Shopping in Paradise Valley

Amy Tuso aims to capture in vibrant acrylics and oils the joy of both the creative act itself and the subject of her choice–whether that be a minimalist, abstract take on cloud formation or a somewhat-pulpy rendition of a cowboy riding a mechanical bull. Browse her gallery to sample the radiant spectra of her brushjitsu. Small pieces start at $25, while her largest pieces range from $55–$65, with all gradations of pricing and dimensions in between.

Each of Designer Art Direct's framers has at least 20 years of experience working with everything from Picassos to family portraits. The staff enhance their skills with thousands of frames and mats from heavyweight manufacturers such as Larson-Juhl. The seasoned framers won't balk at most two- and even three-dimensional subjects, and are happy to frame up valuables including sports memorabilia, photographs, and topographical Rubik's cube cheat sheets. The staff works with clients to make sure each piece of artwork finds a new frame home that meets its artistic and preservational needs. Customers can add extra security to valuable pieces by choosing conservation glass and museum mountings, or transform prints into original-looking art by asking for an acrylic texturing process that the staffers do by hand. Since all framing services are performed onsite, customers can expect a turnaround of a few days or opt for same-day service for an extra fee.

For more than 25 years, Phoenix Home & Garden has served as the area’s authoritative voice on household style and garden innovation. The magazine’s Southwestern-minded writers inform more than 450,000 readers each month on domestic topics such as growing plants in the desert, pulling off Spanish Colonial décor, and effectively dunking on a Nerf hoop. Brimming with high-quality photographs, a calendar of local events, and art-gallery updates, the magazine proves an indispensable read for homeowners and renters with lofty ambitions.

Jean Eyre lives a busy life. When not busy filling her three Lighting Design show rooms across Arizona and Utah, the interior decorator also juggles a family and her own electrical contracting business. Yet her passion, dedication, and keen eye for style have helped her and Lighting Design earn recognition from Parade of Homes and guest appearances on ABC 4.

Elegant light fixtures and floor lamps by brands such as Murray Feiss and Emerson light up the Chandler location’s 11,600 square feet of show-room space. Within, a skilled sales staff—trained in interior design and certified by the American Lighting Association—guides customers to the best illumination for their living room, bathroom, or coal mine with free in-home consultations. Aside from lighting, the shop also stocks elegant home accents, such as rugs and vases, and chic furniture, including cocktail tables and bookcases.

Desert Gardens Nursery sparks landscaping inspiration with an award-winning collection of native and arid plants plucked from around the world. The nursery not only stocks greenery, but Mexican talavera pottery and garden gifts to woo the most hardened lawn statue. Additionally, landscape designers work with clients to transform plot plans into reality, and in-house crews descend on abodes to plant gardens and install patios, barbecue pits, or outdoor fireplaces.

The company's 8,000-square-foot space brims with apparel and accessories by more than 80 designer brands, including 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, and Big Star. New inventory arrives daily, replenishing racks with classic, casual clothing as well as on-trend attire bedecked in freshly inked timestamps.

Family-friendly amenities and helpful employees help the shop keep its high-fashion stock accessible. Throughout the store, staff members stand ready to recommend fits and styles that complement each customer's body type. Eight dressing rooms invite visitors to slip into a pair of jeans, and the walk-in mirror room allows them to inspect the fit from every possible angle. To make shopping easier for parents, the boutique also features a play area where children can entertain themselves while their parents shop.