Tag: Scottsdale

Desert Highlands Contemporary

Desert Highlands Contemporary This custom home is a well-balanced blend of striking contemporary architecture with welcoming, very personal living spaces.  With the use of floor to ceiling glass and pocketing patio doors, the exterior water and fire features and beautiful views can be enjoyed from inside the home as well as on the patios.  Featuring the use of copper metal accents inside and outside, we also designed the great room fireplace to be clad in copper.  The primary bath features a full height window over the vanities with a view of Pinnacle Peak mountain, a local landmark..  A natural ledge stone used on exterior and interior walls visually ties the color of the surrounding rock formations to the palette of the home. DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign16-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign15-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign14-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign13-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign12-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign11-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign10-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign9-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign8-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign7-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign6-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign5-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign4-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign3-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign2-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign1-1 DesertHighlandsScottsdaleContemporaryInteriorDesign17-1

Luxe Magazine – Arizona: “Study in Contrasts” – January 2025

Luxe Magazine January/February 2025 Arizona Study in Contrasts “Paired with a Dramatic Palette, a contemporary spin on Mediterranean Architecture makes for a fresh renovation in Scottsdale” ___________ Designer Janet Brooks had just the vision for freshening up a Mediterranean-style residence in Silverleaf. “This isn’t meant to be a contemporary house there’s no way it could be, because, architecturally speaking, it’s not,’ she explains, citing the old-world look of distressed wood floors, clay tile on the roof and limestone. She knew, however, how to bring it up to date: a high contrast palette, cleaner lines, edgier lighting and in a twist-retaining some of its earlier character for moments of surprise. “In every case, what the clients were looking for was more drama;’ she says. “The house felt a bit rustic, but we loved the bones of it;’ the wife recalls. “We thought, ‘We can work with this:” The couple  referred a simple palette of off-whites and blacks, and, beyond the grounding dark wood floors .. did not want many wooden furnishings or accents. To that end, Brooks, along with builder Sam Perez, began by cleaning up some of the traditional elements. “We arrived at that pretty logically;• the designer explains. “They wanted it to feel fresher:’

Designing Southwest Homes with Winter Warmth in Mind

When designing a Southwest-inspired home, the focus is often on embracing the region’s natural beauty, timeless textures, and earthy color palettes. However, a truly well-designed home also considers seasonal functionality, including how to create warmth and comfort during the cooler months of the year. At Janet Brooks Design, we integrate elements for winter coziness into the initial concept of every home, ensuring that your space remains inviting and functional no matter the season. Southwest winters are mild, but they provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy intimate, warm interiors and outdoor spaces designed for comfort. By thinking about these elements early in the design process, we create homes that are not only beautiful year-round but also tailored to your lifestyle. Designing for Layered Textures and Warmth Texture plays a critical role in Southwest design, and when planning a home, we incorporate layered materials that create depth and comfort from the beginning. By selecting finishes, furnishings, and architectural details with winter in mind, we ensure that your home feels warm and inviting no matter the temperature. Initial Design Considerations: Material Selection: Use materials like wood, stone, and leather that naturally evoke warmth. Reclaimed wood beams, limestone fireplaces, and richly textured flooring set the stage for a cozy aesthetic. Architectural Details: Integrate built-in features like kiva fireplaces, wooden ceiling beams, and arched niches that bring character and a sense of grounding to the space. Furniture Planning: Include plush seating and layered rugs in the design concept to enhance the feeling of comfort. Incorporating Fire Features Early Fireplaces and fire pits are quintessential to Southwest homes, offering both functional warmth and a visual centerpiece. By