Luxury Interior Design Elements

May 27, 2023 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Luxury interior design in Arizona combines elegance, sophistication, and a reflection of the state’s unique environment. Here are some key luxury design elements that can be incorporated into Arizona interiors:

Natural Materials: Emphasize the beauty of natural materials that reflect the desert landscape. Incorporate elements such as travertine, limestone, quartzite, or sandstone for flooring, countertops, and feature walls. Use rich woods like mesquite or walnut for furniture and cabinetry, and consider incorporating leather and woven textiles for added texture.
Southwest Color Palette: Draw inspiration from the desert’s warm and earthy hues. Use a palette of soft neutrals such as beige, tan, and ivory as a base and complement it with pops of vibrant colors inspired by Arizona’s sunsets and desert flora, such as deep oranges, reds, and turquoise.
Grand Entrances: Make a statement with impressive entryways. Incorporate features like double-height ceilings, grand staircases, or striking chandeliers to create a sense of luxury and drama as guests step into the space.
Open Floor Plans: Create a sense of spaciousness by incorporating open floor plans that seamlessly connect living, dining, and entertaining areas. Large windows and glass doors can be utilized to maximize natural light and provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Luxury Fabrics and Upholstery: Choose high-quality fabrics and upholstery that exude luxury and comfort. Consider plush velvet, soft leather, or luxurious silk for furniture, draperies, and accent pieces. Opt for custom upholstery with intricate detailing and patterns to add a touch of opulence.
Statement Lighting: Incorporate eye-catching lighting fixtures to enhance the overall ambiance of the space. Chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces can serve as both functional and decorative elements, adding a luxurious and glamorous touch to the interior.
Custom Millwork and Built-ins: Incorporate custom millwork and built-in features to add uniqueness and sophistication to the space. Consider bespoke cabinetry, shelving, and architectural details like ceiling beams or paneling that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship associated with luxury design.
Resort-style Outdoor Living: Extend luxury design to outdoor spaces by creating resort-style living areas. Design outdoor kitchens, lounges, fire pits, and poolside retreats with high-end furnishings, plush fabrics, and stylish accessories. Use natural stone or tile for patio flooring and incorporate landscaping that blends seamlessly with the desert environment.
Art and Sculptural Pieces: Display curated artwork, sculptures, and art installations to add a sense of refinement and artistic expression to the interior. Seek out local artists or pieces that highlight the region’s cultural heritage, history, or natural beauty.
Spa-like Bathrooms: Create luxurious and serene bathroom retreats with features such as large soaking tubs, walk-in showers, double vanities with high-end fixtures, and luxurious materials like marble or mosaic tiles. Incorporate statement mirrors, elegant lighting, and plush towels for a spa-like experience.

When designing luxury interiors in Arizona, it’s important to strike a balance between sophistication, comfort, and a connection to the desert environment. By incorporating these elements, you can create a luxurious space that captures the essence of Arizona’s unique charm.

Fake Grass for Pets: 5 Common Questions

March 30, 2022 by Suzanne Lasky

Make your backyard a dream come true for you and your four-legged companions! Pets require time outside and deserve a place to play, relax, and enjoy themselves. Artificial grass may give all of the benefits of natural grass without the hassles of upkeep, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as dealing with dirt and holes.

S Interior Design believes good design and pets as part of our families go ‘hand in paw’. As a dog owner located in Scottsdale, Arizona who has a back yard with grass I have often wondered about the pros and cons of using artificial grass. This article answered many of my questions.

Explore the greatest alternatives below if you’re ready to take the next step with fake grass that’s suitable for your visitors and pet companions. Many pet owners are naturally irritated by having to wipe their dog’s muddy paws every time they let him out in the garden. And the dirt they carry inside not only causes a mess, but it may also make your house smell bad and attract unwelcome creatures like fleas and ticks.

Additionally, actual grass might expose your dog to a variety of health risks. For these reasons, dog-proof artificial grass appeals to a large number of pet owners across the country. However, many people have worries or queries, such as: Is it true that pee has an effect on the grass? What is the greatest dog-friendly artificial grass? What is the best way to set it up? Is there any upkeep required?

We have written this guide to help answer those questions and to offer a complete guide to dog-resistant turf that’ll help you decide if artificial grass is right for you and your pet.

We are inherently inquisitive creatures. We demand answers to all of our questions! What exactly is this? Why do I desire it? What am I going to use it for? And we want to make sure that whatever investment we make pays off. When making a major decision like installing artificial turf, you’ll want to be sure you’ve made the best choices possible.

We want to assist you in making that decision.

Question 1: Is It Harmless to Dogs?

Artificial grass is completely safe for pets. Artificial grass that is of good quality can endure the wear and tear of doggie nails and teeth. Artificial turf cannot be dug through by dogs, thus there is no risk of ingesting or injury. There are types of artificial grass that have a filler that may be placed in the turf to assist reduce urine odors.

