Hey ladies (and guys if you follow me)!!
It’s been a while since I wrote last. Some of you are keeping in touch with me on social media, and a few are keeping in touch through text messages. I appreciate the encouragement to write more and continue blogging. We had a great holiday season here in Phoenix, Arizona, and 2023 ended with a bang as we celebrated with family and friends. So far, this new year has started out on the right foot, and we feel good about that. The kids are back in school after winter break, and it’s nice to have the house back to get work done and do some post-holiday deep cleaning. We ended up with another dog during the holiday break, so not only do we have another mouth to feed, but we also have more messes to pick up, accidents to clean up, and torn-up stuffed animals to dispose of. The kids love her, though, and she is a sweet little thing, so I’ll take the headaches that go along with having a puppy as long as these kids are smiling.
Enough about the dog; let’s talk about today’s post. So, during Christmas, my husband and I went back and forth about what to get each other. At first, we both had great ideas about gifts that we both wanted, but then we had a shift in thought and decided we would save the money in December and begin searching for an interior designer in Phoenix to help us remodel our aging home. We have been in this home for many years and have remodeled it a few times, but we’ve never gone all-in and made this place our dream space. So, that is how I ended up in front of my laptop, writing this blog post about interior design and home remodeling for those who own homes here in Arizona. This article is for everyone who owns a home here, full-time residents, and you lucky, living-life snowbirds who enjoy AZ during cooler climates.
That said, let’s get started!
Remodeling Rewards
Home remodeling can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially when you live in the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. The fusion of design options, interior styles, and regional influences offers a unique canvas for those of us living in the Southwest (especially AZ). Whether you’re considering a complete tear-down, an addition, or more minor add-ons, this guide will help you navigate the world of home remodeling in the Southwestern United States. I share this with you because these are things I have learned in the past 30 days, and had I been given some guidance along the way, we may have expedited the process much quicker.
Popular Design Options In Phoenix, AZ
• Desert Modern: Desert Modern is one of the Southwest’s most popular interior design styles. Some of our friends in the Valley have gone in this direction, and it’s a great look! It becomes very welcoming and stylish and provides an excellent environment for hosting gatherings. This style embraces the natural elements of the desert, using earthy tones, clean lines, and minimalistic furnishings to create a sleek and contemporary look. Incorporating large windows to capture the breathtaking desert views is a hallmark of this style.
• Santa Fe Style: One of my favorites, and one style found in many Scottsdale / Paradise Valley homes, Santa Fe Style homes have become popular in the Phoenix-Metro area and inspired by the adobe architecture of New Mexico, the Santa Fe Style is characterized by warm, earthy colors, wooden beams, and Southwestern patterns. This design option brings your home a cozy and rustic charm, perfect for those who want a more traditional feel. I have actually seen more of these interior design styles as we have rented Air BnB in Sonoita, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ, and Prescott, AZ.
• Spanish Colonial: This style draws inspiration from Spanish and Mexican influences, featuring ornate tile work (I love the tile), arched doorways, and wrought-iron details. Spanish Colonial design creates a timeless and elegant atmosphere well-suited to the Southwest’s rich history. I have seen these styles in older areas like Jerome, Arizona, and out near Globe. Sure, they are also present here in the Valley, but it’s cool to see original structures built in those styles from the early 1900s.
Remodeling and General Contracting
When considering a home remodel in the Southwest, it’s crucial to understand the various levels of investment and the roles of general contractors:
• Complete Tear-Down: A complete tear-down might be the way to go if you want a fresh start. We have seen a lot of this in older parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. This involves demolishing your existing home and building a new one from scratch. While it’s a substantial investment, it allows for complete customization and the opportunity to create your dream home. Cities like Tempe are landlocked; no land is available to build new homes. So, this option becomes viable if you want to live in Tempe but desire a new, more modern-looking home. If you have the cash, buy an old property in downtown Tempe near Mill Ave, tear it down, and build your dream home!
• Additions: Home additions are popular when you need more space but want to keep some of your existing home. Whether you want to build your dream bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a spacious living area, additions can provide the extra room you need without starting from scratch. Additions usually require a general contractor, as structural changes in the home will require a permit.
• Add-Ons: Add-ons are smaller-scale projects that enhance specific areas of your home. This could include adding a new bathroom, expanding your outdoor living space, or creating a sunroom to enjoy the Arizona desert views. Add-ons are a cost-effective way to improve your home’s functionality. An add-on will also require a permit, and you can learn more about the requirements for a construction permit in Phoenix, AZ.
Desert Landscapes and Architecture in Arizona
The unique beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape and architecture plays a significant role in home remodeling. For example, front yard landscapes differ significantly from homes in the Pacific Northwest. In Arizona, yards may consist of desert rock, cactus, and palm trees. Swimming pools, sunrooms, and outdoor cabanas are also common in Arizona.
Consider Some of These Styles
• Xeriscaping: Given Arizona’s arid climate, xeriscaping has gained popularity in landscaping. This water-efficient approach uses native plants, rocks, and gravel to create a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly garden that complements the desert surroundings. The state has even offered incentives for homeowners to remove grass and plant desert-friendly foilage to help reduce water usage. You may even see turf being used as fake grass in some areas. Personally, I think it’s ugly, but it’s a thing out here in AZ!
• Pueblo Revival Architecture: In Arizona, you’ll often find homes influenced by Pueblo Revival architecture, characterized by flat roofs, rounded edges, and earthy tones. Incorporating these architectural elements into your remodel can give your home an authentic Southwestern feel. Stucco is also commonly found on brick homes here. Stucco adds a nice textured look to the surface of the brick; however, in some cases, I think the natural brick is a better look, especially the cool gray-colored bricks.
• Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is essential due to the hot desert climate. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows, adding proper insulation, and installing solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills. Tesla has come out with solar powered shingles, but that might require more roof maintenance than it is worth, I guess it just depends on which part of Arizona you live in. Again, the state and power companies have offered incentives. I think both SRP and APS have some sort of solar incentive. Remember energy-efficient appliances, solar water heaters, solar yard lighting, and other solar-powered accessories around the home. You can also consult a solar realtor to learn more about solar products that may increase the resale value of your home.
Home remodeling in the Southwest offers a plethora of design options and opportunities to create a beautiful and functional living space. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of Desert Modern, the rustic charm of Santa Fe Style, or the elegance of Spanish Colonial, there’s a style to suit your taste. Additionally, understanding the different levels of remodeling, from complete tear-downs to add-ons, allows you to make informed decisions about your investment.
Remember to embrace Arizona’s unique desert landscapes and architectural influences in your remodeling project. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a home that suits your needs and reflects the beauty and culture of the Southwest. So, get ready to embark on your home remodeling journey and transform your space into a Southwestern oasis that will have you smiling for years.