Using exotic woods and other warming touches, Janet Brooks transforms this contemporary 6,500-sq.-ft. remodel in the Talus community of Troon North in Scottsdale.

Theater

Multi-functional and finely appointed, the theater flexes for audio-visual experiences as well as entertaining space. The Macassar ebony and black granite bar, fitted with satin chrome and leather swivel barstools by Allermuir, and adjacent kitchenette provide easy access to snacks and drinks. A door beside the bar opens to the pool-area patio: Family and friends can munch while they are enjoying the lifestyle amenities of the backyard as well as the theater. A blackout-lined Roman shade opens to lush garden and desert views when the room is not being used as a theater. In a few seconds, it closes to create dark dramatic theater space for Bogie, Bergman, Bacall and their fans when the screen is lowered from the ceiling. On patterned carpeting, six motorized theater chairs are just the ticket for adults, and a large built-in sofa against the back wall is perfect for children who can’t sit still. 

Theater/Guest Bathroom

Emphasizing crisp materials juxtaposition, the bathroom serves the adjacent theater and guest suite. Sitting on diagonally laid travertine tiles, the Macassar ebony cabinet supports a Luxor Gold limestone countertop and a stainless steel vessel sink. The faucet is mirror-mounted, providing an image effect, deepening the space. The horizontality of the vanity is offset by the vertical movement of the porcelain wall tiles, divided by mirror inserts, and the three swirl pendants from Leucos USA.

WORD TO THE WISE
“When using mirrors, or sections of mirrors, on your walls as design accents, be sure to position lights where they will reflect in the mirrors to provide the maximum dramatic effect.” –Janet Brooks 

Great Room

Butt-glazed windows in the great room offer an unobstructed view of the pool and outdoor living space on the lower level. To the left of the television/entertainment wall, clad in East Indian Laurel walnut, are stairs accessing extensive patios on both levels. By wrapping the stone on all sides of the columns between the high glass, a floating feeling in the space is created, says designer Janet Brooks. Audio-visual equipment is in a room behind the wall, whose curvature reiterates that of the radiused exterior walls. Indirect lighting dramatizes the walls and soffits, providing a soft glow. Custom sculpted wall-to-wall carpeting adds more warmth as do the custom curved sofa, swivel chairs, with walnut accent bands, and glass table lamps.

Master Bedroom and Patio

The uncluttered master opens to the patio by means of a large motorized pocketing door. Also connecting these spaces is Crema Europa limestone flooring. On the side wall, floor- to-ceiling glass is “Smart” glass, which opaques by switch—thus eliminating the need for draperies and reinforcing the room’s elegant simplicity. In the same way, to avoid clutter, the television remotely drops from the ceiling in front of the bed. The rosewood headboard wall, with an inset panel of textured back-painted glass, was fabricated by S.R. Drost. The colorful artwork is by artist Bradford Stewart of Hollywood. Adding warmth are the custom wool and silk area rug, from UnderFoot, and the pendant lights, supplied by Hinkley Lighting, both of Scottsdale.

WORD TO THE WISE
“If you’re wanting the romance of a dancing fire for your bedroom, but don’t have a good wall for it, think of using a fire pit on the patio that is visible from the bed.” —Janet Brooks