Desert Mountain Whole house

The owners of this 1992-built Southwestern-style home wanted a fresh update that respected the character they originally fell in love with. Their goal was to modernize the home while preserving its architectural soul.

Our design carefully worked around the original windows and celebrated existing details like the rough-sawn beams and latilla ceilings, allowing the home’s warmth and authenticity to remain front and center. Downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to improve function, while a custom dry bar was added to the family room to enhance everyday living and entertaining.

In the kitchen, custom cabinetry and a hand-painted tile backsplash brought new life and craftsmanship to the space. The primary suite was transformed with the addition of a look-through gas fireplace, and by removing the existing tub and deck, we were able to incorporate a discreet, hidden laundry area within the bathroom, adding convenience without disrupting the design.

The result is a home that feels refreshed yet timeless, honoring its Southwestern roots while better supporting the way the clients live today.

Project Completed: 2022

Before

The home had strong bones and unmistakable character. The rough-sawn beams, latilla ceilings, carved details, and expansive desert views were exactly what the homeowners loved about it. But after decades, the interiors felt tired and no longer reflected how they lived day to day.

The kitchen was functional but dated, with cabinetry and finishes that didn’t fully celebrate the craftsmanship of the architecture around it. Bathrooms were compartmentalized and oversized in some areas, underutilized in others. The primary suite, while generous, lacked the comfort and efficiency the homeowners were ready for.

The challenge wasn’t reinvention—it was refinement. The goal was to modernize the home without stripping away the warmth and authenticity that made it special in the first place.

Plans & Renderings

Rather than altering the home’s defining features, the redesign leaned into them. Existing windows were preserved to maintain natural light and desert views, and the rough beams and latilla ceilings were treated as focal points rather than elements to disguise. Clean-lined finishes and a lighter palette were introduced to provide contrast and clarity.

Downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to improve flow and functionality. Walls were adjusted to create better circulation, and storage was integrated more intentionally. A custom dry bar was added to the family room, enhancing both everyday convenience and entertaining.

In the kitchen, custom cabinetry brought tailored structure to the space, while a hand-painted tile backsplash added artistry and a nod to Southwestern craftsmanship. The layout now feels more purposeful, supporting gathering without overwhelming the architectural envelope.

The primary suite received one of the most meaningful transformations. By removing the existing tub and bulky deck, we were able to incorporate a discreet, hidden laundry area within the bathroom.

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