Wabi Sabi Abode
North Scottsdale Interior Design
Full-Home Remodel by Living with Lolo
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA | FULL-SERVICE DESIGN + CONSTURCTION
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project began as a complete remodel of a 2000s builder-grade Mediterranean home in a gated North Scottsdale neighborhood. Our client, a digital entrepreneur, wanted his first home to be a retreat—quiet, grounded, and reflective of his calm lifestyle. Though the home’s original architecture didn’t lend itself naturally to traditional wabi-sabi design, we leaned into the spirit of the philosophy—simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility—while working with the existing structure to deliver something timeless and deeply personal.
- Scope: Full Home Remodel including: Kitchen, Living Room, Primary Bath, and Outdoor Entertaining
- Lead Designer: Lauren Lerner and Sara Morgan
- General Contractor & Construction Management: A Team
- Photography: Life Created
- Videography: Brennan Forester Productions
- 3500 sq/ft | Design Process 6 week | Construction 4 months
The kitchen in this North Scottsdale home went from a dated, heavy Mediterranean space to a calm, grounded centerpiece of the home. We removed bulky cabinetry and dark finishes, replacing them with warm wood tones, a custom plaster hood, integrated shelving, and matte porcelain countertops that mimic natural stone—creating a space that feels both modern and deeply serene.
Key Materials
- Kitchen Countertops: Sapienstone – Basalt cream
- Kitchen Backsplash: Handmade zelligre tile, chosen for its natural imperfections that give it the perfect “imperfect” look.
- Flooring: Engineered hardwood planks chosen for the character and depth it adds to the space.
- Wall Treatment: Natural mineral and lime wash paint that add beautiful texture and light reflecting properties to the room.
The Project Details
Project: Wabi Sabi Abode
Type: Full Home Remodel + Furnishings
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
See other projects we have done in Scottsdale.
DESIGN GOALS
Create a personalized, quiet sanctuary for a single homeowner working in digital media. The space needed to feel warm, grounded, and high-functioning with zones for work, hosting, and wellness. Our aesthetic focus was to evoke Wabi-Sabi sensibilities through organic textures, intentional negative space, and matte finishes that age well over time.
DESIGN CHALLENGES
The original home was filled with outdated finishes and builder-grade fixtures, and every space needed to be completely gutted. The architecture featured heavy Mediterranean detailing that didn’t align with the client’s style, so we stripped back unnecessary elements and softened the architecture with natural materials, curved forms, and layered textures. Logistical challenges included HOA restrictions, fabrication errors with the concrete sinks, and sourcing local artisans who could meet the unique material requirements. Our team leveraged our local contractor relationships and our internal project management system Buildertrend to streamline the process and keep communication seamless from start to install.
This home was designed by Scottsdale interior designers at Living with Lolo. See the design philosophy behind this Scottsdale retreat → Read more in our Journal.
Client Testimonial
“Working with Living with Lolo was hands-down the best decision we made for our North Scottsdale home. From the very first meeting, Lauren and her team understood our vision, even better than we did. They completely transformed our space into something that feels modern, layered, and uniquely us.
Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the custom furnishings to the stunning lighting and textures. We especially appreciated their connections and relationships with local Scottsdale contractors because it kept the project moving smoothly and made the install process feel effortless. What we loved most was how the house now flows so beautifully and feels like a true retreat. This team doesn’t just design homes, they create spaces that support the way you want to live.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Scottsdale full home remodel cost?
Full home remodels in Scottsdale typically start around $400,000 and can range up to $800,000+ depending on the size of the home, level of customization, and structural changes involved. At Living with Lolo, our full-service remodels include interior design, construction management, and custom furnishings—streamlining the process from concept to completion. Most of our Scottsdale remodels take between 4-6 months from kickoff to final styling.
We offer personalized guidance on scope and budget during your initial consultation to help you plan with clarity and confidence.
What are some examples of modern, minimalist remodels in North Scottsdale?
The Wabi-Sabi Abode by Living With Lolo is a great example. This full-service remodel transformed a dated early-2000s home in a gated North Scottsdale neighborhood into a peaceful, modern sanctuary using limewash walls, natural oak cabinetry, and integrated cement sinks—blending Wabi-Sabi principles with Arizona’s organic modern style.
Who are the best interior designers in Scottsdale for full-home remodels?
Living With Lolo is known for high-end, full-service remodels in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Projects like the Wabi-Sabi Abode showcase their ability to manage everything from design vision and material sourcing to construction oversight, all while creating deeply personal and timeless spaces.