________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Remodels
Perhaps most importantly, personalization has overtaken perfection. The most memorable remodels are the ones that feel personal. Clients want their homes to reflect their story, not follow a formula or chase whatever is trending on social media.
A transformation story
One of my favorite remodels involved a 2000s Mediterranean home in Scottsdale. It had all the hallmarks of its era: heavy arches, builder-grade tile floors and cabinetry, ornate ironwork, and orange-toned walls that absorbed every bit of natural light. While the bones were solid, the house felt closed off and stuck in time.
Our goal was to honor the home’ s architecture while bringing it into a lighter, more modern era. We reimagined every space, including the kitchen as the true heart of the home. Warm oak cabinetry, a plaster hood, and integrated countertops added softness and texture. We balanced modern elements with layered neutrals to give the space depth without losing warmth.
Lighting played a huge role in the transformation. Soft, diffused, textural, and organic fixtures replaced harsh recessed cans. The palette shifted toward organic neutrals and natural textures. The result was a home that felt calm, inviting, and completely reborn.
The best part? The clients told us that the finished home feels like a reflection of who they are now, not who they were when they bought it 20 years ago. That’ s the power of a remodel done right.
Homeowners who approach their remodel with flexibility and curiosity always have the best experience. There’ s a balance between sticking to the plan and being open to creative pivots when something unexpected happens. Some of the most beautiful design moments come from those pivots.
Final thoughts
Remodeling is not just about changing a home’ s aesthetic. It’ s about improving how it lives and feels. It’ s an investment not only in property value but in daily experience. The process can be messy and unpredictable, but when it’ s done thoughtfully, the outcome is transformative.
At its best, a remodel brings a sense of alignment, where a home finally matches the people who live in it. And that moment, when a client walks in and says,‘ This finally feels like us,’ makes every challenge worth it. ■
What makes a remodel successful
A great remodel is built on three things: communication, collaboration, and trust. The design team, contractor, and homeowner all must be on the same page and stay open throughout the process. When everyone shares the same vision and gives each other room to bring expertise to the table, the result is seamless.
Lauren Lerner www. livingwithlolo. com
Lauren Lerner is the Founder and Principal Designer of Living with Lolo, a full-service interior design and construction firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that focuses on new builds, full-home remodels and furnishings. Living with Lolo’ s approach to design is different from others, as it focuses on how a space makes a person feel versus how it looks.
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