 Spanish Revival
Historic Phoenix remodel blends past and present
By Jenn Thornton
History has not judged Spanish conquest kindly. But one could argue that without Spain’s colonization of the Americas by crusading explorers and conquistadors, the country’s internationally inspired architecture would not be what it is today — a fine example of cultural interplay characterized by Roman, Moorish and Latin American influences.
In the historic Phoenix neighborhood of Encanto-Palmcroft, one complexly patterned home is a coherent picture of Spanish Colonial architecture, and a richly perceptive illustration of revivalist building.
Beth McGehee, principal of the Scottsdale-based residential construction and design firm Studio B, project managed the two-year remodel for the 3,000-square-foot home. Built in 1935, the majority of the residence was original, demanding that the remodeling process begin with the formidable challenge of preserving the home’s original floorplan and materials. Roofing underlayment, for example, was replaced with the home’s original tiles.
By adhering to rigorous standards of colonial design, McGehee, who combined some spaces to accommodate lifestyle preferences but added no square footage, restored the home’s structural integrity while bringing it up to modern-day standards of living. Today, the residence, which includes a detached guesthouse and bath, reveals historic character. Uniting all interior spaces are finishes consistent with Spanish architecture, such as original oak flooring, forged ironwork, wood wainscots, painted crown moldings, custom-milled wood, handpainted tiles, antique doors and cabinetry, vintage terracotta flooring, and canterra fountains.
Drawing inspiration from surrounding historic properties located in Encanto-Palmcroft and the neighboring residential district of Willo, McGehee ensured that the artistic interior of the residence did not come at the expense of function. For example, a large temperature controlled basement off an iron door from the kitchen is perfectly suited for cellaring wine, but is used as a studio, while a large side porch with entry doors leads into a mud room off the kitchen — a feature rarely seen in contemporary homes.
Among the home’s statement spaces is a centerpiece kitchen with floor-to-ceiling walls, handpainted ceramic tiles, a custom-milled, wood-covered ceiling, cabinetry with traditional inset doors concealing state-of-the-art appliances, as well as a master bath and master retreat.
“The bath was redesigned to have a large shower with overhead rain head and exposed thermostatic valve for a spa–like bathing experience,” McGehee says, describing the latter two spaces. “The closets wrap the perimeter of the bath and were designed to be cabinetry with mirrored doors to expand the space and allow for an ottoman in the center of the room.”
The home’s warm but passionate color palette — chocolate, reds, gold and olives — complements the irreverent labyrinth of the homeowner’s personal effects, which include ethnic art and antique furnishings. These effects play with decadence and daylight, accentuate periphery details and keep with the aesthetic nature of the occupant. In combination, these quixotic elements create a folksy Spanish atmosphere that is also quite passionate, and a spirited living space that celebrates the quietness of architecture within a bold interior idea.
“The biggest challenge with a remodel of this magnitude is simply the inconveniences,” says McGehee, who, with perseverance and the ability to creatively overcome obstacles, remodeled a home that, in present form, responds to all five senses.
“Warmth is apparent as soon as you arrive,” she adds.  “The home’s forged ironwork, original mahogany door and clay roof are perfectly surrounded by a low hedge which surrounds an outdoor patio.The fountain’s quiet sound and fragrant flowers welcome you to this restored gem. Once inside, the plastered walls, custom millwork throughout, and upholstered bedroom walls and handpainted tiles embrace you.”
Like the Spanish explorers before her, McGehee discovered a new world of possibilities with the remodel of this historic property, which serves as a keen reminder that the past and the present are not mutually exclusive.
www.studiobscottsdale.com
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