At Living With Lolo, we don’t believe in fluff. We believe in finish. That means guiding our clients through design decisions that are both beautiful and smart, rooted in their goals, lifestyle, and what they want to feel every time they walk through the door.

If you’re wondering how to think about your investment for a full-service interior design project in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, let’s reframe the conversation. Our clients across Phoenix, Cave Creek, and the Valley trust us to align their homes with their lifestyle, not just their furniture checklist. Whether you’re in North Scottsdale’s desert foothills, the heart of Old Town, or nestled in Paradise Valley’s mountainside estates, the right design investment isn’t a compromise. It’s a strategy that transforms how you live in your space every single day.

This is a Home, Not a Shopping List

Our Scottsdale and Phoenix area projects don’t start with a cart. They start with clarity. From that first design consultation in your Paradise Valley home or Cave Creek estate, we anchor the entire experience around your goals, what feels good, what needs to function better, and what would truly elevate your day-to-day living in the Arizona desert.

That’s why our minimum furniture investment starts at $75,000 for three or more rooms, not including construction. This is the baseline for creating a cohesive, high-functioning space where every piece plays a role, not just fills a corner. Whether we’re designing a contemporary home in the McDowell Foothills or a traditional estate in Arcadia, it’s about curated quality that makes sense for Valley living.

The Truth Behind Interior Design Budgets in Phoenix

Clients often come to us after trying to DIY or piecemeal their way through a Scottsdale home renovation. It’s exhausting. It’s expensive. And it rarely delivers the polish or personalization they were hoping for, especially in the competitive Paradise Valley and North Phoenix markets where homes need to feel both luxurious and livable.
When we talk about investment for Phoenix area interior design, we’re really talking about intention:

Quality Over Quantity: In the Arizona climate, buying fewer things and making them count means selecting pieces that can handle intense sun, dust, and the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that defines Valley living.

Durability: This is especially crucial in high-traffic, family- or pet-friendly homes throughout Scottsdale and Cave Creek, where spaces need to function beautifully for active lifestyles.

Design That Lasts: We focus on styling homes that still feel like you in five years, not just five months. This approach serves our Phoenix clients well, as the investment protects against the constant cycle of replacing pieces that weren’t chosen strategically.

And yes, that includes lighting designed for Arizona’s unique natural light, custom window treatments that handle our intense sun, wall finishes that complement desert landscapes, rugs that work with our sandy environment, art that reflects the Southwest aesthetic, accessories that capture Valley sophistication, and every thoughtful detail that turns a house into a cohesive, deeply livable home.

Every investment is tailored for timeless style and lasting value in the unique Sonoran Desert environment. Our approach ensures that whether you’re updating a contemporary home in the McDowell Mountains or transforming a traditional estate in Arcadia, your investment delivers both immediate impact and enduring satisfaction.

Confidence Through Clarity in Scottsdale Interior Design

We know interior design is a luxury. And we don’t take that lightly. But when it’s done right in your home, the result is more than beautiful. It’s functional, timeless, and deeply personal. That’s what we’re here to deliver throughout the Phoenix Valley.

So if you’re in the early stages of dreaming about transforming your Cave Creek estate or North Scottsdale residence, let us help you build a roadmap rooted in honesty, beauty, and your own best life at home in Arizona.

This isn’t about splurging for the sake of it. It’s about making every dollar meaningful in creating a space that works with the Valley’s unique lifestyle demands. Whether you’re planning a full home renovation in Paradise Valley or refreshing key spaces in your Phoenix area home, let’s move forward with confidence.

Ready to discuss your design investment strategy?
Contact Living With Lolo to schedule a consultation for your home.

The Result? Spaces That Feel as Good as They Look

When Colin stepped into our Scottsdale project, his words, “creativity, calm, and connection” summed up our goal perfectly. We design for the feeling you want to live in every day: whether that’s focused, relaxed, inspired, or all of the above.

