Your architecture, building, interior design and landscape questions answered by Valley pros

What should I consider when selecting an area rug for my home?

It is important to account for these key factors:

• Don’t think of rugs as an afterthought: Choosing your area rugs first will inspire you and offer a jumping-off point for your decor. Imagine it in the final look of your room. Consider it in the same way as you would paint, accessories, furniture and lighting.
• Select the right size: The most common mistake is buying a rug that is too small. If the rug is undersized, it will make your room appear smaller and draw your eye in instead of out. Make sure the rug perimeter is only a few inches from the wall, all furniture is on the rug, and that the front legs are on and the back legs are off.
• Selecting the wrong material: Different materials are suitable for different settings. Rugs with a high silk count are not a wise choice for high-traffic areas. Avoid chemically treated rugs, which are often cheaper and can be hazardous to your health, and look for rugs with all-natural wool that are easier to clean and maintain.
• Make sure to use a rug pad: Failing to do so could make it unsafe, as you could slide and injure yourself. Padding will grip the floor and your rug, holding the two together, and will also add extra cushioning, making the piece more comfortable to walk and sit on.

I’m getting ready to sell my home and want to improve my curb appeal on a budget.
What quick, impactful landscaping changes would you recommend?

Start by looking at it with “new eyes.” What changes would you suggest if it wasn’t your home? Consider some of these quick and effective tasks.

• Have your trees pruned by an ISA-certified arborist.
• Remove dead, diseased branches and spent blooms.
• Discard dead or unhealthy plants; replace them with native or desert-adapted plants.
• Water and mow your lawn (if it’s growing season).
• Have your palms pruned and seeds removed (if seasonally appropriate).
• Add colorful containers and pots by the entrance with blooming annuals or interesting groupings of succulents/cactus.
• Deadhead blooming perennials, shrubs and annuals. Do this daily during the selling period.
• Give extra supplemental water to leafy and blooming plants to help them look their best.
• Refresh all plant areas with fresh rock or mulch.
• Spray your plants to remove dust and dirt.
• Buy a new welcome mat.
• Wash, restain or repaint the front door, and wash awnings.
• Add a seasonally appropriate wreath.
• Change exterior address numbers to be more visible from the street.

For a front patio, power wash and remove extra “clutter” to give the patio a welcoming, spacious feel. Plant containers with seasonal annuals for pops of color, and add a new umbrella. If you have a water feature, clean it daily to remove any fallen leaves or debris. Check and clean exterior lighting. The extra elbow grease and small budget needed to improve the curb appeal of your home will help bring more potential buyers and increase the overall value.

My significant other is more minimalist, while I prefer a cozier, more layered look.
How do you approach designing a home for a couple with different styles?

Your home should reflect both of you—blending your individual styles in a way that feels effortlessly cohesive. When designing for couples with different aesthetics, it’s all about striking the right balance. Take the time to understand what each of you is drawn to, whether it’s his love for clean lines and simplicity or your desire for warmth and layered textures. By thoughtfully blending these elements, we create harmony. Think sleek, neutral-toned furniture that speaks to minimalist sensibilities, layered with cozy textiles, rich colors and meaningful accents that add warmth and personality. It’s about mixing modern simplicity with inviting details to craft a space that feels sophisticated, comfortable and uniquely yours, where both of your styles come together beautifully.

SOURCES

Interior designer: Lauren Lerner, Living With Lolo, Scottsdale, livingwithlolo.com

Landscape designer: Katie Coates, PaloOco Design, Phoenix, paloocodesign.com

Showroom owner: David Neishabori, Azadi Fine Rugs, Scottsdale, azadifinerugs.com