Whether you are building your dream home, or remodeling a house- the place to begin and design your vision is within yourself. The best designs reflect your personality and your sense of style and fashion. Here are a few tips from Erik Peterson AIA of PHX Architecture in Scottsdale.

Do you ever look back at old pictures and say to yourself “What was I wearing?” Your home is something you will have for a long time; you don’t want to make a design “faux-pas” and end up looking at your home and saying “What was I thinking!"

I love driving through neighborhoods, or visiting homes and seeing different elements from past decades. When I first started designing homes, I noticed a lot of people filling their home with accessories: theatre rooms, in-home gyms, massive wine cellars, bowling alleys, and more.

Now, I am noticing my clients are back to the basics. They ask me to design things they will actually use, need, and most importantly- appreciate.

I have seen many architectural trends over the years; most have remained in style, while others are out of style and outdated- much like the roller coaster of trends in the fashion world. What is considered trendy and in-style one year, will be outdated and frowned upon the next.

Our homes are our havens, our most comfortable place. It’s a place to come to after a rough day at the office, or to entertain our family and friends, while making memories that will last a lifetime. It is also the largest investment we will ever make. That’s why your home design should reflect your very own personality and lifestyle, not be influenced by others, and is something that will stand the test of time.

Here are some pictures of homes I have designed for my clients, that are timeless contemporary designs they love and will enjoy in the years ahead.

-Erik Peterson AIA, Principal PHX Architecture