While we love taking you inside dwellings of all shapes, styles and sizes, focusing an entire issue on smaller spaces is a lot of fun for us. Why? Because we ourselves relate to modest footprints. Little is lovely, and on these pages, we have carefully gathered an assortment of “jewel boxes” for your consideration.

Designed by architect Ralph Haver and built in the mid-1960s, Scottsdale’s Golden Keys community of patio homes is a charming throwback with a Palm Springs vibe. We got to know some of the residents, including cover girl Jo Ann Tull, whose late husband, Bill, was one of the Valley’s most respected artists and home designers (not to mention one of Phoenix Home & Garden’s very first Masters of the Southwest).

Speaking of historical gems, interior designer Beth McGehee (also a Master of the Southwest) made a huge impact with only 950 square feet. She invites us into her own petite town home, which at one time was the music room at Scottsdale’s storied Casa Blanca Inn. She also shares some valuable insights on downsizing.

Switching gears to the more contemporary, we take you inside an Optima Kierland pied-à-terre, carefully crafted to showcase the owners’ blue-chip art collection. We also traveled to Sedona to photograph a stunning bauble of a residence designed for a homeowner recovering from a debilitating accident. See how this home—and the healing energy of its location—aided in her rehabilitation. Additional bijoux awaiting your glance: a swank Biltmore-area town home and a Paradise Valley ranch-style house that was overdue for a sleek, modern update.

All this and so much more. We really enjoyed curating this collection of smaller residences and hope that these pages will show you that less can definitely be more.
John Roark
Editor in Chief