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Modest Hillside House Reminiscent Of Cozy Mid-Century Modern Homes

By Simona Ganea
Simona Ganea on Homedit
Simona Ganea Interior Design & Content Contributor
Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
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Designed for a family wishing to downsize and to simplify their lives, this cozy hillside house located in Paradise Valley. US is reminiscent of mid-century modern homes in the sense that it evokes simplicity and coziness but in a sophisticated and elegant manner. The house was designed and built by Kendle Design Collaborative in 2013 and has a lot of beautiful features which include a covered porch and a minimalist garden featuring a corten steel planter edge.

The garden is as simple and as sophisticated as the house itself
The garden is as simple and as sophisticated as the house itself
There's no lush vegetation or dense forest nearby, only cacti and succulents and that's part of the charm
There’s no lush vegetation or dense forest nearby, only cacti and succulents and that’s part of the charm
The interior design of the house is simple but also classy and elegant, featuring great attention to detail
The interior design of the house is simple but also classy and elegant, featuring great attention to detail

The focus is not on architecture or on any views in particular but on art and nature in general. The house was built using natural and traditional materials and techniques and features rammed earth walls, limestone floors and wood ceilings. This helps it maintain its modest and simple appearance without becoming too mainstream and without lacking character. A particularly nice detail about it is the connection that exists between the indoor spaces and the outdoor porch, garden or swimming pool areas.

the house doesn't have huge windows or glazed facades and that's because it's meant to be cozy
the house doesn’t have huge windows or glazed facades and that’s because it’s meant to be cozy
The wood-clad exterior allows the house to blend in with the surrounding landscape, mimicking the desert colors
The wood-clad exterior allows the house to blend in with the surrounding landscape, mimicking the desert colors
The living spaces can be opened towards the covered porch, welcoming the outdoors in
The living spaces can be opened towards the covered porch, welcoming the outdoors in without compromising privacy
Special attention was given to the artwork which adorns the walls in the dining room
Special attention was given to the artwork which adorns the walls in the dining room
The rugged landscape suits the character of the house and allows it to be a peaceful and cozy retreat
The rugged landscape suits the character of the house and allows it to be a peaceful and cozy retreat
Douglas fir wood was used on the ceilings and some of the walls, helping to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Douglas fir wood was used on the ceilings and some of the walls, helping to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere
The covered porch is open towards the valley and brings nature and the views closer to the living spaces
The covered porch is open towards the valley and brings nature and the views closer to the living spaces
The living space and dining area share an open floor plan and are separated by a divider with a built-in fireplace
The living space and dining area share an open floor plan and are separated by a divider with a built-in fireplace
The views are peaceful and simple, just like the house and can be enjoyed from every room
The views are peaceful and simple, just like the house and can be enjoyed from every room