Alisha Taylor Interiors Wins 2024 Iconic Design Awards & Arizona Masonry Council Excellence in Masonry Award
We’ve got exciting news! Alisha Taylor Interiors has secured prestigious wins for our project, #ModernSunset, at both the 2024 Iconic Design Awards and the 33rd Annual Arizona Masonry Council Excellence in Masonry Awards. Celebrated for its innovative, modern, and intentional design, #ModernSunset redefines luxury living by integrating natural materials and finishes that blend beautifully with the surrounding desert hillside landscape.
The 2024 Iconic Design Awards recognized #ModernSunset for its timeless elegance, outstanding attention to detail, and the way it elevates residential design. The project stood out for incorporating modern elements while embracing local heritage, a testament to our team’s dedication to balancing innovation with timeless design principles.
ICONIC AWARD: Primary Bath
This soft-contemporary new build, nestled among the boulders, offers panoramic views of Scottsdale’s desert landscape. The design of the interior architectural details was inspired by the interaction with Mother Nature. The primary bathroom features a floating vanity with a layered material backsplash that echoes the stratification of desert boulders. The shower boasts a subtle tone-on-tone snakeskin-patterned ceramic tile, reminding us of the surrounding desert beauty and wildlife.
GOLD AWARD: Great Room or Living Room in Home 3,500 to 7,500 SQ. FT.
This soft-contemporary new build sits on boulders overlooking the desert landscape. The interior architectural details were inspired by how to beautifully dance with Mother Nature. The great room is the very definition of interior and exterior living together, featuring a 40-ft. disappearing sliding glass door with unobstructed views of city lights and desert terrain. The dance of nature and interior architecture continues into each corner of the home.
At the Arizona Masonry Council Awards, #ModernSunset was honored for its outstanding masonry work, emphasizing the skill and artistry of its construction. The integration of stone played a significant role in defining the overall character of this project. The design captured the natural beauty of Arizona through its use of locally sourced stone from Solstice Stone.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… “It takes a village!” We’re truly honored that the entire #ModernSunset team has been awarded these awards! This project was a major collaborative effort that required the talents and skills of many incredible people & we were grateful to be a part of it! These awards underscore our team’s commitment to producing designs that are not only visually stunning but also celebrate craftsmanship and regional influences. The recognition from both prestigious awards not only highlights Alisha Taylor Interiors’ ability to innovate within modern luxury design but also emphasizes our role in pushing the boundaries of residential architecture.
Luxury Tile: What to Know for Your New Build Design
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.
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.
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!
BEHIND THE DESIGN: #BrickyardManor
#Brickyard Manor combines timeless elegance and style, integrating natural elements, like brick, stone & wood, into a modern design
A Blend of Transitional and Traditional Elements
Introducing our latest new build design, #BrickyardManor as a custom home that combines transitional design with traditional touches with Riverwood Development and Altitude Design. According to Faye Serwa (Interior Designer II), “This design direction was inspired by our clients’ love for transitional spaces with touches of femininity and traditional elements.” The brick exterior, a key feature of the design, became an essential element carried inside the home. This approach connects the exterior and interior, bringing warmth, texture, and timelessness to the space, blending contemporary comfort with classic charm.
Materials and Color Palette
The palette throughout #BrickyardManor is carefully curated, with shades of blue playing a prominent role in the cabinetry. “We used different shades of blue, mixed with putty and wood tones to add some dimension into the space,” Faye explains. Natural stone and patterned wood floors add layers of interest to each room, while zellige tiles and various stone applications introduce texture and luxury. The material selection was thoughtfully considered to create a cohesive look, with each space offering a unique expression without straying from the overall design.
The Primary Bathroom: A Textural Masterpiece
Among the standout features of #BrickyardManor is the stunning primary bathroom design. With its warm, textural palette, the space exudes luxury and comfort. “The primary bathroom has such a warm textural palette with natural stone, along with a really fun box beam with a shiplap ceiling,” Faye shares. This space is a perfect example of how every room in the home was designed with care, ensuring that each detail enhances the overall experience and tells a story.
Our #BrickyardManor new build design is a home built for both beauty and function, perfectly tailored to meet our homeowners’ needs while offering those timeless elements.
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 client’s 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.
Building a Custom Luxury Home: What to Know
Building a custom luxury home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. There are many things to consider when embarking on such a project, and it is important to be prepared and knowledgeable about the process.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when building a custom luxury home:
Speak up when you don’t understand and enjoy the learning element of the entire process.
