Scouted Accent Tables that Make a Statement

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on October 3rd, 2022.

In interior design, the unassuming accent table can sometimes be overlooked. That’s a misstep that should be remedied as this multi-tasking workhorse can elevate, add balance to a room, and even serve as a functional piece of storage. Whether you’re channeling minimalist vibes with a sleek and modern cocktail stand, or maximalist mojo with a gilded side table, these accent tables from scouted shops across the country are sure to complement any home decor style. To find a scouted boutique near you, browse The Scout Guide Directory.

LOCAL FINDS

ROUND TIERED COFFEE TABLES WITH STORAGE // Available for purchase online from Space Bazaar in Scottsdale, Arizona.

LE BLANC LAMP TABLE // Available for purchase online from The Collectors House in Scottsdale, Arizona.

HUDSON ROUND END TABLE – ASHEN WALNUT // Available for purchase online from urbAna in Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Gilbert, Arizona.

31 Outdoor Entertainment Pieces for Autumn Gatherings

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on September 27th, 2022.

The transition into the cooler months has officially begun, but that doesn’t have to signal the end of outdoor entertaining. On the contrary, it’s the ideal time to add another layer and enjoy mosquito-free alfresco gatherings. To assist with refreshing your porch, deck, and patio, The Scout Guide asked our editors for the pieces they’re sourcing from their favorite scouted boutiques around the country. From a rustic planter to a sleek sofa, just add a fire pit and cozy throws to get the most out of your outdoor spaces throughout the fall season. First up? Local finds…

LOCAL FINDS

LIVING DIVANI KASBAH OUTDOOR FURNITURE // Available for purchase from Space Bazaar in Scottsdale, Arizona. To purchase: 480.900.8082

FLOWERSHOP STOOL // Available for purchase online from Camelback Flowershop in Phoenix, Arizona.

CRUZ PIEDRA // Available for purchase online from The Collectors House in Scottsdale, Arizona.

CANTARIA DINNER PLATE // Available for purchase online from urbAna in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Member Spotlight: Stephanie Larsen Interior DESIGN

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.

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.

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.

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.

Member Spotlight: O.C.D Organize. Create. Design

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carrie Evans

We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Stewart of O.C.D Organize. Create. Design, Arizona’s top organizing company, to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2! With a flawless reputation built on trust and confidentiality, O.C.D delivers systems that stay organized, offering more time and peace of mind to clients. In fact, after nearly seven years, Stewart and her team have helped bring order to hundreds of homes and offices. Read on for our Q+A to get to know Ashley, her business, and their community…

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Ashley, we are thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2! Let’s kick off our chat by delving into what inspired you to start O.C.D…
Ashley Stewart:I have always loved seeing things transform into beautiful spaces. After planning weddings and events for 15 years, I knew there was something else out there for me to do, and when I realized there was a demand for organizing experts, it was only natural for me to start a business that would meet that need. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you choose the name for your organizing business? How does it translate to the work you do with your clients?
Ashley Stewart: I love a good play on words. The name came to me within minutes when I decided to start the company. I thought of what organizing means to me, and my OCD came to mind. About 99% of the time, people comment on how much they love the name, but there is that 1% who comment that it is disrespectful, believing it makes fun of people who struggle with OCD. I am quick to explain that the name stands for Organize. Create. Design, and it is in no way an attempt to minimize people with OCD. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to use my obsessiveness to help people get organized, which in turn, helps me too.

 

“I love that there is trust established from the time we walk in. It is an automatically personal relationship right from the start.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What would you hope every potential client knows about O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: We are judgment-free and trustworthy. What we hear and see in our clients' homes stays there. We pride ourselves on respecting the privacy of our clients. Plus, we have FUN!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Of course, the benefits of organizing are infinite. Can you share the one benefit that stands out to you?
Ashley Stewart: If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also, appreciate it.

 

“If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also appreciate it.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What’s the best part about your work?
Ashley Stewart: My favorite part of this business is the experience of helping my clients reclaim their time. It’s a process I cherish for myself. The older I get, the busier my life gets. But, I’ve experienced firsthand that good organizational systems can “create” more time. It’s simple: the less time people spend looking for things, the more time they have to enjoy them.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before we dive into local-centric questions, we need to know: what’s on the horizon for O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: Expansion!  We are currently expanding in Tucson and are looking at more cities to introduce O.C.D. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of O.C.D

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Now, onto Valley-centric questions. What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Ashley Stewart: I am a second-generation native who loves Arizona and those who call it home. The best part about working in the Valley is the opportunity O.C.D affords me to connect with new people. From the start, organizing facilitates a personal relationship because there's something so vulnerable about inviting someone into your home and personal effects.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: If you could plan your “perfect day” to experience the Valley like a local, what would you do and where would you go?
Ashley Stewart: Most definitely a day at the Spa! We have so many great ones here in the Valley. Spending a day at the spa always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Valley, like other communities, are deeply and positively impacted by small business owners like yourself. And not just for the skills and services you offer. So many small business owners are engaged in giving back to the community. Do you have a particular local organization or charity that’s close to your heart?
Ashley Stewart: Absolutely. The Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley holds a special place in my heart as my grandmother, Evelyn Feffer, gifted the Sherman Home in honor of her parents, Minnie and Armond Sherman. Before kids, I volunteered there every week and am looking forward to continuing my volunteer work there again. I also love to support Make A Wish Arizona! I have been on the Wish Ball Committee for five years and a Wish Granter for two years!

For organization tips and inspiration, make sure to follow along with O.C.D Organize Create Design on Instagram. And to learn more about Ashley Stewart and the O.C.D Organize Create Design team or schedule a consultation, visit them online.