Scottsdale Adobe: Crafting Modern Living in the Heart of the Arizona Desert
Over two and a half years of design and construction, this 4,600 sq. ft. Scottsdale home underwent a dramatic transformation. Stripped to the studs, it was reimagined from an Adobe-style interior to a refined, transitional design that honors its original character. The original front door, with its bold geometric shapes, rich textures and distinctive finish served as inspiration for our redesign, which played off the home’s existing curvilinear architecture. The color palette draws inspiration from Scottsdale’s desert landscape, blending deep blues and earthy greens throughout. Every inch of this home was thoughtfully designed, from the great room and kitchen to the casita and pool, with bedrooms and bathrooms seamlessly integrated along the way. The result: a unique blend of craftsmanship and modern living in the heart of the Arizona desert.
Living Room in Scottsdale
Front Door Inspiration
The original front door featured intricate geometric patterns and a rich palette of colors. We were immediately drawn to its uniqueness and had hoped to repurpose it. However, years of exposure had taken their toll—dry rot and a compromised veneer made restoration impossible. Instead, we chose to honor its legacy by crafting a new door that echoed the spirit of the original. Drawing inspiration from its design, we reimagined the entrance as French doors, adorned with textures and shapes that captured the essence of the original craftsmanship.
Great Room
Exploring the previous interior felt like a scavenger hunt, revealing unexpected surprises—alcoves, columns, projections, and other traditional adobe elements. While the original design lacked functionality for its new inhabitants, we saw it as a space brimming with potential and opportunity.
Before TSD renovations
Our goal was to make the space feel larger, brighter, and more cohesive while embracing the home’s stunning views and expansive great room.
Structural Enhancements
To improve flow and openness, we removed all alcoves and any interior walls or columns that disrupted movement. Any projecting elements were demolished to create clean, cohesive walls.
Arching Features
We deliberately introduced arched features to the interior design to complement the home’s curved architecture. Subtle, flowing arches can be found throughout every room, adding to the cohesive and organic feel of the space.
Paint & Color
We refreshed the space by painting the walls and ceiling in Classic Grey, by Benjamin Moore—a soft, warm white that enhances natural light. To add depth, we incorporated accents of blue, green, and earthy tones throughout.
Custom Decor
Every art piece was thoughtfully commissioned to complement the home’s architectural design and its natural setting in the Arizona desert. We also designed a 10-foot-long custom console table to introduce a functional, yet striking furnishing to the design.
Great Room in Scottsdale
After TSD renovations / Artwork by Greg Gioiosa and Bette Ridgeway
In the dining space, we removed a large wall divider that previously separated the great room from the kitchen in order to create a more open and connected layout. We preserved the existing wood beam, refinishing it to complement the stain of the kitchen cabinetry and dining table.
Kitchen
Custom Cabinetry
The kitchen features fully custom, inset black walnut cabinetry with ribbed detailing on the end panels that adds texture and depth to the space. Quartzite countertops and blackened brass hardware complement the rich wood tones, while curved-edge details soften the space for a refined look.
Light Fixtures
We carefully selected light fixtures for this space, with the intention that they would serve both a functional and artistic purpose. The kitchen pendants feature a unique combination of metal with a two-tone wooden dowel. In the dining room, a statement light fixture pairs seamlessly with the living room ceiling lights by Visual Comfort, both featuring distinctive lines and complementary metal finishes.
Retracting Window Wall
To create a seamless connection between the kitchen, great room and outdoors, we incorporated a retracting window wall that opens directly to the pool, enhancing indoor-outdoor living.
Kitchen in Scottsdale
Custom kitchen by TSD / Artwork by Margaret Lazzari
Primary Bedroom & En Suite
We designed a light and airy primary bedroom by layering botanical art, textured wallpaper, and a transitional rug by Kush Rugs. A warm earth-tone palette grounds the space, creating a serene retreat for our clients to unwind in the evenings. A subtle yet meaningful touch—the door design—pays homage to the intricate detailing of the original front door.
Perspectives of the primary bedroom / Artwork by Lindey Carter
The original en suite was exceptionally long, offering plenty of space to reimagine the design. We replaced outdated built-in cabinetry with a custom vanity and swapped the old circular shower for a freestanding tub. Embracing the room’s geometric and curved lines, we introduced soft arching features and thoughtful patterns and textures throughout—including herringbone tile, unique lighting, a patterned vanity seat, and Carrara marble accents for visual interest.
Primary Bathroom in Scottsdale
Secondary Bathroom
Original secondary bathroom
Throughout the home, the bathrooms deviated from the original architectural style, allowing for a fresh design approach. In this secondary bathroom, we introduced custom white rift oak cabinetry with black hardware and Carrara marble countertops. The shower showcases stunning Savoy field tiles by Ann Sacks, accented by marble detailing in a custom arched alcove. To play with texture, we incorporated hexagonal floor tiles to create a subtle yet dynamic contrast within the hard finishes.
Secondary bathroom after TSD renovations
Casita
The original home included an attached casita that needed a complete renovation. To create an open floor plan, we removed the interior fireplace and wood column, allowing the living room to flow seamlessly into the kitchenette. We furnished the space with playful patterns and vibrant colors, including a large scale floral wallpaper and transitional rug by Driscoll Robbins.
Original guest suite
Guest suite after TSD renovations
This Scottsdale home provided the perfect canvas for a complete renovation. The original adobe architecture, combined with the stunning Arizona desert backdrop, made creating this home an unforgettable experience!
Learn more about our Scottsdale Residence.