What makes an $8M spec home unforgettable? Part 1.

Welcome to our newest spec home in Phoenix's beautiful Arcadia neighborhood. With sweeping Camelback Mountain views and a blank canvas, the possibilities were endless. Let's take you inside.

THE SEXYY ENTRY

When you're designing an $8 million spec home, the entry has to stop you in your tracks. It has to be sexy. It has to make you think, "I want this."

The horsehair pendants took a little convincing to the investors, but I knew they were the right choice. Paired with a warm wood feature wall, a wood-clad ceiling, and a sculptural stone surround, they create an unforgettable first impression. The moment you walk through the front door, you know you've arrived.

THE GREAT ROOM

We wanted a grand fireplace moment. The fireplace was always meant to be the focal point of this space. We layered warm plaster with natural stone and a striking silver quartzite to create a sculptural statement that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Its angular, asymmetrical form reinforces the home's modern architecture, while expansive walls of glass flood the room with natural light. The result is a space that blurs the line between indoors and out, creating an effortless connection to the surrounding landscape.

LET'S EAT

The dining room is one of our favorite spaces. It has the most incredible view of Camelback Mountain. I can just imagine Christmas morning here. The more glass the better. The new homeowner should call us, and we'll create the most perfect drapes, but for this spec home, we kept the views unobstructed.

THE HEART OF THE HOME

In this kitchen, we dreamed of a large La Cornue range, but because this is a spec home, we had to balance luxury with smart investment. By selecting two smaller ranges instead of one oversized model, we achieved the same high-end presence while staying on budget.

We selected SapienStone countertops and added a beautiful paneled detail to the island to give it the feel of a custom furniture piece rather than a standard kitchen island.

And then there are the faucets. To me, they're the jewelry of the kitchen. I found this beautiful gold faucet in a small shop in Florence, one of those special finds that brings character and a sense of place to the home.

REFRIGERATOR DRAWERS

Can we talk about these refrigerator drawers? They're one of my favorite moments in the kitchen.

This is a layout I borrowed from my own home because it's one of those details that changes the way you live in a space. These integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers disappear seamlessly into the cabinetry, keeping everything you reach for most within easy access without interrupting the beauty of the kitchen. It's thoughtful, functional, and proof that the best design is often found in the details.

TUMBLEWEED CHANDELIERS

Every project has one design hill you're willing to die on. For this home, it was the kitchen chandeliers.

I wanted custom chandeliers made from tumbleweeds. Yes, tumbleweeds. We are in the desert, after all.

It took a little convincing, but we won in the end. They're unexpected, sculptural, and bring the most beautiful organic texture into the space. Sometimes the boldest ideas become the moments everyone remembers. I'd say this one was worth fighting for. Gorgeous, right?

THE BACK KITCHEN

We're designing a luxury home so a back kitchen was in the cards. In this space, we paired a ceiling-mounted Kohler faucet to the dramatic wall tile, to give this back kitchen some unexpected moments.

The tile itself is surprisingly affordable, but by choosing an unconventional layout, we transformed it into something that feels completely custom. It's a reminder that great design isn't always about spending more. Sometimes it's about looking at a material in a different way.

We choose a leathered granite countertop and incorporated every functional feature a hardworking back kitchen needs, including a secondary refrigerator, smart storage, and double ovens. It's equal parts beautiful and practical.

THE BAR

In this space, we wanted the bar to feel completely different from the rest of the home, so we leaned into a darker, moodier palette. It has an intimate, tucked-away feel, almost like discovering a beautiful speakeasy.

Here, we splurged on Belvedere leathered quartzite, allowing the dramatic stone to become the star of the space. Pass-through windows create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, while open shelving brings in the warmth and charm of a favorite neighborhood bistro.

Stay tuned for Part II which takes you through the powder rooms, bedrooms and more.

---

Go behind the photos and view this home tour on our YouTube channel here.