This homeowner used his background in art, as well as knowledge of what makes great home design, to create the perfect showcase for his style. After a long and artistic career in advertising, Don Boswell wanted a fun and creative retirement. And he found it — in re-imagining and remodeling houses. Boswell spent a large part of his life as an art director and owner of his own ad agency in Houston. When he retired, he knew he needed a way to express his creative nature and discovered it when he bought his first home in Tucson. This passion eventually would lead him to remodel two additional houses. “I can spot a home with good ‘bones,’” he says. “I have a sixth sense about that — about a home’s possibilities. It’s what draws me in first. It’s a challenge and I like it.” Boswell moved to Tucson nine years ago. The dry climate, the culture and the mountains of Southern Arizona appealed to him, not to mention the architectural style and laid back, outdoor-oriented culture. He chose his current northwest-side home in 2013, seeking to downsize and scale back. After walking through the front door he was hooked. “It has a very nice floor plan,” he says. He also was attracted to the home’s Southwestinspired color scheme and Mexican/Spanish Colonial vibe. One of the first things he noticed was the ample wall space and good light, which was essential to complement his eclectic collection of art. Pine viga ceilings and a large backyard entertaining space were icing on the proverbial cake. Boswell immediately went to work to maximize the home’s potential. He first tackled the media room, which previously had been a carport with an attached storage room. Today it’s a large, comfortable space to kick back and watch movies. Next, he added a proper garage. “There was more than enough room to build a 24- by 30-foot garage with extra storage,” he says. The kitchen got a re-do, too, by opening up the office and laundry room and converting it to an oversize, walk-in pantry with floor-toceiling pullout cabinets. The pantry now houses the refrigerator and the washer and dryer, as well as small kitchen appliances, freeing up valuable kitchen counter space. The front and back yards also got a makeover. Boswell enlisted the services of Dean Alexander of Blue Agave Landscape Design to re-imagine both the landscaping and hardscaping, not only to make them more beautiful, but more functional. “I certainly wanted to Maintain the architectural integrity of the place, but give it a twist.” The home’s entryway was completely re-done. The front yard got a major makeover, including removing the existing driveway to widen it for guest parking and adding low, “Hacienda-style” landscape walls to frame the new entry portal. A large flagstone landing was created to connect the driveway to the courtyard. Within the courtyard, everything was removed and replaced with flagstone decking, colonial doors, a fountain and arbor. Berms, boulders and specimen cactus were installed in the front to create curb appeal in what was previously a flat yard with a few mesquites. A piece of contemporary sculpture from Boswell’s collection adds a funky, unexpected touch to the traditional style. “This juxtaposition is what, I think, creates interest.” In the backyard, the westside wall was removed to expand the yard and a raised Sculpture planter and artificial lawn were added. In the main backyard, the sunken patio was raised, and Alexander designed a new fireplace and barbecue. The paint, tile and fountain were selected by the homeowner. A Mediterranean mix of plants, including palms, succulents and specimen cactus, replaced the existing growth. He also had a grassy side yard installed so his dogs would have their own rest and relaxation zone. He loved the home’s pool with its Moroccaninspired tile work and decided to build on the design. To soften the area, he removed some of the pool’s decking and replaced it with lush plants and flowers. He also added a fountain and several pieces of art to make the space “pop.” His backyard now has everything needed for great parties. Boswell isn’t quite done with his project. All the home’s interior doors have been replaced with more substantial and decorative ones, and he’s having bronze hardware installed. In designing a home, he says the most important thing is to reflect your personality and decorate with things you love. “It’s so important when you walk into a house that it says something about the owner. If there are no pieces that say ‘I’ve traveled’ or ‘I’m humorous,’ it’s not you.” Boswell loves the entire process of re-imagining and remodeling a home, from finding the best people to work with to uncovering the best pieces to finish a design. “It’s been a lot of work, but there is no better feeling for me than to see a remodel through to the end and realize that I’ve created my vision.” To soften the area, he removed some of the pool’s decking and replaced it with lush plants and flowers. He also added a fountain and several pieces of art to make the space “pop.