IDEA FILE

Although retired, interior designer Anne Gale kept her creative momentum going—up, up, up—in the elevator of the Fountain Hills, Arizona, house she designed along with architect husband Tom.

There is nothing at all utilitarian-looking about this compact movable contrivance, which runs between the main floor and the media/entertaining area and wine room below. Says Gale of the closet-size transportation system: “I furnished it as a little room.” 

And looking like an elegant mini drawing room, its walls are covered in birch paneling; a gilt-framed painting hangs over an antique English apothecary chest; and an old rug covers the wood floor.

A claustrophobic feel is absent, she indicates, for “at all times, a rider can see out.” That is because the entry door to the elevator is made of wood-framed clear-glass panels. “Of course,” Gale cautions anyone who might choose to adopt the idea, “the glass has to be tempered to meet code.”

GETTING THE LOOK:
1. Paneled walls
2. Painting
3. Apothecary chest
4. Sliding metal elevator door
5. Glass door
6. Area rug