What Our Scottsdale Clients Say

Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design Investment in Scottsdale

Selecting a luxury interior designer is a significant choice. It creates a home reflecting who you are, compatible with your lifestyle, and retains its value. Done incorrectly, it can be costly, and there can be a lot of stress. This guide enables you to verify credentials, determine if a designer’s style suits you, prevent mistakes, and discover a designer who can deliver.

Credentials, Portfolio, and Project Scale

• Licensing & Affiliations: Not all interior designers in Arizona must be licensed, but most of the best in the industry are members of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) or IDS (Interior Design Society) and are rated by the BBB (Better Business Bureau). When you are having construction done, ensure the business has a licensed contractor involved with them or part of their staff.
• Portfolio Depth: Search for at least 5 to 10 projects of a similar size, budget, and style to yours. Having multiple projects indicates various skills, but similar projects indicate expertise.
• Project Scale Match: A designer who would otherwise work on new 1,000 sq ft condos might not be ideal to work on a 7,000 sq ft estate renovation. Even bigger companies might not be willing to do small projects.
• Credibility: Examine work printed in publications such as Luxe Interiors + Design, Modern Luxury Interiors, or Phoenix Home & Garden. When the industry and media acknowledge work, it indicates they are reliable.

Process Clarity and Procurement Capacity

• Process Mapping: A good designer can articulate each step from concept to install and how they handle drawings, approvals, purchasing, and site coordination.
• Procurement Capacity: Luxury projects involve dozens (sometimes hundreds) of line items. Ask about vendor network, warehousing, delivery inspection, and damage resolution. If they lack in-house procurement, who manages it?
• Timeline Management: Large projects can take 6 to 18 months. The designer should present realistic schedules and explain how they track milestones. Ask about the design timeline with installation timeline.
• Project Tracking; A top-tier interior design firm relies on project management software to keep projects on track, monitor orders, and maintain complete oversight at every stage. They ensure a smooth process from start to finish, seamlessly managing installations and addressing any deficiencies or punch lists with precision and care.

The Wrong Designer Can Cost You More Than Money

When you’re spending a lot of money on your home, a poor choice of design professional can mean additional expenses, delays, and poor work requiring expensive repairs. In Scottsdale and Paradise Valley’s competitive design market, having neat portfolios and pretty websites doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll do good work.

The most costly mistakes happen early in the relationship, often during the consultation and contracting phase. Warning signs are easy to miss, but they become much harder to recover from as time goes on. 

Red Flags

• Vague Budgeting: If they can’t give ballpark ranges after a consultation, be cautious.
• Limited Vendor Access: Relying only on retail sources often means less customization and weaker trade pricing.
• Poor Communication: Delays in early responses can foreshadow project management issues.
• No Clear Contract: A lack of scope definition puts you at risk for scope creep and disputes.

Treat Designer Selection Like Any Major Hiring Decision

You wouldn’t hire a brilliant leader without a clear method of interviewing them, and selecting your inside designer requires the same scrutiny. When you are spending money and time on your house, simply relying on your gut and flipping through pretty pictures isn’t enough. Good interviewers are not necessarily good designers, so you must ask thoughtful questions to observe how they work, what qualifications they possess, and what red flags exist.

A step-by-step method enables you to examine potential candidates objectively and select the individual who would handle your investment and deliver satisfactory results.

Interview Script and Scoring Sheet

Questions to Ask:

1. What types of projects do you specialize in?
2. How do you structure your fees?
3. Who will be my point of contact day-to-day?
4. How do you handle procurement, storage, and installation?
5. Can you share references from recent clients with similar budgets and timelines?

Scoring Sheet Criteria:

• Style alignment (1–5)
• Communication style (1–5)
• Process clarity (1–5)
• Budget transparency (1–5)
• Vendor network depth (1–5)

Know What to Expect Before You Sign

A professional design process should feel predictable, not chaotic. When you understand each phase upfront, you can hold your designer accountable to clear milestones and avoid the confusion that leads to budget overruns and timeline delays. The best designers will walk you through their entire process during the initial consultation, explaining exactly what happens when, who’s responsible for what, and how decisions get made along the way.

