A soulful desert sanctuary designed for real life

Located in a vibrant North Scottsdale neighborhood, this home was a blank slate ready to be transformed into a personal retreat and entertainment haven. The client requested a pet-friendly, travel-inspired, and highly livable design—with furnishings that honored her love of original art, natural textures, and warm jewel tones.

Our scope included the entire home: a guest-ready casita, cozy office, relaxing primary suite, soulful outdoor spaces, and flexible living/dining zones for gatherings of 6–8+. The design needed to support real life—pets, parents, Zoom calls, and last-minute guests—while remaining elegant and cohesive.

Living Room Transformation
From builder-basic to globally layered: the living space now flows with ease, warmth, and sculptural elegance.

Design Goals & Challenges

Our design intent was to craft a layered, personal retreat—one that told the story of the homeowner’s travels and lifestyle, while offering calm, comfort, and function every day. We focused on tactile richness over shine, high-performance finishes over fragility, and warmth over minimalism.

This was a house meant for entertaining but also for resting and restoring. Our job was to translate that duality into a cohesive space where each room served a purpose, without ever sacrificing aesthetic flow. We prioritized layouts that support both hosting and hanging out, built around natural light, artful textures, and pet-friendly durability.

Design Challenges:

• Bring character and cohesion to a wide open-concept layout

• Bring character and cohesion to a wide open-concept layout

• Source heat-resistant materials for Arizona’s harsh climate

• Integrate global pieces with a clean, modern architectural shell
• Select upholstery and rugs that could withstand pet use

This project required us to strike a balance between global inspiration and modern restraint. Each design move—from the layered Moroccan textiles on the patio to the soft, stain-resistant upholstery in the TV room—was made with both style and real life in mind.

Signature Design Elements

Every Living with Lolo home tells a story through thoughtful materials and unexpected details. Terra Nomad was no exceptionm, anchored by elevated textures, global influence, and functional luxury throughout.

Kitchen:

• Color-Drenched Primary Suite
  We saturated the bedroom walls in a deep, dusty plum tone to create a serene, feminine retreat. This bold yet grounding color adds intimacy and sets the space apart from the rest of the home.

• Sculptural Headboards and Textural Upholstery
  Custom-crafted headboards in the bedrooms feature carved wood and layered fabric textures that nod to both global craftsmanship and modern elegance.

• Statement Lighting with Organic Forms
  We selected fixtures from Hammerton, Visual Comfort, and Made Goods to add sculptural impact—softening angular architecture with flowing silhouettes and hand-finished details.

• Moroccan-Inspired Outdoor Moments
  Inspired by the client’s travel photos, we brought the outdoors to life with layered textiles, earthy tones, and a custom dining setup that feels straight from a riad courtyard.

• Pet-Friendly and High-Performance Everything
  From scratch-resistant rugs by Loloi to durable Moss Studio sofas, every surface was chosen to be both luxurious and low-maintenance—perfect for a home shared with an aging pup.

Design Development Process

Discovery & Assessment- North Scottsdale Furnishings (weeks 1-2)

During the design development phase of our design process, we began with an in-depth discovery session to understand the way the client lives, entertains, and unwinds. A central theme quickly emerged: layered global charm rooted in comfort and ease. She shared photos from Morocco, notes from recent travels, and a headboard she loved—all clues to the story she wanted this home to tell.

To guide the design, we leaned into warm textures, earthy materials, and rich jewel-toned accents. We built our palette around the existing natural light and volume in the living, dining, and primary bedroom areas, ensuring each design choice enhanced rather than competed with those assets.

Conceptual Development Phase  – North Scottsdale Furnishings

(weeks 3-4)

The home’s open-concept layout posed an early challenge: how to define each zone while maintaining flow? We used architectural detailing, tailored furniture arrangements, and subtle material shifts to give each area its own identity. Custom elevations were created for the office Zoom backdrop, casita storage, and sitting room cabinetry.

We also laid out a thoughtful design cadence to accommodate our client’s phased approach—ensuring each space could stand on its own yet remain harmonious with the full vision.

Our 2D design boards, created in DesignFiles, are where concept becomes tangible. This curated visual map shows how each piece of furniture, finishes, textiles, and styling comes together in a cohesive story. It’s a critical checkpoint for client alignment and a tool we use to ensure every selection serves both function and feeling.

Material Selection & Sourcing – North Scottsdale Furnishings

(weeks 5-6)

Material selections focused on high performance without sacrificing style: stain-resistant fabrics, scratch-friendly rugs, and pieces that could withstand the joyful chaos of real life. Vintage rugs and curated art layered in warmth and soul.

We sourced key pieces from brands like Bernhardt, Four Hands, Visual Comfort, and Made Goods. Moroccan-inspired accents were woven throughout, including a striking outdoor dining table reminiscent of her travels.

Color-drenched walls in the primary bedroom created a calming, cocooned feel, while sculptural lighting and custom case goods added character across the home.

Elevation drawings at this phase are where design clarity meets construction precision. These detailed visuals made in Autocad ensure our clients understand every element of the design intent, while giving contractors exact direction to bring it to life, without guesswork. It’s how we protect the vision and elevate the entire process.

Project Management -North Scottsdale Furnishings

(weeks 7-15)

Installation unfolded over several phases, with special attention to comfort and usability in every zone. We styled the entry to feel warm and memorable, incorporated personal art in the hallways, and designed pet-friendly layouts for the TV den and casita.

Custom blackout drapery and automatic lighting helped support the smart features the client requested. Meanwhile, our team coordinated with trades to ensure durability outdoors and a seamless integration of layered textiles and natural materials inside.