planning for these features during the initial design phase, we ensure they are seamlessly integrated into your home’s architecture and aesthetic. How We Integrate Fire Features: Indoor Fireplaces: Incorporate traditional kiva-style fireplaces or modern linear fireplaces into the main living areas to create a cozy focal point. Outdoor Fire Pits: Design patios or courtyards with built-in fire pits, ensuring they are positioned for optimal usability and ambiance during the cooler months. Dual-Purpose Features: Include double-sided fireplaces or fire walls that serve both indoor and outdoor spaces for maximum functionality. Maximizing Natural Light and Warmth Southwest homes are known for their connection to natural light, and this element becomes even more essential during winter. Thoughtful window placement and orientation ensure that your home captures the warmth of the desert sun, reducing reliance on artificial heating and enhancing the overall coziness of the space. Natural Light Strategies: Window Placement: Position large windows to maximize sunlight during the day, especially in communal areas like the living room and kitchen. Architectural Elements: Use overhangs or pergolas to control light in warmer months while allowing for maximum solar gain in winter. Warm Window Treatments: Incorporate textured curtains or blinds that provide insulation while adding softness and warmth to the design. Planning for Cozy Outdoor Living Spaces In the Southwest, outdoor living is a year-round luxury, and even in winter, your outdoor spaces can be a source of comfort and enjoyment. By incorporating features like fire elements, sheltered patios, and seating areas into the initial design, we ensure that your outdoor spaces are as inviting as your interiors. Outdoor Design Considerations: Heating Options: Include built-in heaters or fireplaces in outdoor dining and seating areas. Weather-Resistant Materials: Select outdoor furniture and fabrics designed to withstand cooler temperatures without compromising style. Transition Spaces: Use sliding glass doors or covered walkways to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas, encouraging their use year-round. Using Seasonal Color Palettes in the Design Concept The earthy tones of the desert provide a perfect base for Southwest-inspired homes, but seasonal colors can add a sense of warmth and adaptability. When planning a home, we design spaces that allow for a change in palette with minimal effort, keeping your home feeling fresh and relevant throughout the year. Color Palette Strategies: Neutral Foundations: Choose warm neutrals for walls and large furnishings, creating a versatile backdrop. Seasonal Accents: Incorporate spaces designed for easy updates, such as shelves for seasonal decor or rooms that can transition with simple color changes in rugs, pillows, or throws. Built-In Art Niches: Plan for niches or alcoves where artwork and accessories in winter tones like rust, sage, and gold can be displayed. Future-Proofing for Seasonal Functionality A truly great design is one that adapts effortlessly to every season. By incorporating features like energy-efficient heating, insulated windows, and layered lighting from the outset, we create homes that are comfortable and livable year-round. Functional Features to Plan For: Smart Home Technology: Include automated systems for adjusting heating, lighting, and shading to match the changing seasons. Energy Efficiency: Use sustainable materials, double-glazed windows, and proper insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Custom Lighting Design: Layered lighting plans with dimmers, sconces, and accent lights ensure a cozy atmosphere on darker winter evenings. Personalized Details That Tell Your Story Southwest design is deeply personal, and your story should be part of your home’s design from the beginning. We incorporate elements that resonate with your experiences, preferences, and aspirations, making your home uniquely yours. Personal Touches to Plan Early: Artisan Craftsmanship: Include hand-carved wood details, custom tilework, or artisanal furniture in your design. Heritage and Culture: Celebrate your personal history with meaningful decor, whether it’s family heirlooms or regional crafts that honor the Southwest’s rich traditions. Custom Built-Ins: Design custom shelving, niches, and cabinetry to display items that reflect your personality and passions. In Conclusion Designing a Southwest-inspired home with winter warmth in mind starts with thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By integrating cozy textures, fire features, natural light, and adaptable spaces into the initial design, Janet Brooks Design creates homes that are both luxurious and livable, year-round. Every element we include is carefully chosen to reflect your story, ensuring that your home is as unique and personal as it is functional and stylish. If you’re ready to design a Southwest home that combines timeless beauty

