Why Arizona Cares About the Night Sky
Arizona is home to some of the best stargazing in the U.S. From world-renowned observatories in Flagstaff (the first official International Dark Sky City) to clear desert skies in Paradise Valley, this state has a long-standing commitment to protecting its views of the stars.
Communities like Sedona, Tucson, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley all follow dark sky ordinances—making responsible lighting a key part of home design, especially for luxury custom builds.
How Dark Sky Compliance Shapes Luxury Design
At Meg Behrens Design, we thoughtfully layer lighting for both function and ambiance—indoors and out. Here's how we integrate dark sky principles into luxury homes:
- Architectural Downlighting: Subtle soffit and step lights that glow without glare
- Mood-Forward Landscape Lighting: Low-wattage fixtures that highlight texture and structure—not the sky
- Temperature-Controlled Fixtures: Warm-tone lighting (2700–3000K) that feels soft and natural
- Smart Systems: Motion sensors and timers to minimize wasted light
The result? Outdoor spaces that feel magical at night—without overpowering the stars.
Where We Design with the Dark Sky in Mind
We work on custom homes, renovations, and full-service furnishing projects across Arizona—each one tailored to the landscape and the local code. If you're building or remodeling in a dark-sky community, we'll help you:
- Understand local lighting codes
- Source compliant outdoor fixtures
- Design spaces that feel luxurious, safe, and environmentally aware
