Speaking of Watering…An indoor water feature is a wonderful way to calm the senses and possibly cool the temperature a degree or two. “When it’s 110 degrees outside and you walk by a water feature, there’s a serene feeling created by that,” Lindberg says.
Still, even the most architecturally striking indoor water features can become washed up over time. Water quality and lime buildup can become an issue without proper maintenance, while unintended splashing can throw a wet blanket on your flooring.
Lindberg recommends water features that incorporate glass, which holds water tightly. “Water cascading gently down glass is just wonderful,” she says, adding that glass waterfalls can be as dramatic as a divider wall separating rooms or as small as a portable waterfall feature that stays with you – not your home – when you move.
Natural MaterialsWith the eco-friendly movement driving demand, a large supply of nature-inspired materials can bring home a sense of warmth and refreshment to the inside while, in many cases, creating less environmental impact on the outside. Popular options include:
• Bamboo – An eco-chic renewable resource, bamboo is trendy right now in everything from flooring and furniture to window coverings and cutting boards.
• Cork – Cork flooring is soft, easy to keep clean, and it helps with sound absorption. Rolled cork also works wonders in kid rooms. It’s available at flooring companies that supply engineered or “green” products.
• Natural stone – Versatile and attractive, stone can be used as a floor covering or for texture on walls and backsplashes. You can find this at almost any flooring store, including Arizona Tile, Tile & Stone by Villagio, or Craftsman Court Ceramics.
• Natural pebbles – The gritty, uneven texture of pebbles can provide a much-needed foot massage. It is available in varying colors and sizes, and can be laid in 12-by-12-inch sections just like tile. Again, try Craftsman Court Ceramics or Imperial Wholesale.
• Natural grasses and twigs – Popular, and a great decorating tool, these add an artistic flair. Woven sisal rugs also capture this spirit with a woven, thick grassy feel that looks au natural.
ColorsUsing colors inspired by the outdoors evokes a clean warmth and earthiness. Judith Mahlin Carter, IFDA, DSA, of Spaces Interior Design in Tempe, recommends brown, cream, beige, rust and copper, accented by the “pop of green” that comes from strategically placed trees.
Lindberg suggests ordering our colors the same way Mother Nature does. “If you look outside, you’ll see that nature puts lighter colors up high and darker colors down low. If you paint the top of your room dark and the lower part of the room light, you will feel upside down,” she says. “It’s hard to put your finger on why it doesn’t feel right, but it can be unnerving.”
Finally, don’t forget to bring the indoors out. With our dry, warm desert climate, it goes both ways, Mahlin-Carter says. The more you can do to tie the inside to the outside, the more seamless your look will be.
She suggests repeating elements such as stacked stone, matching stone or tile floor coverings, or even complementary potted plants on the interior and exterior of your home.
“Your outdoor patio is an extension of your indoor living space,” she says. “You don’t want a shocking start-stop point. You want to tie it all together.”
RESOURCESArizona Tile Locations Valleywide
arizonatile.comCraftsman Court Ceramics 4237 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
480-970-6611
craftsmancourt.comImperial Wholesale 9602 E. Apache Trail, Mesa
480-986-6900,
imperialwholesale.comLindberg & Associates Interior DesignChandler
480-967-6667
(By appointment only)
The Potted Plant16055 N. Dial Blvd., Ste. 13, Scottsdale
480-948-7321
thepottedplant.netSpaces Interior Design1733 E. McKellips Road, Ste. 103, Tempe
480-994-0833
spacesinteriordesign.comTile & Stone by Villagio8340 E. Raintree Drive, Ste. B2, Scottsdale
480-422-6700
villagiotile.com