When our client invited us into her North Scottsdale home, she described a life filled with travel, warmth, and welcoming others in. She wanted her space to reflect that richness—not just visually, but in the way it lived. Terra Nomad is the result: a layered, light-filled home that honors comfort, connection, and the little luxuries that make daily life feel elevated. From the Moroccan-inspired patio to the TV den where her pup curls up beside her, every corner reflects intention, story, and style.
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:
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Bring character and cohesion to a wide open-concept layout
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Bring character and cohesion to a wide open-concept layout
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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.
This dining room is a study in contrast and restraint. The matte black limewash envelope creates an intimate, moody backdrop, while textured neutrals, sculptural forms, and warm woods soften the edges. It’s bold and totally worth it.
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:
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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.
This family room was reimagined as a calm, modern retreat that is layered with neutral tones, organic textures, and sculptural simplicity. The custom media wall creates a quiet focal point while letting the furnishings breathe. Every detail was chosen to feel intentional, not overwhelming, because timeless design should feel effortless.
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
“I honestly can’t believe this is my home. Every space feels like a reflection of me—but elevated in a way I could never have done alone. Lauren and her team created something beautiful, livable, and full of heart. Even my dog loves it.”
Looking for a Scottsdale Interior Designer?
We specialize in:
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Full-service interior design
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Whole-home furnishings
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Remodels and new builds
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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
Is this a full remodel or just furnishings?
This was a furnishing-focused project with some custom millwork and architectural enhancements, designed to elevate and define an open-concept space.
Were existing pieces incorporated?
Yes. We thoughtfully layered in select client-owned pieces, including a Moroccan dining table and cherished art from her travels.
How did you make the home pet-friendly?
We used stain-resistant fabrics, scratch-tolerant rugs, and furniture with smart proportions for both comfort and durability.
Looking for a Scottsdale Interior Designer?
If you’re ready to turn your house into a home that reflects your story, we’d love to help.
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