Take a virtual tour

Our Southwest Idea House makes the most of desert living, nestled at the foot of the White Tank Mountains in Verrado, a new community 25 miles west of Phoenix. Inspired by early Southwestern farms and ranches, we chose to create a modern farmhouse, with updates like board-and-batten composite siding and an open-air recreation room.

Designed by Scottsdale, Arizona, architect Dale Gardon and built by Salcito Custom Homes, the house encourages interaction with neighbors through a spacious L-shaped front porch shown on page 109. "I didn't want the house to turn its back to the street or look like the typical Phoenix house with three garages and two windows at the front," says Gardon.

We worked with Scottsdale-based interior design firm Tamm Jasper Interiors to bring the rooms to life. The design team developed a comfortable blend of rich colors and textures — terra-cotta reds and vibrant blues, greens, and yellows inspired by the ever-changing colors of the surrounding mountains. The goal was to seamlessly blend old and new looks. "Although we used beadboard and rustic accents, most of the furniture has a clean, updated style," says designer K.T. Tamm.

Landscape architect Steven Rogers of Sonoran Desert Designs turned the garden into a series of outdoor rooms with great views, including a poolside conversation platform.