Kate and David Whitaker of Tuscon, came to us wanting to “gut” their mid-1970’s Territorial-style home and update it with a more modern transitional look and feel.

Scope of Work

Their “wish list” was extensive. Janice Williams, Senior Interior Designer, our recommended contractor, and the Whitakers decided on the following “changes”:

• New hardwood flooring & baseboards throughout
• Move laundry from beside the kitchen to the carport area (new room created)
• All new kitchen
• Eliminate window to accommodate kitchen design
• Reface both sides of dual fireplace
• All new interior Knotty Alder doors & casing
• Gut and replace Guest Bath, with heated floor
• New Window Treatments, including skylights
• Add ceiling lights in all rooms
• Replace drywall texture on all walls & ceilings
• New Bar Stools

Many homes in our area that are even just 10-15 years old often have built-in entertainment walls. These “old-style” entertainment walls were designed for the old deep depth TV’s. Also, the wall often integrated a fireplace in the same space.

We Make Entertainment Walls Fit Today’s Lifestyles and Electronics.  Quite often, we are called upon to change a “dated” entertainment wall, so it fits our clients look & feel, as well as accommodate today’s thin and larger TV’s. Here we highlight just a few of the projects we have helped clients with.

If you have a similar situation in need of updating, please give us a call for a complimentary exploratory discussion about what you want to accomplish.

Simple Makeover

This client wanted to make their entertainment wall fit the new contemporary look and feel we brought to their home, without the time, trouble and expense of tearing out the entertainment wall.

We accomplished their goal by connecting the fireplace, TV and cabinet areas with a high gloss black finish. Faux painting and re-accessorizing the niche’s added a complimenting contrast.

Santa Fe to Contemporary

This client wanted to transform a Santa Fe style home, with a million dollar view, into a desert contemporary style home.

This is one of the most dramatic transformations we have ever been involved with. Notice how all the arches, including the arched windows, have been replaced with clean sleek lines. The new colors selected bring desert colors inside.

Dysfunctional to Functional

For this client, we replaced their dysfunctional and dated entertainment & “library” wall with a more up-to-date wall system to meet their needs and lifestyle.

The dated oak cabinets were replaced with a more current medium stained alder wood cabinetry. The TV area was enlarged to provide space for a current-day sized flat-screen TV. Additional drawers were used to provide a more flexible storage space, with special dividers for CD’s, VCR tapes and DVD’s.

Do you have a similar or unique entertainment wall situation that needs attention? Give us a call to arrange a complimentary consultation to review your options.

That doesn’t quite work, does it?

Is a statement we hear often when a client moves to this area for the first time.

Clients sometimes have a sound and functional piece of upholstered furniture which just doesn’t look right in their new or remodeled home.

Reupholstering a soundly built sofa or chair is a great way to make a piece fit in the overall scheme of your room.

Cost Savings Too
For the same chosen fabric, reupholstering a piece can save you between 10% – 25%, depending on the size and complexity of the piece.

Below, we share with you just a few of the many hundreds of pieces we have reupholstered for clients over the years.

If you have a piece of upholstered furniture that doesn’t quite look right, or is maybe a bit worn, but otherwise sound, give us a call to discuss reupholstering the piece.

This client wanted to brighten a dark corner of a room. We chose an apricot fabric with a medallion print to do so. The client was extremely pleased with the result.

Reupholstering seats and backs is a great way to freshen up a worn or dated dining room set. This was a set with cane backs, redone with a petroglyphs print. Seats are in faux leather.

Skilled Craftsmanship

It might not seem like changing fabric on a barstool seat is complicated. My husband might even be able to do one…a simple one that is.

But, tearing apart a sofa or upholstered chair, repairing or reinforcing the frame properly, replacing cushions or backing, and using the minimum amount of fabric or leather takes a skilled and experienced craftsman.

Fortunately, we have found just such a person, and we keep him very busy.

Insider Secret

Most printed fabrics have what is called a “repeat”. This means how frequently the pattern is “repeated”. So a fabric may have a 24” repeat, which means the pattern is repeated every 24” of length.