We use Buildertrend to manage every detail of the construction phase—from timelines and trade coordination to budgets and approvals. This platform gives our clients full visibility into their remodel, so they can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. It’s transparency, elevated.

Reveal Week – North Scottsdale Furnishings

(week 16)

Seeing this project come to life was deeply rewarding. The home felt like a lived-in sanctuary the moment the final accessories were placed. Our client was moved to tears when she saw her beloved photos from Morocco echoed in the outdoor living area. Even her dog settled in instantly—claiming a favorite spot on the custom sectional before the final throw pillows were fluffed.

Market Context

As Scottsdale continues to attract design-forward homeowners with a taste for elevated living, the bar for full-service design has never been higher. Nestled in a sought-after North Scottsdale neighborhood known for its proximity to dining, golf, and resort-style amenities, this home had the right bones but lacked identity.

Many homes in this area still reflect outdated builder finishes or Mediterranean-inspired design trends from decades past. Our client saw an opportunity—not only to invest in the comfort of her own day-to-day life, but also to significantly increase the home’s market appeal through timeless, high-quality design.

By embracing rich color, personal storytelling, and durable luxury, this project reflects the growing demand in Scottsdale for interiors that blend character with practicality. The result is a home that stands out in a competitive market, not just for how it looks—but for how it feels to live in.

Expertise in Intentional, Full-Service Transformation

Terra Nomad is a reflection of our team’s ability to translate lived experience into layered, luxurious design. Rather than chasing trends, we grounded this home in what truly matters: comfort, character, and connection. Inspired by our client’s global travels and grounded lifestyle, we curated each room to feel personal, livable, and deeply considered.

This project showcases what full-service design at Living with Lolo truly means—from managing phased furniture procurement to customizing pet-friendly materials and layering in personal collections. Every detail was chosen with both form and function in mind, honoring the rhythm of real life while elevating every touchpoint.

It’s the kind of project we love most: where design tells a story, solves real needs, and leaves our client feeling more at home than ever before. That’s what we do best—transforming everyday living into something truly exceptional.

Primary Suite Glow-Up
This once-plain bedroom is now a cocooned retreat, bathed in jewel tones and anchored by rich texture and custom detailing.

Client Words

Looking for a Scottsdale Interior Designer?

We specialize in:

• Full-service interior design

• Whole-home furnishings

• Remodels and new builds

• Second homes and vacation properties

Minimum investment starts at $75K. We serve clients across Scottsdale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and surrounding Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home remodels, adding functionality and value to your home. But before you select tiles or a new vanity, there is a very important step homeowners miss: determining whether or not you’ll need a permit. The proper permits make your remodel code-compliant and safe, and save you from fines or hassle down the line if you ever have to sell your home. If you’re planning bathroom remodeling in Scottsdale, understanding local codes will also save you time and money.

Local Codes

Remodel permits aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Permits and building codes are city, county, or municipal based. Something that would require a permit in one location would be a straightforward, no-permit-required situation in another.

For instance, in larger cities with strict building regulations, even minor electric or plumbing alterations will require permits. In small towns or rural areas, permits may only be required for significant structural overhauls. Your first move before beginning a remodel should always be a trip to your city’s website or a call to your city building department to clarify bathroom permit requirements. Professionals such as interior designers will also have experience in this area, thankfully. 

What Kinds of Bathroom Projects Require a Permit?

Not all bathrooms need a permit to be remodeled. Cosmetic remodels, like painting the walls, installing new lighting, or installing a new mirror, generally do not require a permit. When you’re performing construction that will change the configuration of the bathroom, however, permits generally are required.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

If you’re moving plumbing lines, say, from a shower to a bathtub or moving the sink, a permit will probably be needed. So will changes to electrical work, too, like moving outlets farther apart or adding a heated floor system; these almost always need permits so that they’ll be code-compliant for safety. Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom? The answer is usually yes for large plumbing or electrical changes.

Structural Changes

Considering tearing out a wall or renovating your bathroom? Any change to a building, including moving load-bearing walls or putting in windows, likely require a permit to offer adequate support as well as comply with safety codes.

Adding New Features

Large projects such as the installation of a bathroom in an unfinished attic or basement will probably require a permit because such a project will entail electrical, plumbing, and structure work. Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom that already exists? Major additions almost always require one.

How to Obtain a Bathroom Remodel Permit

Getting permits seems scary, but you don’t necessarily have to tackle it by yourself. Most interior designers and contractors in your region are familiar with the permit system, and they can draft the application for you. They will submit and get the plans approved in the right way and in a timely manner.

Obtaining a permit usually involves submitting detailed design plans, an application fee, and one or more inspections that are done through the process during the remodel. A bathroom renovation permit ensures work on your bathroom is done to safety standards for you, and for whoever may eventually live there.

When is a Permit Not Required?

While there are certainly aspects of a bathroom remodel that actually do require a permit, there are others you can accomplish without it. If the remodel is strictly cosmetic, such as refinishing cabinets, replacing faucets, or installing new tiles, you most likely will not have to ask permission. Whether the remodel contains elements of structural, plumbing, or electrical modifications will often be the deciding factor. 

Before anything else, though, it is worth calling up your local building department and asking if there are some gray areas. Doing the work without having a permit as required can lead to fines, forced remodeling, or issues reselling your home.

Remodeling Responsibly

Going through the process of determining whether you will or will not require a permit for your bathroom remodeling can be an extra step, but one that is absolutely worth it to ensure the validity and safety of your project. Remember, skipping permits is cheaper, but being thoroughly permitted gives your property an immense value and will enable you to have peace of mind.

If you are planning to remodel your bathroom and have no idea where to begin, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the permit process so that it gets done right from the beginning to the end. We’ll also answer your questions so you don’t need to go through the day with headaches! 

Discover More: How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take​?