Artificial turf is, in some respects, safer for dogs than natural grass. Unlike a weed-free yard, turf does not necessitate the use of hazardous chemicals for maintenance.

Question 2: Is it Simple to Remove Dog Urine From Fake Grass?

If an installer tells you that the rain will wash it away and that you don’t need to clean it, he isn’t the correct fit for you. If the installer claims it’s maintenance-free, he doesn’t understand the science of odor, and you’ll be stuck with a stink. If he tells you to apply a cleaner on your grass on a regular basis, he’s someone who understands what he’s talking about.

Question 3: Is Artificial Grass Water-Required?

Natural grass lawns and sports fields consume tens of thousands of gallons of water each year, which is one of the reasons why so many homes, companies, sports teams, and schools are opting for synthetic turf as a low-water alternative. Synthetic lawns, on the other hand, are not water-free solutions. Your fake grass does not require water for the most part, but there are a few instances where you may need or want to water it.

The most typical application of water on artificial grass is to rinse it clean of dust and dirt. Most people can maintain their lawn clean and green by spraying it down once or twice a month, but if you live in a very dusty location, you may need to spray it down more frequently. You’ll also need to use water to hose off any locations where your dogs go to the bathroom. After you’ve removed the solid trash, wash the area with a garden hose to get rid of any liquids.

Some people like to sprinkle their fake grass with a garden hose before their children or dogs play on it with bare feet or paws in particularly hot, sunny places. Some schools and organizations softly spritz down synthetic turf before games or practices to lessen the risk of some sorts of injuries, making this another way that some artificial grass pitches may require water on occasion.

Question 4: Can Dogs Damage the Fake Grass?

Turf is a strong competitor! An artificial grass lawn would be nearly impossible for your dog to destroy. A nefarious digger will have a far easier time ruining your grass lawn than an artificial turf lawn. In addition, unlike natural grass, artificial turf will not discolor as a result of dog feces.

In general, a synthetic grass lawn is a fantastic alternative for dog owners. To obtain that beautiful, always-green look, there is minimal upkeep. We’re willing to bet your spoiled pup won’t notice the difference.

Question 5: How To Clean Artificial Grass for Dogs?

Liquids drain efficiently through the material to a lower subfloor when using fake grass for dogs. You can keep your fake grass rolls and carpets clean by cleaning away any dirt or debris and hosing them down on a regular basis. You can clean your fake grass using a moderate home detergent and warm water solution for minor stains and imperfections.

If you’re worried about the scent of animal urine, a solution of distilled white vinegar and equal parts water can freshen and clean your artificial grass. You may use this simple, DIY cleaning solution on a weekly basis without harming your pet’s health.

Conclusion

Installation of artificial grass is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. In place of regular lawns, an increasing number of dog parks and daycare centers are also installing pet turf. This is because it is a surface that is pleasing to both animals and people. You may have heard the benefits of artificial grass: it can be used all year, requires no maintenance, and looks just like genuine grass. It may restore a discolored lawn’s green color and give a safe haven for children’s dirty paws.

WIKKI How Expert – Interior Design Wisdom

May 23, 2021 by Suzanne Lasky

Recently S Interior Design was asked to participate as a WikiHow Expert on several interior design related topics. Here are the links to a few of the short videos on each subject; at total of 8. You can see all (8) on the YouTube WikiHow.com site or by clicking on the links shown a the bottom of this post. https://www.wikihow.com/Watch/Expert-Meet-Suzanne-Lasky

2021 Design Color and Materials

December 28, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

Every year Sherwin Williams presents the color palettes they feel will be relevant in the coming year. They compile vast amounts of research to present the underlying environmental components that are contributing to the color palettes’ appeal. Below is a snippit of some of those trends for your consideration.

INFLUENCES

S Interior Design had written a post about Interior Design Trends and Biophilic Design was featured as Trend 1 in the post. Take a read to learn more!

Related to Biophilic Design in our opinion is getting design inspiration from Organic Elements; those found in nature.

Not at all surprising given the reality of our world this year, Security both physical and emotional are paramount concerns that manifest in color choices that make us feel more secure.

Again related to the unsettled anxiety of our status right now, we want to re-visit times when we felt more secure and safe. However, we do inject the nostalgic design with a modern current over tone to feel current.

Here are the four paint color trend categories from S.W.

As always, S Interior Design will suggest that regardless of trends that you use the colors and materials in your homes that work best for your personal styles and preferences.

We are looking forward to helping you all realize your interior design dreams in 2021!!

Plants, Hard Scape and LIGHTING!