Knowing how to cut and apply a fabric with repeat is critical to the end result. Otherwise, the pattern on a cushion may not align properly with the same pattern on the back of the chair or sofa.

This client found a chair she loved at a local antique store. The chair was in great shape, but the fabric and wood color didn’t work. A few yards of fabric and a complimentary pillow made a perfect “new” piece for her French Country decor.

Upholstery doesn’t apply only to sofas and chairs. Here we created a new upholstered headboard to compliment and coordinate with the new bedding. A new bench helps complete this makeover.

A repurposed, and reupholstered, privacy screen makes for a wonderful accent piece.

Rustic Southwest look desired by this client

Our client purchased his own mirror and copper sink, which we used as the main inspiration for the design. We did a custom vanity cabinet with alder wood and centered the plumbing on the new vanity cabinet to make it more functional.

The countertop is Cambria quartz, which is increasing in popularity. New sconces were purchased for either side of the mirror, mimicking the curved lines and rustic style of those elements. The accent tile from the shower was pulled into the vanity backsplash to tie the design together. We enlarged the width of the shower for a more spacious environment.

The shower is a stone-look porcelain tile. By taking it floor to ceiling and accenting with the vertical bands, it creates a beautiful, dramatic focal point. The clear, frameless glass door disappears into the design. We did pebbles on the shower floor. The walls were painted with a soft neutral color to soften the look and allow the shower tile to be the main focus. The controls were placed on the back wall for easy access from the shower door.

The client actually uses the guest bathroom over his dated master bath because he loves the feeling of the pebbles on his feet during the shower. He said it’s almost like a massage!

And the Client Said…

I really enjoyed working with Interior Expressions on my bathroom renovation. Betty and Bryana did a great job during the design process. I really appreciated them incorporating a mirror and sink that I had picked up on my own.

There was never any pressure and they were very accommodating to some changes before the work began. Bryana also did an outstanding job in overseeing all the work that was done to complete the project. She was actively involved with the contractors and made the whole process run smoothly.

I look forward to working with Betty, Bryana and the whole Interior Expressions team on my next home project.

Jeff Kienzle, Pharmacist — Oro Valley

From Dark & Dated to Bright & Contemporary

Our clients’ master bath was dark and dated with green marble counters and swirly mosaic deco tiles in the shower and on the window seat.

To brighten up the space and make it more contemporary, we replaced the counters with a light colored granite in shades of beige, cream and grey with a little black. We added a glass tile backsplash in four colors and installed them in a subway pattern.

In the shower and on the window seat, we removed the swirly mosaic pattern and replaced it with the more contemporary glass tiles to match the backsplash.

We also replaced the light fixture, faucets and door pulls for a more streamlined look.

The cabinets here look much brighter due to our amateur before photos vs. the professional
after photos. Good thing we are better designers than photographers.

And the Client Said…

I happened to come across your design showroom when we closed on our home in Oro Valley and stayed at the nearby Holiday Inn. What a find! We were delighted to have Becky Zimmerman work on our project(s). She was a perfect fit for our contemporary/transitional style. She made a dated, tired bathroom look contemporary and fresh again, while working within our budget.

Every project has its glitches. Becky handled the few we had professionally, promptly and courteously. Interior Expressions has high regard for its clients and excels in customer service. I would be happy to recommend IE and Becky to any potential clients

Teri Colmar, Oro Valley

From Bland to Beautiful

When Debbie & Nelson bought their Sun City home, they knew right away they would remodel it. Which our designers Janice Williams and Bryana Layman gladly helped them with.

Their new home needed major updating. The kitchen, the master and guest baths and living room areas were the major focus. As you can see for yourself here, the transformation was spectacular.

All New Master Bath

We completely redesigned the master bath. We eliminated the tub, which they didn’t want or need, and created a second sink in its place.

The tower between the sink areas provides added storage and eliminates the clutter we see on many countertops.

Guest Bath Update

We updated the Guest Bath with all new cabinets, counter, plumbing fixtures, paint, mirror and lighting for a clean, crisp look.

The corner tower provides added storage for towels etc. Note the additional outlets we added. Older home designs don’t provide the number of outlets needed for today’s lifestyles.

