A fresh perspective works wonders in these dramatic makeovers.

The Phoenix Home & Garden Masters of the Southwest award winner applied organic design principles when renovating this great room. “We were inspired by nature and incorporated textured wood and lots of greenery throughout,” Ownby recalls of the 8-month renovation. She replaced the travertine, limestone and dark wood materials with a neutral color palette that pulls in natural light. To update the drab fireplace and create a dramatic focal point, Ownby added floor-to-ceiling steel facades. Cascading quartzite countertops and thermal-faced cabinets gave the kitchen a contemporary aesthetic. “We selected all materials to be durable, since this couple has three teens and dogs,” says the designer. “They really gave us free reign to create something special for their family.”

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A Chandler home’s kitchen required a deft touch to achieve its bright, airy new composition. “It was dated,” Holmstedt recalls of the original. “The layout, appliances, cabinetry and finishes lacked appeal.” The vision: Create a functional environment that “radiates luxury” and satisfies the homeowner’s passion for cooking and entertaining. The designer incorporated upgraded appliances; custom cabinetry with a rich, two-tone contrast; quartzite countertops and backsplash; stacked stone elements; and mixed metals throughout. “We delivered a space that provided elevated functionality, a considerable amount of storage solutions and an improved format that was conducive to preparation and conversation.”

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When the time came to refresh her closet, Henry wanted something functional and elegant. “The original had a basic modular system that was disjointed and did not utilize the space efficiently,” she recalls. The objective was to maximize storage and create a lavish open floor plan. Hidden amenities such as pull-out hampers and jewelry trays create convenience and reduce clutter. Warm, aged wood cabinets add timeless ease, while a natural quartzite countertop provides contrast. “The airy crystal chandelier is just a touch of glamour,” the designer states. “The integral lighting is, of course, useful for seeing all of the textures and colors of the clothing, but it also helps to create the effect of a luxurious boutique.”

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“The concept was to create a desert oasis with Spanish influences,” Lyon says of her client’s master bedroom. “Our vision was to bring in natural elements to freshen up the setting, while keeping it very clean and simple.” The designer stained the wood beams a dark walnut, repainted the walls, refreshed the flooring and windows and added an elaborately carved antique door at the entrance. Custom drapery, Mexican equipale chairs and hide rugs complete the resort-style, hacienda feel. “Everything turned out the way we had hoped. It is very open with a sense of tranquility that still has the original character.”

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After living in a more traditional home in Desert Mountain, a couple downsized to a townhome in McCormick Ranch, where they embraced a more contemporary look. To better define the entry courtyard, the architects added a steel trellis and low gate. “We also incorporated natural stone tile to the fireplace mass seen at the front elevation and added a darker paint color to add depth to the eaves and front door area,” Hutchison-Rough says. The traditional wood front door was replaced with one of glass and steel, which ties in with the new steel light fixtures and garage door. “We tried to preserve much of the older-growth vegetation on the property but added in new, clean ground cover and driveway pavers.” The result: elevated curb appeal and an inviting entryway for guests.

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Yeates re-imagined her previously enclosed porch as a chic studio for conducting business. “I wanted a space for my design firm where I could dream and conceptualize in the comfort of my own home,” she remarks. “I envisioned a lot of natural light and large, beautiful windows that capture the views of the mountains and palm trees.” The designer removed the prefabricated walls, insulated the room, installed wood flooring and custom cabinetry to house her material samples and established a seating area for relaxation. To inspire creativity, she added a gallery wall with bold, graphic wallpaper—which also makes a striking background for Zoom calls, she says. “I’ve always been drawn to the unexpected boldness and whimsical design—wild patterns, bold wallpapers and colorful murals—found in some of today’s boutique hotels.”

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SOURCES

MODERN SPANISH COLONIAL

• Interior designer: Claire Ownby, ASID, NCIDQ, Ownby Design, Scottsdale, ownbydesign.com
• Rugs: luluandgeorgia.com
• Natural wood stump: sourced by ownbydesign.com
• Cabinetry: Rysso-Peters, Scottsdale, (480) 946-0088
• Window sliders: westernwindowsystems.com
• Countertops (Negresco honed quartzite): Galleria of Stone, Phoenix, galleriaofstoneaz.com

KITCHEN TRANSITION

• Interior designer: Kirsten Holmstedt, Treasure in the Detail, Gilbert, treasureinthedetail.com
• General contractor: Miken Contracting, Chandler, mikencontracting.com
• Appliances: Sub-Zero Wolf and Cove, Scottsdale, subzero-wolf.com
• Cabinetry: Designs by Manross, Tempe, designsbymanross.com

WARDROBE 2.0

• Interior designer: Angelica Henry, Angelica Henry Design, Scottsdale, angelicahenrydesign.com
• Countertops: The Stone Collection, Phoenix, thestonecollection.com
• Cabinets: European Style Cabinetry, Phoenix, (602) 710-4273
• Lighting: Sun Lighting, Tempe, sunlighting.com
• Wood flooring: Premiere Wood Floors, Scottsdale, premierewoodfloors.com

MODERN HACIENDA

• Interior designer: Dana Lyon, The Refined Group, Scottsdale, therefinedgroup.com
• Builder: John Gurley, R.J. Gurley Construction, Scottsdale, rjgurley.com
• Art: ps3design.com
• Antique door: Antiquities Warehouse, Phoenix, antiquitieswarehouse.com
• Flooring: Premiere Wood Floors, Scottsdale, premierewoodfloors.com
• Doors and windows: sierrapacificwindows.com

ENTRYWAY OVERHAUL

• Architects: Lee Hutchison and Jessica Hutchison-Rough, Urban Design Associates, Scottsdale, urbandesignassociatesltd.com
• Builder: Dan Madison, Dan Madison & Co., Scottsdale, danmadisonco.com

CREATIVE HIDEAWAY

• Interior designer: Emily Yeates, Urban Revival, Phoenix, urbanrevivalphx.com
• Cabinetry: Highborn Cabinetry, Scottsdale, highborncabinetry.com
• Windows: Sierra Pacific Windows, Phoenix, sierrapacificwindows.com
• Wallpaper: Schumacher, Scottsdale, fschumacher.com
• Light fixtures: arteriorshome.com
• Circa Lighting, Scottsdale, circalighting.com
• Sofa and pillows: mossstudio.com