It seems like in each place we have lived there is one thing that compels me to one home more so than the others in the search. My affinity for #TheAZResidence started at first gaze of the groovy wall that surrounds the property. The cast concrete panels that made up the perimeter wall was an ode to all things innovative and bold regarding midcentury design, in concrete form.
There were multiple nods to a well designed 1960's bungalow but the 80's & 90's happened and out of synch Spanish details were added. One such item were the unfortunate orange-y concrete tiles that were weighing down the trusses to the point of near roof collapse. So things had to change & my vision for what was & what could be was born from that groovy wall.
As it stands in the "before" it was a 4 BR/2BA on a half acre lot with a pool... a solid start. However three main elements were missing.
1. The great room- that coveted space where living, dining & kitchen are one harmonious hub to the home. This great room will open to both the backyard and a front courtyard, truly merging indoor & outdoor living when AZ weather is at its finest.
2. A laundry room that will also serve as a mudroom. The original laundry situation was in a closet of bathroom #2. I should note our family is laundry obsessed or maybe we just sweat a lot.
3. A modern master... a bedroom where closet space is as generous as the space of an en suite bathroom. The current master will remain & get a facelift but a brand new domicile is being built from the ground up. An existing, fabulous block fireplace will anchor the room. I can already imagine opening the door to the back yard with a hot cup of coffee in hand for some peace & quiet, as the new master will boast the best views of Piestawa Peak & the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
This house had such lovely bones we actually did not do anything to the footprint. Sure there were new windows, new plumbing, a new roof & we took over the funky garage/carport to become the skeleton for our great room.
Maybe I should mention my two biggest constraints. A tight budget & I reside in a different state... sigh. The budget issue will help us rely heavily on creativity - the best part of great design, in my humble opinion. Being out of state, well that makes a great construction team even more important.
Take a look at the before and afters, you will see #TheAZResidence begin to reveal its true self. 🖤 A few more pictures are on Instagram @ErinBrownDesign #theAZResidence
