark figure; the final cost could be higher or lower depending on your specific needs and wants for your kitchen.

The fabulous new kitchen you’ll get in the end will be well worth it. And with Alisha Taylor at the helm, you can count on a remodeling process that goes smoothly and provides you with a luxury kitchen to last a lifetime.

Tips for a Luxury Kitchen Remodeling

Undertaking a kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale, AZ, can be a challenging process. The possibilities are endless, and sometimes it can be difficult to know just how to bring those kitchen dreams to life. As you begin your redesign, consider the following tips to help you narrow down your choices and navigate the process.

Decide on a Theme

When you’re starting out on your kitchen remodeling in Scottsdale, AZ, you should spend some time deciding on a theme. Having a set style can make selecting cabinets, appliances, and furnishings just a little easier.

What do you want your new kitchen to look like? Is it sleek and modern? Or would you prefer an industrial-chic style with lots of steel finishes? Work with our team at Alisha Taylor to go over the different styles and determine which is best.

Choose an Ideal Kitchen Layout

With a kitchen remodel, you have the opportunity to completely redesign your space. So, how do you want the space to function? Do you need a lot of counter space for cooking? Or would you prefer an island in the center where people can gather? Discuss what will work best for your needs with Alisha Taylor and let her create the perfect space.

Select Durable Materials

Once you’ve decided on a kitchen design, it’s time to start looking at materials. Your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your house, so make sure that everything is durable and easy to clean. Marble countertops are as luxurious as they come; however, they require a lot of maintenance. Granite countertops are beautiful and durable but may get stained easily.

Browse High-End Appliances

Another place where you can really build on your design is with your appliances — it’s never a bad idea to have the best. Whether you choose high-end stainless steel appliances or are happy to stick with more traditional models, make sure that your new fridge and oven complement your design and layout.

Redesign Your Kitchen With Alisha Taylor

We understand that kitchens are very personal spaces for homeowners, and we aim to make the remodeling process as seamless as possible. At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we understand what it takes to create a luxury kitchen. When you’re ready for your luxury kitchen upgrade within your full remodel project, contact Alisha Taylor for help. We’ll work with you to create the perfect space for your needs.

How Interior Designers Buy Furniture For Stunning Results

do interior designers buy furniture

Selecting the perfect piece of furniture for your new home can be overwhelming. With so many styles, patterns, and materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know what furniture will seamlessly bring together your desired look. Luckily, working with an interior designer like Alisha Taylor can make this process a little easier.

You may have a few questions when it comes to choosing furniture with an interior designer, such as: Do interior designers buy furniture for you? And if so, where do interior designers shop? We’ve got the answers and more below!

Do Interior Designers Buy Furniture?

The answer is yes! In fact, having an interior designer like Alisha Taylor purchase your furniture may even provide you with discounts you may not otherwise have.

At the start of the interior design timeline, furniture costs may be incorporated into the final estimated cost of the entire project. This works best if you know exactly what furniture you’ll need to fill your space. However, if you’re unsure what kind of furniture you’ll want in your space, you can work with our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors to determine those needs and set a budget later on.

Where Do Interior Designers Shop?

Once you and your interior designer have decided what type of furniture you’ll need to fill your new space, it’s time to shop! Where do interior designers shop? Based on the chosen furniture and the professional relationships established, Alisha Taylor finds the perfect pieces for your home at a variety of locations. These include, but are not limited to, the following places.

Local Vendors

With almost 20 years in the industry, Alisha Taylor has established strong working relationships with many local vendors. These vendors are an ideal place to purchase furniture as they can often offer higher quality materials and more advanced customization options. Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors is also able to connect regularly with these vendors to stay up-to-date on delivery times so you’ll know exactly when your dream home will be finalized.

Retail Stores

Retail stores are a great place to look for unique accessories more. If you’re planning to buy minor decor pieces that don’t require customization, these stores will likely carry what you need. Our services include an accessory budget to add the final touches to your space once we place the larger pieces. This allows us to continue doing most of the shopping for you, so you can come home to a completed reveal!

Showrooms

Planning a showroom visit with your interior designer is another excellent way to find the best furniture for your home. At a showroom, you’ll have the opportunity to test out the furniture for both comfort and functionality. You’ll also be able to see the makeshift set-up that the showroom creates, giving you insight into how the furniture may look in your own space. From there, Alisha Taylor can work with the showroom to purchase the furniture and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

How Interior Designers Buy Furniture

You’re ready to choose the stunning furniture that will fill your home and bring your interior design ideas to life. But how does an interior designer like Alisha Taylor actually buy the furniture you need? Learn more about this process with our step-by-step guide.

1. Choose a Style

Before you can start choosing furniture, you’ll need to figure out just what style you want your interior design to be. Does the modern farmhouse look seem appealing to you? Or are you drawn to classic design when it comes to your home? If you’re feeling unsure, our team will evaluate your lifestyle and help you determine the best style for your space.

2. Determine Customizations

Once you’ve established your style, you’ll want to determine whether customized furnishings are the right fit. Customized furniture adds a unique flair to your space that makes it truly yours. Alisha Taylor can walk you through this process and discuss the different options available that match your style.

3. Get Quotes

Alisha Taylor utilizes her industry connections to collect quotes on different furniture pieces and determine which one best fits your style and budget.

4. Place Order

After the final decision has been made, it’s time to place the order and patiently wait for your furniture to arrive! Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors will stay in frequent contact with you so you can receive regular updates on the delivery timeline.

