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.
Marie K.
"Some of Lauren’s suggestions really pushed me outside my comfort zone but I’m so glad I trusted her. She saw something I couldn’t, and now our space feels bold, warm, and 100% us. It’s the home I didn’t know I needed."
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.
Desiree E.
"There were moments where I hesitated different textures, unexpected colors but Lauren’s eye for balance is unreal. Every room feels layered and timeless. I would’ve played it safe. She gave us something unforgettable."
Desert-Tough Fabrics and Finishes
Did you know that many outdoor furniture companies won’t even warranty their products in Arizona due to the extreme weather conditions? That’s why partnering with a skilled design team is essential. An experienced team knows which vendors to trust and ensures your furniture not only looks great, but also stands up to the harsh Arizona climate.
- Upholstery: Solution-dyed acrylics (performance outdoor lines) resist UV, fade, and mildew. For indoor-adjacent rooms, performance linen blends and Crypton-type finishes keep it family-friendly.
- Rugs: Use polypropylene flat weave outdoors; indoor transition rugs in performance wool blends add texture without trapping dust.
- Metals: Powder-coated aluminum and 316 stainless steel are ideal for outdoors. Avoid uncoated black steel near mist systems.
- Stone & Worktops: Dense porcelains and sintered stone excel outside. Inside, choose sealed quartzites or porcelain slabs near sliding doors to prevent tracked dust and debris.
- Cabinetry: Consider exterior-rated polymer or aluminum systems. For interior rooms with heavy traffic to the patio, use durable catalyzed finishes and easy-wipe profiles.
Erin F.
"Lauren just gets it. I couldn’t even articulate what I wanted, but she knew. I trusted her with decisions I wasn’t sure about and the result feels luxurious and totally personal. It’s not trendy, it’s elevated. Every detail has meaning."
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: $$$ (mid-high)
Timeline: 6 weeks design + 16 weeks construction
Results: Afternoon heat managed by planned shading, and operates as one space with an indoor/outdoor concept.
Susan C.
“This was more than a design project, it was a smart investment. My home’s value and livability have both increased.”
Case Study 2: New Build Pool House Office
Scope:
Design and build-out of a dedicated pool house to serve as a year-round office. Included full bath, built-in storage, kitchenette, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection to main pool area. Durable, high-performance finishes selected for style and resilience in a poolside setting.
Highlights:
- Oversized thermally broken aluminum sliders with flush sills for unobstructed views of the pool
- Continuous look flooring with porcelain tile inside and limestone pavers outside for a cohesive, low-maintenance look
- Custom built-ins to maximize storage without sacrificing aesthetics
- Performance upholstery and washable rugs to handle high traffic and wet feet
- Layered lighting plan for safe and atmospheric night use
Budget Band: $$–$$$
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.
Ami B.
"It wasn’t what I would have picked on my own but it was exactly what our space needed. Living with Lolo’s bold choices took our home from ‘fine’ to phenomenal. Every friend who walks in says the same thing: ‘This is so you.’"
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
How Do You Keep Dust And Heat From Coming Inside When Doors Are Open?
We orient openings for shade, use flush sills with good drainage, and choose performance glass and screens. Inside, we zone AC so that the space stays comfortable when doors are open. Most clients maximize the use of large slider doors in the cooler months and leave them closed in the summer when it's hot outside.
Are Misters Compatible With Metal Doors And Furniture?
Yes, with the right alloys and placement. We keep mist lines away from ferrous metals, we choose 316 stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum outdoors, and we plan for easy nozzle maintenance.
Can We Get The Same Floor Inside And Out?
Yes. We select complimentary flooring with interior and exterior finishes and keep grout joints aligned across the threshold. We also adjust slip-resistance outside for safety. Slip-resistant tile is not ideal inside because it makes cleaning with a mop challenging, but most manufacturers will make a complimentary product so you can have the same look both inside and outside.
Do You Help With Furniture That Can Live Outside Year-Round?
We source solution-dyed acrylics, quick-dry foams, powder-coated frames, and sintered stone tops. We also plan storage for cushions during wetter events. Furthermore, we work with vendors who warrant their outdoor furniture in the harsh Arizona climate.
How Long Does An Indoor-Outdoor Remodel Take?
Most projects run 16 to 20 weeks for construction after design and permits, depending on structural work and door lead times.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Book a Design Walkthrough of Your Patio Flow
Tell us where the sun hits, when you entertain, and what needs to work harder. We will map quick wins and a phased plan.
Lauren Lerner is the founder of Living With Lolo, a nationally recognized Scottsdale interior designer and an Arizona licensed general contractor. She is celebrated for creating luxury homes that are warm, livable, and deeply personal, blending thoughtful design with seamless construction and curated furnishings. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top interior designers, Lauren has worked with celebrities, athletes, and executives across the country. Her work, known for its elevated yet inviting style, has been featured in multiple national publications. Guided by the belief that great design should feel as good as it looks, Lauren transforms houses into homes that truly reflect her clients’ lives.