Building a luxury home is a complex process that requires a lot of knowledge and expertise. It is important to be open to learning and willing to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Your team will likely challenge you and push you to make difficult decisions, but this is all part of the process of creating a truly exceptional home.
Trust your team.
While it is important to be involved in the process and to communicate your needs and preferences, it is also important to trust your team and allow them to do their job. Micromanaging can lead to unnecessary stress and can hinder the progress of the project. If you trust your team to make the best decisions for you and let them do their job, the better the project will look, the further your budget will go, and the happier and less stressed you will be.
Be transparent about your custom luxury home budget from the beginning with everyone.
One of the most important things to consider when building a luxury home is the budget. It is important to be transparent about your budget from the beginning and to communicate it clearly with everyone involved in the project. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project stays on track financially.
It’s a journey… it takes a long time, but it is so worth it in the end.
Building a luxury home is a long process that requires patience and perseverance. It is important to remember that it is a journey and to enjoy the process along the way. While there may be challenges and setbacks, the end result will be well worth the effort.
Be honest and prepared to commit.
Building a luxury home requires a lot of preparation and planning. It is important to be fully committed to each step of the process and to be prepared for each meeting and decision. Make sure you do your homework and come prepared with questions and ideas.
Collect inspiration & know your priorities.
Before you begin the process of building a luxury home, it is important to have a clear idea of what you want and need in a home. Collect inspiration and keep a notepad to jot down ideas and preferences. This will help you to communicate your needs and preferences clearly to your team. It is also important to know your priorities and to list them in order of importance. This will help you to make decisions and allocate resources in a way that reflects your values and preferences.
Building a luxury home is a complex and challenging process, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. By being prepared, transparent, and open to learning, you can ensure that your project stays on track and meets your expectations. Remember to trust your team and to communicate your needs and priorities clearly.
While there may be setbacks and challenges along the way, the end result will be a truly exceptional home that reflects your vision and values. So, take your time, enjoy the journey, and savor the rewards of building your dream home!
5 Best Curtain Fabrics To Consider for Your Furniture Design
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.
PROJECT REVEAL: #SomersetChateau
While leveraging custom luxury home builder, Modern Splendor Homes’ reputation for crafting livable luxury homes, and architectural designer, Cory Black Design’s expertise in sophisticated architectural structures, our interior design firm, Alisha Taylor Interiors, integrated beautiful details into the #SomersetChateau interiors. Together, we all created a custom home that blends functionality and elegance, setting a new standard for luxury living.
Our #SomersetChateau clients desired a home that felt sophisticated and sleek. We focused on clean lines and high contrast, aiming for a chic yet luxurious look, where the dark tones and rich details created a classy feel. We played with a high-contrast color palette, featuring a mix of black and white elements with a huge emphasis on light fixtures and metalwork for visual impact. Wood tones and stone were introduced to add warmth to the overall design, creating a balanced and inviting home!
At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our goal 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 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.
At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we offer clients a full range of interior design services in Scottsdale and other areas across the Valley. If you are looking for a professional interior designer, look no further than Alisha Taylor. Alisha Taylor has nearly 20 years of experience bringing homeowners’ visions to life as an interior designer in Scottsdale, AZ. Along with our team of professionals, Alisha Taylor will provide you with an interior design experience like no other. Click here to learn about our full-service design services.
Crafting Beauty: Craftsman Court Ceramics Tile for Design
As interior designers, we partner with the most amazing vendors in the Valley for our new build, remodel & furniture projects to create unique & curated designs. This approach allows us to create distinctive designs tailored to each client, adding a new, fresh perspective. Craftsman Court Ceramics is renowned as the top artisan tile and stone company in Arizona and is often recognized as one of the leading showrooms in the nation.
Get the Inside Scoop on Craftsman Court Ceramics
We sat down with the team at Craftsman Court Ceramics to get some insight into what our clients can expect from their unique collections and personalized design experiences have in store for our clients:
Could you share the design philosophy behind the curated collection of tiles at Craftsman Court Ceramics? How do you ensure that each tile reflects luxury and exclusivity in interior design projects?
Craftsman Court Ceramics was founded on unique, custom, and quality tiles/stones curated from around the world. Interior Designers & clients make appointments with us to experience top-level product & customer service. Having a large selection of gorgeous high-end materials is imperative to give each project its own luxurious feel.
What sets Craftsman Court Ceramics’ tiles apart from others in the market? Are there specific materials, finishes, or design elements that you consider the hallmarks of luxury within your collection?
