NO. 003

SCOTTSDALE, AZ

#OrganicOasisOn85th

Photography by Nick Sorensen

This revived Spanish home, built in 1981, had low ceilings, dated fixtures, and worn terracotta floors, making it feel dark and dungeon-like due to a lack of windows. However, its old charm was evident, with high arches in the entry and an indoor terrarium. We modernized it by reworking the kitchen layout, flipping the island to face the living room, and adding skylights and windows to brighten the space.

To maintain its Spanish charm while updating the design, I chose floating cabinets, modern fixtures, and clean lines with a neutral palette. The tile selections included warm, natural finishes like concrete, limestone, and terracotta to avoid a sterile feel, while darker wood floors added earthy texture. Limewashed walls and minimal design elements created a serene, beach-like atmosphere, reminiscent of a Tulum retreat.