Collected View
A CUSTOM HOME THAT ECHOES ITS DESERT SETTING
WRITTEN BY JEANINE MATLOW / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRI FUKUI
The well-curated interiors accentuate a mostly neutral palette that speaks to the serene surroundings with pops of color and textured layers, found throughout the house. Textiles with a global influence echo the cosmopolitan homeowners, while local finds from area artists highlight their appreciation for the scenic location with spectacular views.
A home doesn’t need a large footprint when it’s surrounded by an expanse that achieves that feeling naturally. That was the thinking behind the design for this two-bed, two-bath new build in the desert—a collaboration between cityhomeCOLLECTIVE, Eco Logic Design Build, and architect Greg Upwall. “There is so much glass throughout,” says Helena Morozoff, design director and principal designer of cityhomeCOLLECTIVE. “It was about creating a picture frame from the views of the mountains. We wanted to make sure the home blends into its surroundings as an extension. Think: one more rock, with an indoor-outdoor connection and living.”
That connection starts with the exterior selections that offer protection from the elements and emulate nature, like the Corten roof that will develop a copper rust color. “We wanted to pick materials that will weather and take on a patina with the coloration of the surroundings, which was the intention of the wood cladding,” says Morozoff. “We wanted to go with a little more weathered patina to interact with the environment and evolve over time.”
The interiors feel spacious and bright with low-maintenance materials like concrete that continues from the exterior for a “really grounded Zen look that helps with expansiveness,” she adds. “In the kitchen, I loved the idea of introducing a pottery element with plaster as a backsplash on the walls and on the hood. Woods that are slightly charred or smoked add a little more contrast.” Natural materials and dyes add visual interest along with hand-embroidered pieces. “Things are pared down, so you can see the hand of the artist,” adds Morozoff. “The plaster was all done by hand. You can feel the artists with a different energy.”
The home serves as a sanctuary for the owners who work remotely. “We wanted to make sure the interiors feel quiet and rejuvenating and not overcrowded,” says Morozoff. “The pieces selected were intentional and very simple.” Blankets, pillows, and flat-weave rugs are quiet complements—with a pop of cowhide, too! The relaxed interiors also incorporate a slouchy lounge filled with colorful textiles where the couple can relax or entertain with ease. “It is all about the location,” she adds.
Repeated colors and textures lend a layered effect for the cosmopolitan clients who have lived around the world. “It is not overpowering with mostly monochromatic hues,” says Morozoff. “Mixing different textures creates a sophisticated palette with weathered wood . . . metal and plaster, paired with heavy blankets and flokati rugs to create that amalgam. It’s restful and peaceful with a little pop that nods to the desert.”
Mix Master
Creating an effortless design is anything but. Here, Helena Morozoff shares how to achieve the perfect blend.
Source diverse details. Accent pieces came from local artisans. “Some nod to Native American, but there are Moroccan influences,” she says. “We wanted to seek more curated meaningful items that have had different lives before, like vintage or inherited items with a healthy mixture of new items that are intentional, collected, and curated.”
Keep it balanced. “You always need to have something odd in the room that brings a moment of imperfection and a casualness,” she says. “A safe option is to stick with a neutral palette with similar textures and patterns, and one or two pieces that are meaningful and inspired by local or cultural heritage or travels.”
Take a risk. “All materials play off each other very nicely. It’s important not to be afraid when you’re mixing things. If not, they look uniform and they don’t have a story. You can grasp the entire room in just one look, which is not what we want. Create your own sanctuary, and surround yourself with things you appreciate and love.”
Unexpected touches in the kitchen include a colorful door and custom refrigerator handles. Textured selections continue with wood cabinets that have a slightly charred finish, plus plaster range hood and backsplash. Accent pillows and blankets add color and comfort to the personal mix, which was inspired by faraway places like North Africa.