We strive to cater to all clients & all price points. Our showroom has a sampling of every type of design style in the luxury design industry, making it accessible to all. While we do cater to the high-end market, we have access to almost every type of tile/stone product in the US & other countries. Each design consultant at Craftsman Court can help provide options that aren’t displayed in our showroom as we have over 60 vendor sources for material. Our heart and soul will always be the custom decos, waterjet/ mosaic patterns, and the American handmade artisans that helped form our Country’s love for ceramics.
Luxury often involves a personalized touch. How does Craftsman Court Ceramics cater to clients looking for customized tile solutions? Can you share any examples of unique, bespoke projects that showcase the showroom’s commitment to individualized design?
The personalized experience is really what sets Craftsman Court apart from our competitors. Each rep gets to know their clients and their projects in and out to be able to collaborate creatively together. Luxury is not something that can be ordered online with two-day shipping. It’s something that can only be achieved with a personalized touch.
Alisha came to us a few months back with the vision of an elevated “John Wick” inspired room, complete with a gun range. To accomplish the look and feel that Alisha and the client had envisioned, we at Craftsman Court had to use our vendor and material knowledge to hand-pick tiles with a masculine and industrial feel, to get the vision to come to life. There were multiple meetings, selections, and samples ordered to finalize the elevated “John Wick” room that could have only been possible with the personalized touch that Alisha and Craftsman Court put into it.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends play a crucial role. How does Craftsman Court Ceramics stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the needs of luxury design enthusiasts? Can you provide insights into upcoming trends or the direction you see luxury tile design heading in the future?
We really take pride in listening to our client’s needs and wants and bringing in products accordingly! We are in a unique position where we work closely with clients and vendors, acting as a sounding board to communicate what trends are being seen, and what people want, & bringing updated yet timeless options. Since we have been in the industry for 30 years, our vendors share new products that will be launched before the public sees them. This gives us the opportunity to be trendsetters in our market & select the new materials that will be perfect for our showroom.
Warmth is in! Being in the heart of Scottsdale, we haven’t ever strayed too far from the beiges and creams that match the desert landscape, but for so many years, whites and grays were very trendy. We do try to bring in products that will stand the test of time and ride the wave of design trends both old and new, so warmth has always been a staple at Craftsman Court! The product that comes to mind is a creamy limestone called Balkan Beige with rich chocolate brown veining that is ahead of the curve but oh so timeless.
Hiring an interior designer may seem daunting, but anyone can benefit from having a professional come in and add beautiful touches to your home or help with the process of building or remodeling. Reach out with any questions you may have about what we believe, what we do, or what you can expect from hiring Alisha Taylor Interiors. We believe in building personalized relationships with every client and having 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 towards every aspect of your home.
PROJECT REVEAL: #DesertCharmRemodel
Discover our #DesertCharmRemodel with Cameron Custom Homes, a unique combination of modern farmhouse style and eclectic desert elements.
__________________________________
Overall Design Concept & Direction
Our primary objective of our #DesertCharmRemodel was to create an inviting living space that blends the warmth and simplicity of a traditional farmhouse with the boldness and creativity of eclectic design. The design direction took elements from the desert natural landscape, integrating its earthy color palette and textures into the interiors. We intended to honor the existing architectural character while introducing a fresh and modern twist. This was achieved by layering soft desert tones with pops of color.
Materials and Textures Add Character to a Remodel
In keeping with the farmhouse style, natural and rustic materials were prominent throughout the home. Reclaimed wood, distressed finishes, and wrought iron accents provided a nostalgic and timeless quality. These elements were complemented by an eclectic mix of materials, including vibrant ceramics, patterned textiles, and quirky decor pieces. The use of colorful tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms added an unexpected twist, while the selection of classic furniture introduced a comfortable touch.
Unique Elements to Personalize #DesertCharmRemodel
To further highlight the eclectic aspect, the design included unique decor items such as bold artwork. These pieces added layers of interest and personality, making #DesertCharmRemodel a true reflection of our client’s tastes and lifestyles. The interplay of different styles, textures, and colors resulted in a space that feels curated yet comfortable, sophisticated yet approachable.
At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our goal 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 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.
Designing Luxury Custom Homes with Natural Materials
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.
WE WON! Luxe Interiors Magazine RED Awards
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!”
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.
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 Design Process: Creating Your Dream Team
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.
Furnishing a Luxury Home: The Process, Timeline & Cost
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.
Could you share the design philosophy behind the curated collection of tiles at Craftsman Court Ceramics? How do you ensure that each tile reflects luxury and exclusivity in interior design projects?
