-- Download Design for the desert as PDF --
feature presented by
the Arizona South Chapter of ASID
This year’s Desert Dwelling Design Week offers Tucsonans a wealth of activities: professional design courses, panel presentations, showroom tours, a tent sale, a trade expo and even a BBQ cook-off.
Bill Hough (left) and Matt Chapman will take part in The Battle of the BBQs cook-off. Photo by Deborah Garcia
As desert dwellers, Tucsonans are envied by people across the country who are shoveling snow and watching the temperatures drop. For us, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor living and sprucing up our homes with everything from fresh paint on the walls to full kitchen remodels.
If you’re wondering what to do or how to get started with your home project, there’s nothing like a professional interior designer’s advice. Sharing their design knowledge is just what local designers will be doing at Tucson’s upcoming Desert Dwelling Design Week on Feb. 27-March 1. The event, which is sponsored by the Arizona South Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and its media partner Tucson Lifestyle Home & Garden, will feature an exciting design trade expo, informative panel discussions, enticing cooking demonstrations and much more.
On Feb. 27, you can step into a designer’s (stylish) shoes. Being a member of the American Society of Interior Designers requires more than an education, experience and membership dues. To maintain their ASID membership, designers have to take continuing education courses annually to learn about changing design trends, the newest products and the technical knowledge to get things done right.
Taking Your Kitchen From Good To Great will discuss kitchen renovation. Photo by Deborah Garcia
This year ASID is opening its member series of continuing education units (CEUs) to the public. Join ASID designers on Feb. 27 for presentations on thin porcelain panels (a new wall covering trend), leather facts, aging-in-place design and using social media for business promotion. The six-hour event includes breakfast and lunch, so you’ll have a chance to meet and chat with some interior designers, too.
Don’t miss the Design Trade Expo. Pictured left to right are Karen Kraetz of Artesana Tile, Tracey Schwartz of Daltile and Lorelei Hough of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Photo by Deborah Garcia
Four free panel discussions and presentations on Feb. 28 will provide advice about making your home more energy efficient, promoting health and wellness at home and making your living spaces more functional for you and your family now and for years to come.
The Home Energy Workshop being offered Feb. 28 is free, but participants must register in advance as space is limited. You’ll learn about saving energy (and money) by making free and low-cost improvements to your home. Representatives from Tucson Electric Power will present tips and provide a free kit of energy efficiency devices for participants.
Aging in place will be one of the panel discussion topics. Pictured left to right are Janice Donald of Eren Design and Remodel and Lisa Reeves of Ageless by Design. Photo by Deborah Garcia
Discover the newest design trends and find treasures for your home at two, two-day, free events being held Feb. 27 and Feb. 28. The Design Trade Expo brings together a collection of local and national product suppliers to show off their industries’ latest products and to answer your questions. These are companies many Tucson interior designers use to create beautiful, functional and stylish designs for their clients.
The Designer Tent Sale, the second two-day event, is a unique treasure hunt full of fabulous furniture, beautiful antiques, expensive fabrics, one-of-a-kind creations and more. Drawing on client returns, showroom extras and pieces with minor imperfections, this sale offers high-end merchandise at bargain prices. Everything will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get ready for summer at two more fun events. Solana Outdoor Living will feature a tour of Solana’s beautiful showroom and opportunities to meet award-winning designers as well as their expert suppliers, all while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Learn how to expand your living space outdoors and how to promote healthy living through sustainable practices.
Find out what works for your outdoors at the Solana Outdoor Living event. Pictured are (on left) Liz Ryan and (seated) Jen Thompson of Liz Ryan Design and (on right) Ashlynd Tahy (seated) and Allen Denomy of Solana Outdoor Living. Photo by Deborah Garcia
Battle of the BBQs will test chefs’ skills at the grill. It’s a great opportunity for grilling enthusiasts to get tips from the pros and for everyone to enjoy drinks and grilled appetizers. Plus, you can check out the latest technology and products to make your outdoor grilling experiences fantastic. Don’t forget this is a battle, so come vote for your favorite dishes. May the best chef prevail!
When it comes to indoor cooking, Taking Your Kitchen from Good to Great will share what you can realistically expect during a kitchen renovation, how to avoid common remodeling pitfalls and how to create a timeless design that meets your family’s personal needs. Will there be food to sample? Of course.
Clark Reeves (left) of Master Faux LLC and Lindsey Kowalski of Sherwin Williams Paints will host DIY Faux Finish Techniques. Photo by Deborah Garcia
Other events will include a brunch presentation on DIY Faux Finish Techniques as well as the Champagne Brunch and Art Talk on enhancing your indoor and outdoor environments with art. Handcrafted Exotic Furniture will feature a showroom tour and a talk by Jason Scott, a national innovator in sustainable design whose furniture is handcrafted from reclaimed teak by 200 artisans in Java.
Sustainable design expert Jason Scott. Photo courtesy of Jason Scott Collection.
Whether you are fascinated by interior design, have a design project in mind or want to shop for that special something for your home, Desert Dwelling Design Week will offer you three days of fun events and educational presentations on interior design today.
What: Desert Dwelling Design Week
When: February 27-March 1
Where: Various locations
Tickets and more information: Visit the Desert Dwelling Design Week website or call (520) 547-5516. One-day passes and all-event passes are available as are tickets for individual events.
