Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you collect Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…
Photo by Scott Foust.
Meet Stephanie Larsen, Founder & Principal Designer of Stephanie Larsen Interior Design. The eponymous firm is built on crafting award-winning spaces that unearth a unique harmony between luxury and the simple, functional pleasures of everyday living. Specializing in turnkey projects from ground-up construction to extensive remodels, her spaces focus on telling unique stories through casual elegance, timeless palettes, and a deep connection to the natural world.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Stephanie, we are thrilled that you have joined us for Volume 2. One of the questions we love to quick off our Member Spotlights centers on the inspiration behind your business. Can you share with us what inspired you to start Stephanie Larsen Interior Design?
Stephanie Larsen: Interior design has always been something that I was passionate about from a young age. In high school, my dad asked me what I would pursue if money was no object and I knew in my heart that it was working in design. Since then I’ve worked hard to follow my dreams, creating spaces that bring my client’s visions to life, while continually striving to broaden my education and enhance my skills every step of the way.
Photo by Thompson Photographic.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What services does your firm focus on?
Stephanie Larsen: While I offer interior design services ranging from small-scale renovations to fine art curation, my practice is centered in delivering luxury turnkey residences. From new constructions to remodels, I specialize in delivering every detail from flooring and custom furniture design to table settings and bed linens, so that my clients are provided with a first-class, completely move-in ready finished product upon project completion.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you approach projects? Can you share a little more about your process?
Stephanie Larsen: In every project, I endeavor to offer clients a thoroughly-involved, hands-on approach throughout the entire process. While I work with a team who supports me in executing design plans, it's important to me that clients know that they can rely on me to oversee, plan and ensure no detail is overlooked - from conception to completion.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your process is the most rewarding?
Stephanie Larsen: Hands-down the best part of my job is seeing a project come to completion. It’s so rewarding to walk into a space after the last accessories and artworks have been placed and see how the hard work has come together. And there is nothing like taking clients through their first finished walk-through and realizing that you’ve created a space that welcomes them home.
Photo by Thompson Photographic.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are you and your team focusing your efforts on most?
Stephanie Larsen: Currently, my design practice focuses on luxury residential spaces, more specifically, creating beautiful, functional, and timeless homes in Northern Arizona and beyond. Lately, I’ve been working with clients in search of more mindfully-paced communities who have chosen to build dream homes outside of the city. Helping them to construct their ideal primary residences has been a joy.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have any sage wisdom you can share with our readers?
Stephanie Larsen: There is nothing more valuable than creating a space that truly feels like home. While the ideal living space looks different to each of us, taking the steps to shape our homes around our unique needs, tastes and lifestyles enables us to create the environments we need to grow, recharge and connect with loved ones. If I could offer one piece of advice, it’s to invest in your space, I promise the rewards will pay off in dividends.
Photo by Scott Foust.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’d love to switch gears a little bit and discuss your relationship with our community. What brought you to Northern Arizona?
Stephanie Larsen: Over 20 years ago, I relocated my design practice from Orange County to Sedona in search of a place that would offer a more thoughtful pace and balance for my life and art. This intentional, connected approach to everyday living is something that still influences me heavily today and serves as the foundation in every space I create.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What do you love about living and working in Arizona?
Stephanie Larsen: Living and working in Arizona provides the best of both worlds and that’s really what makes this part of the world so special. It’s a slower pace of life, the weather is beautiful, and - thanks to our bustling tourism scene - you get a wonderful blend of small-town and city living that you just don’t find anywhere else. It’s something more and more people are starting to discover and I’m excited to see how our communities will continue to evolve as a result.
Photo by Thompson Photographic.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Tell us about your favorite local spots…
Stephanie Larsen: In Sedona, I gravitate towards Mariposa for dining and L’Auberge de Sedona for relaxation. I also love The Enchantment Resort Spa and Seven Canyons Golf Club and am looking forward to the opening of the Ambiente Hotel. When in Scottsdale, I opt for Ocean 44 and make stops into Valerianne and John Brooks Showroom.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, we like to end our conversations with a question about the causes close to our members’ hearts. Is there a local organization or charity you support?
Stephanie Larsen: Steps to Recovery Homes, located in Cottonwood, is a foundation close to my heart. The organization focuses on raising awareness of core issues related to addiction and substance abuse while providing safe, structured environments - free from alcohol and drugs - for people who fall through the cracks.
To learn more about working with Stephanie Larsen Interior Design, reach out to her at stephanie@stephanielarseninteriors.com - and don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!
Photo by Scott Foust.