Process Diagram: From Consult to Completion

1. Initial Consultation – Define goals, style, and budget.
2. Proposal & Agreement – Scope, fees, and timeline confirmed.
3. Concept Design – Mood boards, layouts, initial selections.
4. Design Development – Finalize drawings, specs, materials.
5. Procurement – Orders placed, logistics managed.
6. Construction Coordination – Site visits, issue resolution.
7. Installation & Styling – White-glove delivery and final touches.
8. Handover & Follow-Up – Warranty info and care guides provided.

Credentials Matter When the Stakes Are High

In luxury design, portfolio photos only tell part of the story. Real expertise shows up in industry recognition, project volume, and client outcomes that go beyond pretty rooms. When you’re investing significantly in your home, you want a designer whose track record demonstrates they can handle complex projects, manage substantial budgets, and deliver results that exceed expectations. The proof is in the performance.

Living With Lolo

Awards: Luxe Interiors + Design’s Next in Design 99.
Projects: Over 200 luxury residential projects completed in the Phoenix metro area.

Results Speak Louder Than Promises

When evaluating designers, ask to see specific project outcomes, not just beautiful photos. The best professionals can walk you through real client scenarios with concrete details about scope, investment, timeline, and measurable results. A single detailed case study reveals more about a designer’s capabilities than dozens of portfolio images, showing you exactly how they handle projects similar to yours and what kind of outcomes you can realistically expect.

Project: Paradise Valley Remodel, 8,500 sq ft
Scope: Full-service interior design + furnishings
Budget band: $$$$
Timeline: 8 months
Highlights: Indoor-outdoor integration, custom millwork, fully automated lighting and shade systems.
Result: Featured in Modern Luxury Interiors, with homeowners reporting increased home value and lifestyle satisfaction.

What Our Scottsdale Clients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Work With Scottsdale’s Trusted Luxury Design Team

Ready to work with a designer who gets it right the first time? Schedule your consultation with Living With Lolo and experience the difference that true desert expertise makes.

📞 Call us at 480-702-1189 and book your consultation.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living for the Desert

Create a home that opens to the sky without sacrificing comfort. In the Sonoran Desert, great indoor-outdoor design balances light, heat, dust, and daily living. In this guide, we show how we plan orientation, specify windows and pocket doors, choose desert-tough materials and fabrics, light for safety and mood, and keep everything easy to maintain. 

Planning for Solar Orientation and Thermal Comfort

When planning, the sun is a good place to start. Scottsdale and Paradise Valley see intense west sun and high diurnal swings. Good planning reduces load on the HVAC system and makes patios usable most of the year.

• Orientation and Overhangs: Prioritize major openings to the north and east when possible. Use deep overhangs, trellises, or pergolas to shield south and west exposures in summer, while allowing winter sun to warm interiors.
• Glass Placement: As interior designers, we pay attention to glass placement for temperature control and stunning views of the surrounding area.  
• Cross-Ventilation: Align pocket doors or sliders to capture evening breezes. Add clerestory windows for added character.
• Thermal Zoning: Use interior vestibules or a butler’s pantry as a buffer between kitchen heat and outdoor spaces. Seal conditioned zones with high-performance door systems while misters are running.
• Water and Dust: Ensure that the patio drains away from track systems. Include hose bibs near outdoor kitchens for easy cleanup, and consider walk-off mats at thresholds.

Door Systems, Continuous Flooring, and Exterior Kitchens

Door Systems

• Pocket multi-slide doors create the widest clear openings with the slimmest sight lines. Look for thermally broken aluminum, low-E glass tuned for our climate, and robust drainage for wetter days.
• Bifold systems deliver a sculptural look and quick open/close, but need careful sill detailing to limit dust. These are ideal for smaller spaces.
• Standard sliders still work well for openings. Choose recessed tracks with integrated design for a lower trip risk.