September 5, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest posting on you guessed it….OUTDOOR LIGHTING. Just like the interior of your home, a well thought out lighting plan for the exterior of your home is very important to successful design. I like to take cues for fun outside lighting ideas from restaurant patios and hotel/resort outside spaces. S Interior Design will often work with their clients to design the patio areas of their homes which essentially are extended living and entertaining spaces. Colors and even material selections are chosen to create visual flow from inside to outside. Here in Scottsdale, Arizona we want to use our outdoor ‘rooms’ year round.

All layers of lighting should be considered.

Functional – light the walk ways to the front door, light the address at the front of your home, the garage entry.

Accent lights- up lighting on trees and planting areas, lighting to define a specific area of the yard, wall sconces on back patio areas.

Fun design lighting elements such as the string lights shown below.

Outdoor table and floor lamps powered by solar and batteries also can be used when designing an outdoor living space.

Cool Outdoor DIY Lighting Tips and Ideas

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Ever cruised or walked through a well-lit neighborhood at night and saw how outdoor lighting adds beauty to homes?

With outdoor lighting, you can create and enjoy a relaxed, well-lit space, which is especially handy when summer rolls in. Think barbecues with friends, star-gazing with your kids or significant other, backyard events. Night-time outdoor events create fond and lasting memories, especially when your outdoors is well illuminated.

DIY lighting tips

While it appears to be a daunting task, outdoor lighting can be done without any specialized knowledge or experience. You only need some ideas and creativity. So, here are some tips, advice, and ideas to get you going..

1. Use solar lights

Unless you don’t mind spending a significant amount of your monthly income on electricity bills, consider installing solar powered lights. Besides, they are easier to install and are good for the planet.

Solar lighting systems convert sunlight into energy that is stored in batteries for use at night. However, you need to consider your geographic location before installing outdoor solar lights – without enough sunlight, there won’t be energy to light up the bulbs at night.

2. Balance security and aesthetics

Whatever your reasons for outdoor lighting, they all revolve around security and aesthetics.

It is possible to achieve a balance between the two; lights that look good and provide enough illumination.

For starters, take a flashlight and take a walk around your home at night. Identify the dark areas that need to be illuminated for security reasons. Think about the type of lighting you need. Consider the types of light and the specific areas to place the light, such as pathways, patios, garage doors, among others.

3. Consider your neighbors

Like any good neighbor, there are two things you need to consider when placing outdoor lighting at your home.

First, the position of the lighting is essential. Please do not put the lights facing directly into your neighbor’s windows as this may create too much light at night, making it difficult to sleep.

Secondly, the brightness of the light should be taken into account. No one wants blazing spotlights facing their home. Fear not, there are some solutions. For example, installing epoxy flooring on your deck removes the need for high wattage lights as it is shiny and thus reflects light.

Remember, very bright lights consume a lot of energy, which only adds to your electricity bills.

4. Consider longevity

It will be costly to replace your outdoor lights every now and then. Don’t just go to the market and pick any bulb, no. Check the quality. Even if it costs more, you will save in the long run.

Go for outdoor lighting systems that require little or no maintenance – solar lights score high on this.

Outdoor lighting is exposed to harsh climatic conditions like rain, snow and harsh sunlight. So, look for solutions that are weather resistant. Alternatively, you can shield your lights using various materials.

What’s more, the bulbs can be stolen or destroyed by someone at night while you are asleep. Ensure that the lights are secured and protected against such conditions.

5. Color, style, and size

The color, size, and style of your lights come into play, especially if you are looking to decorate your home with outdoor lighting.

You can choose a single color or mix the colors to make your home more attractive. If you plan on using only a few bulbs, go for the larger ones. And again, the size will depend on the use of the light.

You can create different patterns or styles in different parts of your home. You can use outdoor lighting to direct your visitors/guests within your compound.

Best outdoor lighting ideas

Spotlights

These are lights that only point in one direction. If you want to illuminate your plants, patios, driveway, and statues, this is the best outdoor lighting solution for you. They come with an iris and a manual device, enabling you to change the intensity of the light and also adjust the angle of the beam.

Floodlights

Floodlights are very bright and can be used to illuminate a larger area. They are mostly placed above facing downwards to light up your patios, driveway, among other essential places in your home. These are great when you have a larger event happening in your backyard to lit up all corners.

Step lights

Tired of guessing which step to make on your deck? Step lights are usually placed on the sides of each step to help you traverse safely.

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String lights

String lights are pretty, especially when you are hosting a party or wedding at night. They are easy to install and are placed on poles or trees to create a picturesque scene. Most of them are weather-proof and can serve you for quite some time.

Bottomline

The above tips and ideas will help you light up your outdoors based on your needs. Whether you want to enhance the security of your home or to add some decor to your home, outdoor lighting makes it possible. And with the many variations of lighting solutions, there is no excuse to stay in the dark.