New Fireplace Wall

The existing corner fireplace was not only bland, but not functional for furniture placement.

We replaced the wood burning fireplace with a gas fireplace, and added stacked stone with wood mantel and surround, as well as moving the fireplace location, to create a focal point for the room.

Eliminating the raised hearth also made the room feel larger and more functional.

Years ago, we helped Cheri and Mike Peck transform their Oro Valley retirement house into the home they envisioned.

Help Us Build Our Final Home

When Cheri & Mike decided to build their 6th and final custom home near family, in Sullivan, Missouri (75 miles West of St. Louis), they asked Betty to help them.

Betty and the Pecks designed the floor plan from which their local builder constructed the home.

Aging in Place

The entire home was designed so they could age in place.

For instance all flooring, carpet, wood and tile are the same thickness. This eliminates trip hazards and will make it easier for a walker or wheel chair to get around.

Since they now live in Tornado Alley, a safe room was designed in the walk-out basement. With a safe room in the basement, how would a person with limited mobility or in a wheel chair get to the safe room? Answer—an elevator shaft was installed and wired so an elevator could be installed in the future.

The Details Count

Betty worked with the Pecks for weeks, going over every detail of what they wanted. She photographed and measured all furniture and drapes, including all items in cabinets. This was done to ensure everything in their new home would fit and look perfect. An example of the level of detail Betty put in to ensure the Peck’s got exactly what they wanted.

Gourmet Kitchen

Cheri is a gourmet cook, and wanted to be able to see her garden grow outside the cooktop wall.

So Betty added a garden window behind the cooktop, balancing a second window higher up on the wall.

A pull-out pantry was located to the right of the double ovens to provide extra storage for spices and oils.

Betty designed the island with a different door style, wood species, finish and counter to provide contrast.

Cabinets, appliances, all flooring, plumbing and countertops were all sent by Interior Expressions from Oro Valley to Missouri. Betty went to Missouri to oversee the finishes installation.

Slate grey maple cabinets surround the chocolate washed oak island. Contrasting Cambria counters add unique movement and low maintenance.
Acacia wood flooring warms up the rooms.

Powder Room

The floating vanity has under-lighting to help enhance the float. The onyx counter compliments the onyx bowl. Real leaf wallpaper frames the recessed mirror.

Dining Room

Much of the furniture from the Oro Valley home was moved to their new home, including the dining room drapes. They just needed to be hemmed to work perfectly in the new dining room.

Floating trim was used around their favorite original painting, allowing it to balance visually.

Master Bedroom & Bath

Instead of a headboard, Betty had a faux painter create a metallic wall to look like wallpaper.

Windows were added to the master shower to allow more natural light to enter.

A matte finish version of the gloss wall tile was used on the floor to prevent slipping.

The soaking tub has a great view of the outdoors of their secluded lot.

Storage—Storage—Storage — That is what Cheri wanted in the her bath, and Betty gave it to her. There are more cabinets than is shown by this image to the left.

This the 6th custom home we have built. Working with Betty and Interior Expressions made it far and away the best experience of all. We couldn’t have done it without Betty.  — Cheri Peck

We want to enjoy our time here

When Lorraine & Kevin Walker bought their eventual retirement home in the new Del Webb community in Dove Mountain, they didn’t want to spend their valuable get-away time shopping for furnishings or finding contractors to help them personalize the home.

So they hired us to help them with the Foyer, Great Room, Kitchen, Den, Master Bedroom and Guest Bedroom. We have had many such clients over the years.

Having most of the work done while they were back at their current full-time home in California was another big plus for the Walkers.

Floor and Granite Counters Gave Direction

The porcelain floor tile and granite counters selected by the Walkers prior to construction is where we started the design process. The first thing we did was have all interior walls painted, to add a bit of color and warmth. With production homes, you get a single color throughout.

A chevron pattern backsplash, with scenery medallion, was added to visually increase height and tie into the granite. We brought red into the kitchen with the scenery medallion and the three added pendant lights. We connected the kitchen with the great room by painting the underside of the kitchen bar the same color as TV wall in Great Room.