Continuous Flooring

Use the same flooring inside and out, with a change in finish: honed interior for easy cleaning and grip-rated exterior to meet wet-surface safety. Align grout joints across the threshold and keep height changes under 1/4″ with a flush sill. We love using travertine and limestone as they are cool to the touch, which is critical for our heat (and not burning your feet when walking to your pool). 

For wood looks, consider porcelain slabs outside and engineered wood inside that color-matches. Avoid true wood outdoors if you don’t want a heavy maintenance schedule.

Exterior Kitchens

Install your outdoor kitchen under shade, if possible, with at least one solid wall for wind protection. Ventilate grills upward and away from doors. Use marine-grade stainless or powder-coated aluminum cabinetry, porcelain or sintered stone tops, and sealed gas lines with shut-off access.

Add under-counter fridges, drawers, an ice well, and closed trash to keep wildlife out. Provide GFCI outlets and dimmable task lighting, and you’ll soon be enjoying your outdoor space as you always hoped.

Lighting for Alfresco Dining and Safety

• Layers: Combine low-glare downlights at the eaves, dimmable string or festoon accents, step lights on steps, and discrete path lights. Keep uplights shielded to protect the night sky.
• Controls: Tie exterior lighting to timers and app control. Set up an ‘Arrival’ scene and a ‘Dinner’ scene that drops glare and boosts table illumination.
• Code & Comfort: Respect required egress lighting and dark-sky guidance. We know all about the local city codes, and we’ll consider any HOA requirements for lighting. Warm color temperatures outdoors work most naturally against stone and desert plants.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Desert Courtyard Entertaining

Scope: Remodel of a great space, new pocket multi-slide to a shaded courtyard, outdoor kitchen, beautiful pool with stunning views and travertine pavers. 

Highlights:

• East-facing space with pocket doors built into the wall
• Exterior kitchen under a pergola with porcelain slab tops and misting system integrated into beams
• Lighting scenes: Arrival, Dining, Late-Night 

Budget: $$$ (mid-high)

Timeline: 6 weeks design + 16 weeks construction

Results: Afternoon heat managed by planned shading, and operates as one space with an indoor/outdoor concept.

Case Study 2: New Build Pool House Office

Scope:
Design and build-out of a dedicated pool house to serve as a year-round office. Included full bath, built-in storage, kitchenette, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection to main pool area. Durable, high-performance finishes selected for style and resilience in a poolside setting.

Highlights:

• Oversized thermally broken aluminum sliders with flush sills for unobstructed views of the pool
• Continuous look flooring with porcelain tile inside and limestone pavers outside for a cohesive, low-maintenance look
• Custom built-ins to maximize storage without sacrificing aesthetics
• Performance upholstery and washable rugs to handle high traffic and wet feet
• Layered lighting plan for safe and atmospheric night use

Budget Band: $$–$$$

Timeline: 6 weeks design + 16 weeks construction

Results:
The homeowners gained a private, light-filled workspace with resort-level views – allowing them to transition seamlessly from work calls to poolside relaxation. The consistent flooring reduced slips while creating visual flow, and the multi-slide doors brought the outdoors in. Evening entertaining now feels elevated, with the office doubling as a lounge for gatherings.