5. Finalize Your Home

Last but certainly not least, it’s time to furnish your home! Alisha Taylor will collect all of your furniture and decorations and put the final touches on your space. From there, you can enjoy your breathtaking new home.

Find the Best Furniture with Alisha Taylor

Choosing the best furniture for your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. In fact, furniture shopping has never been easier with Alisha Taylor on your side. Review her award-winning designs for inspiration and let her find you the absolute perfect furniture to complete your space.

Contact our team today to learn more about the design process and how we can help you make your ideal home a reality!

Behind the Design: DC RANCH VILLA

We can see the end of the tunnel on our DC Ranch Villa project! As the last of the furniture pieces arrive, we are anticipating the full design taking shape. We are currently in the Order Placement, Inspection, and Installation phase of the project. Since COVID hit, furniture manufacturers and shipping companies have experienced major delays resulting in late deliveries for our clients. Although we had to push this project back due to this obstacle, we are still so excited to see it all come together!

Our Creative Designer, Justice Cook, gave us the inside scoop on what inspired the DC Ranch Villa design, and what we can expect from this project as it wraps up!

The Homeowners

Our clients were an absolute delight to work with! They had bought a beautiful two-story Spanish Style home to act as their “getaway” home in Phoenix, featuring large windows, dark floors, and a beautiful layout. To complement the already stunning property, our clients reached out to Alisha Taylor Interiors to fill the space with beautiful & quality pieces and do some light remodeling, predominantly in the Primary Suite.

The Inspiration for the Design

Coming from Ohio and looking to have a home away from the grey weather of Columbus, the empty nesters still wanted to make the house hospitable for their adult kids for when they came to visit. The husband wanted to have a designated spot in the front room to read and watch the sunset as well as a study area in the Primary Suite. We wanted to still pay homage to the original Spanish-like style yet incorporate the beautiful soft pastels of the Arizona landscape and pallet to bring something unique to the homeowners. They were used to a more mid-west style and wanted something different than that, so our biggest anchor for the design and selections was “Desert Sunset”. For furniture pieces on the first floor, we focused on calming and warm, yet youthful colors, warmer woods, and textural pieces like wicker accent chairs and oxidized legs on furniture pieces. We added some fuzzy fabrics like fur, linens, boucle, and tribal print rugs to bring it to life. For the second floor, we used blues and purples to give the space a gender-neutral, yet soft and light ambiance.

Our Favorite Part

Our favorite part of this project was seeing it all come together after the inevitable messiness of the creative process! It’s incredible to have a general idea of a look and have it evolve as you get into the details of what it takes to capture that look and feel.

Some Advice from Us to You

From a creative standpoint, we find the best thing you can do is start with one or two fundamental pieces in the room that capture the ultimate feel you’re going for and use that as the foundation to find all the other elements of the room. That helps keep the design from going in a direction it wasn’t intended. It’s a balance of structure and creativity that brings a solid furniture package together. When designing a space with custom & unique pieces, there are many components to consider when ordering. From the simple wood finish on a table to the type of stitch design on a sofa seam, it all is considered and every furniture piece demands intense attention to detail.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we believe that your home is the one place you can escape to after a long day, a place to host and gather with family and friends, and a place that represents growth, memories, and stability. We do what we do in order to make your home beautiful and livable for the life you want to live within its walls.

SNEAK PEEK: Alisha Taylor Interiors Office

It seems as though our team tripled in size overnight, and it was time for a more functional, customized space. After looking for about a year, I came across this building that was a blank slate, and a perfect fit for the newest additions to our team. Although we still have so much to do to achieve that Alisha Taylor flair, we are excited to show you some sneak peeks and what’s to come for our new Alisha Taylor Interiors Office!

The Design Studio

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, just south of the Entertainment District, we scored the first level of this new development. Our Design Studio entrance acts as our main entrance to our design pit. This is where our junior designers spend their time sourcing, designing & collaborating for all our projects. Our goal in this space is to have a custom built-in shelving unit to host all our project trays & baskets in one spot and give our designers easy access to their current project samples. And we CAN’T WAIT to show you the wallpaper we are installing in this space!

Alisha Taylor’s Office

As we move past the design pit, we arrive at my stunning glass door office! It doesn’t look like much now, but we have big plans for this space, including custom built-ins, unique artwork & gorgeous sconces!

The Kitchenette

Eventually, we will have a custom, beautifully designed kitchenette in this corner of the office to accompany our Marketing Director & Office Manager’s desk. Designs are currently being discussed, and we are so excited to showcase the same materials we spec for our clients, and to have a place to store our yummy office snacks!

The Sample Room

The Sample Room is the library for all our wallpaper, tiles, cabinetry finishes, fabric swatches, manufacturer catalogs, paint samples, and hardware samples. We’ve recently had these built-ins completed, and we couldn’t be more excited to utilize this space!

The Presentation Room

Our Presentation Room is for our lovely clients’ presentation meetings.  We use this secluded space to display their samples, renderings, and storyboards and walk them through every component of their project. We are currently in the works of receiving a new table for this space, so stay tuned for that surprise!

 

We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to make this space our own, and we can’t wait to show you the Final Reveal as we add the last Alisha Taylor Interiors touches. Subscribe to our Inner Circle newsletters and never miss out on new project & studio updates!

follow along
@alishataylorinteriors