In the heart of Paradise Valley, Arizona, a modern luxury home emerges, boldly redefining traditional aesthetics with its minimalist design. Spanning an impressive 7,100 square feet, this spec home challenges the status quo, steering away from the commonplace designs typically associated with upscale residences in the Greater Phoenix area.
Modernist homes in this region often embrace a safe design palette: white walls, expansive glass facades, and essential amenities that cater to market demands. However, this particular residence, aptly named the “Museum House,” takes a daring leap into serenity through its simplistic elegance. Conceived by a dynamic team—including architect Erik Peterson, interior designer Meredith Smyth, and landscape designer Jeff Berghoff—this house caters to a more select audience, distancing itself from mainstream luxury.
“This house definitely has a bachelor pad vibe to it,” Peterson remarks, noting that design influences stem from his firm’s dual presence in Scottsdale and Beverly Hills. The stylish aesthetic prevalent in Los Angeles is thought to resonate well with potential Arizona buyers.
Echoing this sentiment, Smyth remarks, “It isn’t designed as a family home; it’s geared toward someone who enjoys hosting large gatherings—enterprising individuals likely seasoned in travel and event planning.”
When confronted with a vacant corner lot within a well-establish neighborhood, Peterson cleverly devised a layout that capitalizes on stunning mountain views while ensuring privacy. “To take advantage of the vistas while concealing the proximity of a neighbor’s tennis court, we reversed the plan. The backyard opens to the street, and the freestanding casita adds an extra layer of seclusion,” he explains.
Designed with an innovative H-shaped floor plan, the courtyard serves as an inviting entrance, flanked by the garage and primary suite, while the backyard boasts a zen-inspired swimming pool. “The heart of the home consists of the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, encased in glass,” Peterson elaborates.
“Glass walls and doors soar up to 13 feet, featuring an almost invisible, slender aluminum frame that deftly merges indoors with the outdoors—creating an ambiance drenched in natural light,” he shares. The choice of bright white walls, both inward and outward, harmonizes beautifully in this settled neighborhood, differentiating it from more traditional designs found in desert settings where exterior aesthetics must blend into the landscape.
Inside, Smyth enhances the home’s architectural elegance with a curated selection of finishes, materials, and millwork. “The overall aesthetic is minimal yet warm and hand-crafted,” she explains.
Main spaces feature agglomerate marble flooring, offering a subtle sheen beautifully contrasted by the warmth of rift-sawn white oak cabinetry in the kitchen. Handcrafted concrete tiles elegantly clad the living and dining room fireplace, while wood-clad high ceilings infuse an organic touch to the interior.
Chad Rothe, founder of Lightform, collaborated with Smyth to develop the home’s sophisticated lighting design. Renowned for their innovative lighting solutions, they selected unique fixtures that complement the home’s austere design ethos. “We aimed for standout pieces that follow minimalist lines while delivering an impactful aesthetic. The dining room’s suspension fixture, a signature from Luke Lamp, allows for an entirely bespoke appearance,” Rothe remarks.
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The open kitchen serves as a centerpiece for the residence, featuring a grand quartz island and back counters that overlook a quaint courtyard, highlighted by mid-century modern-style metal screens. “This kitchen uniquely omits upper cabinets,” notes Smyth. “Everything appears discreetly hidden behind cabinetry doors while remaining fully functional. The true culinary powerhouse is the expansive back kitchen, equipped with full-size appliances and a generous display cabinet designed for effortless catering,” she elaborates.
Smyth’s staging showcases artful furnishings that evoke a sense of curated history, integrating wood, stone, and metal accents alongside upholstered pieces featuring graceful curves to counterbalance the home’s sharp lines. A glass-walled flexible room adjacent to the main living area finds itself decorated as a den, with Smyth noting its potential to function as an office space as well.
“This isn’t your typical ‘safe’ spec home that most developers undertake,” Peterson concludes. “Although our focus narrows the scope of potential buyers for most spec homes, we aim to attract a discerning clientele.” With a current listing price of $10.3 million, the Museum House stands as a testament to innovative minimalism in a flourishing community.