Our Process: From Consultation to White-Glove Install

• Discovery & Consultation
  We start with an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your home. Together, we explore how you live, your goals, and your priorities. This is where we assess architectural details, natural light, sight lines, and any construction needs. You’ll leave with a clear plan for next steps.
• Concept & Space Planning
  Our design team develops a complete vision for your home (floor plans, elevations, and inspiration boards), mapping everything from furniture layouts to flow, light, and functional needs.
• Investment Alignment
  Before we source a single item, we present your Minimum Furniture Investment Guide so you know exactly what to expect. This ensures selections are made from the right vendor tiers and match your goals for quality, finish, and longevity.
• Design Development
  We finalize every detail, from custom furniture and finishes to lighting, wall treatments, and accessories. Your design is presented in a comprehensive meeting, including drawings, material samples, and a fully-itemized budget.
• Procurement & Project Management
  Once approved, we handle all ordering, tracking, and logistics. Whether it’s furniture, custom pieces, or remodel materials, our team manages timelines, quality control, and communication with trades so you don’t have to.
• Build & Installation Oversight
  If your project includes construction, our licensed contracting team and project managers oversee the work to ensure design intent is carried through to the last detail. For furnishings, we coordinate every delivery to our warehouse for inspection before install.
• White-Glove Installation
  In one carefully choreographed day, our team transforms your home, placing every piece, styling each surface, and ensuring every detail is perfect before we invite you in for the reveal.
• Handover & Ongoing Care
  We provide you with a maintenance guide for your furnishings and finishes. Many clients choose our seasonal or annual refresh service to keep their home looking its best.

Recognition and Experience

Recognition: Living With Lolo named in Luxe Interiors + Design’s Next in Design 99.

Experience: Full-service design and construction in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and beyond.

Maintenance Cheat Sheet

Monthly

• Vacuum door tracks and check vent holes
• Wipe exterior metals with mild soap; inspect for mineral deposits near misters
• Rinse outdoor rugs and cushions; leave to dry fully

Seasonal

• Reseal exterior stone or porcelain grout where required
• Check pergola shade elements and mist nozzles; descale if needed
• Reprogram lighting scenes for sunset shifts

Annual

• Refinish exterior wood accents if used
• Deep clean and re-seal high-traffic interior thresholds

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Book a Design Walkthrough of Your Patio Flow

There’s a moment when you walk into a space and know this is more than a home, it’s a lifestyle. For actor Colin Egglesfield, that moment happened in our North Scottsdale project. For you, it could happen every day.

When Colin first stepped inside, he said, “This feels like I’ve been transported to a luxury resort.” And when People Magazine needed a location for his second feature shoot, he specifically asked to return. That’s the magic of intentional design, it draws people back in.

Why North Scottsdale Homes Are Ideal for Luxury Desert Living

North Scottsdale offers something rare in the Phoenix metro area: expansive lots, unobstructed Sonoran Desert views, and a community that values both sophistication and comfort. Our role was to maximize those advantages while addressing the unique challenges of Arizona living.

The key was balancing what Colin described as “serene, expansive, and effortlessly elegant” spaces with the practical needs of the desert climate. The result? A home that feels like a personal resort that is designed to enhance your daily life.

Desert Resort Design Elements That Work Year-Round

Maximizing Natural Light Without the Heat

We don’t just bring in the light, we curate it. Soaring ceilings and strategically placed windows capture soft morning light from the McDowell Mountains, while architectural overhangs and thoughtful orientation protect from harsh afternoon sun. The effect: interiors that feel bright and open without sacrificing comfort.

Indoor-Outdoor Living That Actually Works

In Arizona, outdoor spaces shouldn’t be seasonal. We created year-round usability with covered patios, integrated ceiling fans, and outdoor kitchens positioned to avoid direct summer sun. Landscape design blends beauty with natural cooling, so the transition from indoors to outdoors feels effortless.

Materials That Stand the Test of the Desert

Quality wins every time. We selected finishes that complement Arizona’s natural palette and can handle its extremes – warm travertines, weather-resistant metals, and performance textiles that resist fading in our legendary sunshine. Timelessness over trend ensures this home will feel current for years to come.

The ROI of Thoughtful Design in North Scottsdale

When Colin said the home “sparks creativity, calm, and connection,” he unknowingly summed up the real value of luxury design: it enhances daily living in ways that go far beyond aesthetics.