Desert Zen Look & Feel

The Walkers liked the Desert Zen style we have developed and perfected over the years. Since the Walkers brought only a white sofa and chair for the Great Room, we started with an area rug and built the rest of the room around the rug.

A custom entertainment center is enhanced by the asymmetrical floating shelves flanking the TV. The custom cocktail table looks like the legs are made of metal and wood, but is entirely clear alder, with different stains to give a metal/wood look.

Working Den & 2nd Guest Bedroom

Kevin still does some work when they are in Arizona, and they wanted a 2nd bedroom for guests. So, we designed a desk, file cabinet and printer enclosure for an efficient work space. By sliding the desk and printer cabinet to the wall under the shelves, the personalized sofa sleeper can be folded out to transform the den to a guest bedroom.

Inviting Foyer

The special area rug was created to connect the foyer to the Great Room. We have a rug program for creating rugs to match your space and style. The entry table of wood and wrought iron also continues the look we were trying achieve. The copper mirror and new chandelier were selected to complete the Desert Zen look and feel for the Foyer.

Master Bedroom

The sleigh bed, area rug, nightstands (with charging stations) and bedding were all coordinated to provide a relaxing look and feel. A place the Walkers would look forward to retiring to.

The Client Reaction

HOLY WOW! IT LOOKS DONE!

Those were the first words out of my mouth when I saw our finished home. It was like the great reveal on one of those TV shows. I am so glad we met Betty and her team at Interior Expressions.

We couldn’t be happier with what Betty and Sara helped us achieve. It has been a wonderful experience to have IE transform our house into a home. We always look forward to visiting our AZ home, and can’t wait to be here full time.

We are so thankful to Barbara Bardach for recommending Interior Expression.

Lorraine & Kevin Walker

A year ago, Laura and Mel had another remodeler help them with some minor changes to their master bath.
That didn’t turn out so well. So they were rightfully skeptical when they contacted Interior Expressions, and our designer Bryana. They asked for references and examples of Bryana’s work, which we gladly provided.

Master Bath Makeover

Tile counters were replaced with user-friendly, no-maintenance Cambria® quartz counters, allowing for larger under-mount sinks with new contemporary faucets. The vanity light bars were replaced with new light bars which produced better task lighting in the vanity areas. The vanity lights are brushed nickel and linear, to compliment the overall design.

Many homeowners today have no use for a tub. Bryana’s design provided them an enlarged and gorgeous shower area by eliminating the tub and relocating the shower.

The existing cabinets fit the new foot-print, so instead of replacing with new (which many remodelers would push for), we refaced them to complement the new look and feel, saving significant cost. The vanities were refaced with a gray-stain wood veneer and shaker doors to match the clean-lined look of the new design. Our custom woodworker was able to create the new linen cabinet to match the existing vanity cabinets.

We replaced the old shower area with a large linen cabinet to provide much needed storage. The cabinet has two tilt-out hampers in the base for dirty laundry.

Fireplace Remake

Their TV was mounted so high it wasn’t functional, partly because of a mantle they didn’t use. We found a shorter, more linear fireplace, lowered the TV to a proper viewing height, and recessed the TV in the new stacked stone.

And The Client Said…

I wanted to let you know how thrilled Mel and I are at the results of our recent master bath remodeling. Your creative touch resulted in a design that is just perfect in every way. You were collaborative and easy to work with and we especially appreciate your attention to detail and consistent follow up.

Beyond the design, your selection of quality vendors and a general contractor who was competent, thorough and communicative made a big difference.

The end result of your great ideas and execution is a stunning new master bath that exceeded our expectations.

We look forward to working with you again on future projects. Thanks again!

Laura Ingold—SaddleBrooke

Past client Katy called us to help update her home. The areas of focus were the family room, kitchen and re-tiling the entire home.

Katy has tons of beautiful Southwest art and artifacts displayed throughout her home. So we opted for more neutral colors to showcase her collections.