Camelback Mountain Remodel

Camelback Mountain Remodel We believe in the importance of blending interior and exterior experiences in Arizona, where we enjoy perfect weather much of the year.  This home, on the side of Camelback mountain, allows a seamless experience in indoor-outdoor living.  Before this extensive remodel, there were old fashioned “sliding glass doors”, which allowed passage but didn’t encourage the use of the entire home and patio as one experience.By opening up walls of pocketing floor to ceiling glass, the experience became synergistic, expanding living spaces. Another important aspect of this remodel was dropping  a “floating” wood ceiling in the great room, where the original ceiling was uncomfortably high and architecturally bland.  The warm wood and indirect lighting around it adds intimacy and warmth. Other aesthetic and functional additions to the home include adding a back kitchen, taking the messy function of the kitchen out of site of the entertaining area, and adding a beautifully lit wine wall in the dining area. PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain5-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain2-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain1-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain3-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain4-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain6-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain7-1 PhoenixContemporaryInteriorDesign-CamelbackMountain8-1

Designing Homes with a Southwest Flair That Tell Your Story

At Janet Brooks Design, we believe your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of who you are, your passions, and your life’s journey. With every project we undertake, our mission is to craft spaces that are not only stunning but also deeply personal, weaving your story into every detail. For those drawn to the beauty of the Southwest, our designs capture the region’s essence while ensuring each home is as unique as the people who live in it. A Southwest-inspired home doesn’t just celebrate the rich textures, warm colors, and natural elements of the desert—it becomes a canvas for your memories, aspirations, and individuality. Here’s how we create the best homes with a Southwest flair that truly tell your story. 1. Understanding Your Story The design process begins with you. At Janet Brooks Design, we take the time to understand your personality, values, and lifestyle, ensuring that every decision we make is rooted in your story. Are you drawn to the earthy tones of the desert? Do you have cherished pieces from your travels that need a place of honor? Perhaps you want your home to reflect your love for entertaining, or maybe it’s a sanctuary for relaxation. Whatever your story, we listen and incorporate it into the design. How We Do It: We start with an in-depth consultation to explore your vision, inspirations, and practical needs. We ask about personal touches, such as heirlooms, art collections, or favorite colors, that can inform the design. We ensure that every element in your home aligns with your personality, creating a space that feels authentically yours. 2. Blending Southwest Charm with Personal Flair Southwest-inspired design provides a rich foundation for creating homes that are both elegant and grounded. At Janet Brooks Design, we draw from the region’s natural beauty, incorporating warm, earthy tones, organic materials, and artisanal elements. But what makes our designs stand out is how we blend these traditional Southwest elements with your personal style. Key Design Elements We Use: Natural Materials: Reclaimed wood beams, hand-carved accents, and stone fireplaces bring an organic touch to your home. Color Palette: We use rich terracotta, sage greens, and sandy neutrals as a base, adding pops of color that reflect your unique preferences. Textures: From handwoven rugs to leather furniture and woven baskets, we layer textures to create depth and warmth. Artisanal Details: Handcrafted tiles, custom metalwork, and locally sourced decor highlight the craftsmanship of the Southwest while keeping the design personal. 3. Designing Spaces That Reflect Your Lifestyle Your home should not only tell your story but also enhance the way you live. At Janet Brooks Design, functionality is as important as beauty. We create layouts and design solutions that cater to your daily routines, ensuring that every space serves a purpose while reflecting the aesthetic of the Southwest. Examples of Lifestyle-Centered Design: Entertaining Spaces: For clients who love to host, we design open-concept living areas, kitchens with ample seating, and outdoor spaces perfect for gatherings. Private Retreats: For those seeking relaxation, we create spa-like bathrooms, serene bedrooms, and cozy nooks for unwinding. Indoor-Outdoor Living: The Southwest’s natural beauty is a central theme in our designs, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, large windows, and patios that bring the desert landscape into your home. 4. Incorporating Your Personal Touches While Southwest design celebrates regional elements, your personal story is what makes your home one-of-a-kind. We work closely with you to incorporate meaningful pieces into the design, from family heirlooms and travel souvenirs to favorite artworks and custom furniture. How We Personalize Your Home: Display Your Collections: Whether it’s a collection of pottery, Native American art, or global treasures, we design spaces that showcase these items in a way that complements the overall aesthetic. Custom Creations: From bespoke furniture to one-of-a-kind light fixtures, we collaborate with artisans to create pieces that reflect your individuality. Sentimental Details: We incorporate cherished items—like a rug from your travels or a family quilt—as focal points that add depth and emotion to the design. 5. Honoring the Spirit of the Southwest A Southwest-inspired home isn’t complete without honoring the natural and cultural beauty of the region. At Janet Brooks Design, we incorporate elements that reflect the history, art, and landscape of the Southwest, while ensuring the design feels fresh and modern. Ways We Celebrate the Southwest: Natural Light: Large windows and open spaces let in the abundant Arizona sunshine, highlighting the warm tones of the design. Desert Landscaping: We extend the design beyond the walls of your home, creating outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment. Authenticity: From handcrafted Navajo rugs to locally sourced stone and metalwork, we prioritize authentic materials and techniques that honor the spirit of the Southwest. 6. Creating Timeless Designs Trends come and go, but a well-designed home should stand the test of time. At Janet Brooks Design, we focus on creating timeless interiors that combine classic Southwest elements with modern sensibilities. The result is a home that feels fresh and relevant for years to come. Our Approach to Timeless Design: Quality Materials: We choose high-quality materials that age beautifully, such as stone, wood, and leather. Balanced Design: We blend traditional Southwest elements with contemporary touches, ensuring your home feels current but not trendy. Long-Lasting Functionality: We design layouts and features that adapt to your changing needs over time, making your home a lasting investment.   Conclusion At Janet Brooks Design, we believe that the best homes are those that tell your story while celebrating the beauty of the Southwest. By combining personalized details with the timeless charm of the region, we create spaces that are luxurious, livable, and uniquely yours. Every home we design is a reflection of our clients’ individuality, infused with warmth, character, and a touch of desert magic. If you’re ready to design a home that tells your story, contact us today at (480) 776-2700 or visit Janet Brooks Design. Let us bring your vision to life with a

Contemporary Desert Southwest

Contemporary Desert Southwest The term “Southwest” in the context of architecture and design has taken on a new meaning in recent years.  No longer kitschy, it now represents contemporary architecture that blends with and compliments the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Floor to ceiling and pocketing glass walls offer uninterrupted views, and materials used on the home feel like a part of the desert vocabulary.    This home rests in a linear fashion along a gentle ridge that offers views for 50 miles in almost every direction. With an architectural backdrop like this, the interior design and furnishings needed to support the structure and the environment it lives in, rather than providing any competition that might detract from the whole of the design.  We take delight in creating  visually stimulating, comfortable homes for our clients to live and play in style.  This is the meaning of our tagline,  Luxury That Lives Well. ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome1 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome2-1 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome3 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome15 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome18 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome17 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome16 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome14 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome13 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome12 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome11 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome10 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome9 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome8 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome7 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome6 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome5 ContemporaryScottsdaleInteriorDesignHome4