Market Appeal in a Competitive Luxury Market

In North Scottsdale, buyers are discerning. Homes that merge elevated design with desert functionality consistently outperform those that don’t. We focus on timeless elements so that your home stays as valuable emotionally as it does financially.

Long-Term Enjoyment Over Trend-Chasing

We don’t chase trends, we create timelessness. Every decision in this home was guided by enduring style, climate resilience, and the homeowner’s lifestyle. The result is a design that will age beautifully.

Lessons for Arizona Luxury Homeowners

Whether you’re in Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, or anywhere in the Valley, certain principles always apply:

• Respect the Climate: Work with Arizona’s weather, not against it. That means strategic sun control, material selection, and realistic outdoor living plans.
• Embrace the Setting: The Sonoran Desert is a stunning backdrop, so choose to highlight it, don’t compete with it.
• Design for Real Living: Every space should function for daily life and entertaining, through all seasons.

Ready to Experience Your Own Resort-Style Retreat?

Thoughtful design doesn’t just look beautiful; it transforms how you live.

If you’re ready for a home that’s as elevated as your lifestyle, let’s start the conversation. We’ll bring the vision, the process, and the polish, while you bring the dream.

Contact Us Today!

What Our Scottsdale Clients Say

Arizona Homeowners Are Choosing Design-Build—Here’s Why

If you’re remodeling or building in Arizona, you’ve likely heard the term design-build. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly—how can it make your renovation smoother, faster, and more beautiful?

At Living with Lolo, we combine luxury interior design with licensed general contracting to deliver true design-build services in Arizona. That means we don’t just design your dream home—we execute it with precision, control, and full visibility from concept to completion.

What Is Design-Build and Why Does It Matter?

In traditional renovations, you hire a designer and contractor separately—and hope they communicate. In a design-build model, you hire one firm to manage everything: layout, materials, construction, and furnishings.

With Design-Build, You Get:

• One point of contact

• Seamless communication between design and construction

• Faster timelines and fewer delays

• More accurate budgeting and real-time cost tracking

• A unified vision with fewer compromises

It’s the difference between managing chaos—and managing a trusted team.

Where We Work: Design-Build Across Arizona

Our design-build team works across high-demand areas in the Phoenix metro, including:

• Scottsdale – Custom home remodels and full-furnishing projects

• Paradise Valley – Ground-up new builds and major renovations

• Phoenix & Arcadia – Historic updates with modern luxury

• East Valley (Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek) – Family homes ready for elevated living

• Cave Creek & Desert Mountain – Large-scale homes with natural surroundings

We’re licensed, insured, and deeply experienced in local construction processes. (ROC #347577)

Design-Build Case Study: Paradise Valley Remodel

One of our recent design-build projects in Paradise Valley began as a kitchen update—and evolved into a full-home transformation. Because our team handled both design and construction:

• We pivoted quickly on a framing change mid-project

• All cabinetry was custom-designed and built in-house

• Installation happened on time—without client micromanagement

• Furnishings arrived coordinated with lighting, paint, and architectural finishes

The result? A completely cohesive, magazine-worthy home—with zero stress for the client.

Why Arizona Clients Choose Design-Build Firms Like Ours

• Fewer vendors. One team, no handoffs.

• Tighter budgets. We quote, refine, and execute—without inflated markup surprises.

• Streamlined schedules. No design waiting on construction (or vice versa).

• Less client stress. You focus on your life—we handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a Scottsdale Design-Build Firm?

Living with Lolo offers full-service interior design and licensed construction services across Arizona. We specialize in design-build for remodels, new construction, and fully furnished homes—with a signature aesthetic that balances boldness, warmth, and clean-lined luxury.

Whether you’re in Paradise Valley, Arcadia, or Desert Mountain, we’ll bring your home to life—seamlessly.

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Find Out More: Fairway Home Remodel Chandler Arizona