Natural Surroundings

Your home can be a daily source of joy and inspiration, a haven for wellbeing, a mirror that reflects your truest and best self. Explore diverse spaces and design stories from our partners, New Darlings to inspire your next project. It’s time to create space for you.

“Start with one thing you love, and then think about what brings you back to that feeling.”

Christina Martinez

In the Arizona desert, flowers blossom on spiked cacti. Hot days give way to chilly nights. Rugged terrain is refined and sculpted by the elements. This beautiful duality of the desert is a source of inspiration for Christina and Robert. Come along as they welcome us—and nature—inside.

Natural materials and earthy tones are found throughout their newly constructed home. Facing west, many of their spaces feature grand windows to frame the Tucson sunsets. Christina views the large, central island and workstation sink in their vaulted ceiling kitchen as a space that brings her family closer together, remarking, “We can all move freely, cooking or dancing!”

Open shelving and exposed storage help the couple maintain a pleasant minimalism. Christina states, “It gives us a sense of calm and peace. We have little reminders of our travels and experiences, but nothing overly decorated.” Her recommendation for timeless styling is to do what feels natural. Christina admits, “As a recovering perfectionist, I hope others can let go of self-imposed pressure.”

In their primary bathroom, the feeling is functional serenity. Double sinks and mirrors adorn the outer wall bridging the separate showering and bathing spaces. It’s a space used by the whole family, but Christina also calls their bathroom a “retreat for the parents.”

They selected a digital shower system for precise personalization and Vibrant^® Brushed Moderne Brass as a finish that plays perfectly with the lime-plastered walls—choices they made during several trips to the Scottsdale KOHLER_® Store throughout their building process. “It’s a family outing with our four-year-old son,” Christina says. “We explore and play. You’re encouraged to touch everything!”

“There are so many options, shapes, styles of fixtures, and finishes. Seeing it all together inperson was so helpful.”

Christina Martinez

Christina and Robert have brought something special to their home. It’s a charming balance between minimalism with personality, moments of respite with space for family, and deeply considered styling without perfectionism. By embracing your surroundings, you can create spaces that are naturally you.