Step into a spacious high desert retreat with expansive windows framing breathtaking views and a color palette inspired by the desert's nuanced tones. The modern eclectic decor seamlessly combines textures like natural quarzite, tessellated stone, ceramics, and warm woods, reflecting the richness of the terrain. Living spaces effortlessly merge vintage finds with sleek, modern furniture. The open-concept kitchen features a mix of materials, from woods to tile, creating a dynamic visual tapestry. A modernized wood-burning fireplace serves as a focal point, providing warmth and aesthetic intrigue. Illuminated by natural light, this high desert retreat seamlessly blends modern design, creating an inviting escape that's perfect for entertaining. 

Rae Rockwell is a visionary and creative with a passion for crafting spaces that redefine the boundaries of traditional interior design. Her talents go beyond aesthetics as she offers a holistic approach to every project, seamlessly integrating branding and content creation into her services with an intuitive spirit and incredible energy.

Whether crafting bespoke designs for boutique hotels and restaurants, breathing new life into short-term rentals through complete renovations, or transforming residential kitchens, baths, and bars, Rae brings a distinctive design style that stems from her experiences as an innovator, entrepreneur, and world traveler. She draws on her formal education in fashion merchandising, the creation of her vacation rental, and the founding of both a creative agency and a photo studio to provide her clients with unmatched results from a variety of perspectives. Rae merges beauty and purpose with particular attention to curating global treasures while also offering creative strategy for her designs in the forms of graphics, photography, and brand direction.

What was your thought process when choosing hardware for this project?

I wanted cohesive modern brass hardware to compliment the other brass elements throughout the interiors. For the interior doors, I chose rounded levers paired with square rosettes as a nod to the geometric shapes shown in the tile and decor. I chose sleek pulls for the kitchen cabinets for a clean, contemporary look against the warm wood and sage tiles.

What hardware finishes are your favorite?

For this project, I leaned into the Satin Brass finish and for the next, I’m going with French Antique. I’ve always leaned more into brass but I would love an opportunity to play with Tumbled White Bronze or Satin Nickel.

My favorite part about working with Emtek is the styles offered are timeless, customizable, and you can really feel the quality. Adding Emtek hardware elevates any space!

Rae Rockwell

What is your favorite hardware trend at the moment?

I’m very into the use of stone materials within pulls and knobs. Stone is a design element that I implement often throughout my projects - I love the texture, movement, and luxury it adds.

To see more of Rae's projects and design portfolio, visit her website.

Portrait Photographer: Elizabeth Wells

Home Photographer: Stephen Paul

General Contractor: Hunter Caldwell