Kitchen Updates

• Refaced the oak cabinets in alder with a rich warm cherry finish and shaker door style; added complimenting cabinet hardware
• Replaced Corian counters with Cambria quartz
• New granite composite sink and bronze faucet
• New beige travertine backsplash in a mini Versailles pattern
• Replaced old fluorescent lighting with recessed light fixtures
• Painted the kitchen a single neutral warm color to visually raise the ceiling height

Other Updates

• Replaced the tile throughout the entire house. New tile was installed on the diagonal to visually enlarge the space.
• New natural woven shades in kitchen and family room
• New mesquite table top with metal base and four alder chairs with a cheerful southwestern stripe fabric
• New neutral warm paint color
• Reupholstered a chair in faux leather

Fireplace Make-Over

The existing fireplace surround did nothing to compliment the artwork and artifacts. We added stacked stone to give it a Southwest feel, and for visual interest and texture. We kept the color light in order to show off the art, including her flute collection. The re-shaped hearth is covered with three travertine slabs. A new alder mantle in a rich warm cherry finish tops it all off.

Because of everything Interior Expressions offers, and the multitude of options they offer for everything, it is like running all over town – without running all over town. I’m not a professional at this and if you make a decorating mistake, be it one paint color or one wrong fabric, it’s more expensive to correct a mistake than it is to get it right and I knew if we used a professional, it would be right. We have to get it right the first time. I don’t mean to brag but we love what we’ve done. Everything is what we wanted.
Katy M. — Oro Valley

Anyone with interior designer blood coursing through their veins, like our entire design team, has real pleasure in helping homeowners create a look which fits their own personal style and reflects who they are.

Achieving your look, for your tastes and lifestyle is really what our business is all about. If everyone wanted the same exact look, there would be no need for interior designers. And, the world would be a pretty boring place.

This month we are sharing with you a few examples of some of the unique things we’ve done to help homeowners create that special look they were seeking.

Sometimes inspiration for these ideas comes from the homeowners and sometimes their IE designer will suggest things which would never have crossed the minds of the homeowners. We can do the same for you, your neighbors or relatives. Give us call to discuss.

Master Bedroom Makeover

These clients are not afraid of color and it shows in this gorgeous master bedroom makeover.

The design started with the rug. We showed them a spectacular rug with lots of color and an interesting pattern . They fell in love with it right away.

From the rug we painted the wall a deep brown for the focal wall behind the headboard and a pale chartreuse for the rest of the walls. Because the rug had so much color and movement, we kept the other patterns in the room to a minimum. But that did not limit the amount of color we used.

The melon colored headboard is made of six upholstered squares; bolted together and mounted to the wall. To highlight the rug colors, we made king shams in a multi-colored flame-stitch pattern. We kept all the bedding neutral with a mocha dust ruffle, which matches the side panels on the windows, and a cream colored linen coverlet.

Nightstands are grey weathered wood. Lamps are a melon colored subtle snake skin pattern. The reading chair is grey linen with a fun ball pillow that matches the shams for lumbar support.

Our clients were extremely happy with their new master bedroom in their SaddleBrooke Ranch home.

These clients love the poppy mural in their California home, and asked us to figure out a way to add a poppy mural in their Dove Mountain home. We chose to add this poppy mural to the backsplash above the cooktop range. They love it.

We also wanted to bring a little color to the niche in the hallway of this same home. We decided to mount some glass and metal art, in varying sizes and depths, tying in the colors we featured in the kitchen and living room.

Fireplace / Entertainment Wall

Clients wanted to change the fireplace wall in their new home to look more southwestern to go with their furnishings. They also wanted a place to hang the TV, but not over the fireplace. The country style mantle, shelves and niches all had to go.

The fireplace was designed to look like a beehive fireplace without being one. We tapered the shape with stacked stone and added a new wood mantle. We also changed the shape and length of the hearth so it was more in proportion to the width of the wall and the new arched fireplace. Because we removed the curved hearth and put in a straight one, we had to replace the floor tile in front of the hearth. We were lucky to find the matching tile.

The wall where the TV is mounted was built out a total of 12” so that the TV could be recessed into it. This was carefully designed because the perpendicular wall had a window that was already close to the corner. We didn’t want to crowd the window.

Our clients are super thrilled with how it turned out and loved working with one of our preferred contractors.