Old Meets New in Paradise Valley

A contemporary interpretation of centuries-old style

Each room offers views of Mummy Mountain to the north, and Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain to the south. Berghoff Design Group created the landscape inspired in-part by the Mediterranean region with selections of lavender, rosemary, sage, roses, and olive trees. When blended with native cacti and desert plants, the gardens look at home in the natural setting of Paradise Valley.

The project began in 2018 and finished in 2020 amidst the uncertainty of the onset of COVID-19. We implemented safety protocols for our crews, and worked hard to wrap the project quickly to let the homeowners settle in. 

We built this 7000 square foot home on a terraced lot at the foot of Mummy Mountain.

The homeowners were inspired by seaside homes from their family trips to sunny, arid regions of the world. A defining detail in those homes was the stonework that define exterior walls. This was an important detail to get correct early in the project. For the homeowner, we mocked up several options for stone and plaster.

Architect Matthew Thomas and designer Katy Schuman teamed up to create a timeless, elegant home. The interior of the home is defined by crisp lines of steel doors and windows and sophisticated plaster details. Be sure to read the captions beneath the photos to appreciate the details of each space.

As a whole, the home is both classy and comfortable, able to withstand the demands of a busy family with three young children.

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The entry defines themes that continue throughout the home: timeless stone details and clean contemporary lines.

The entry defines themes that continue throughout the home: timeless stone details and clean contemporary lines.

Designer Jeff Berghoff created this inviting garden setting near the entry of the home. The selection of plants and trees were inspired by Mediterranean gardens.

Designer Jeff Berghoff created this inviting garden setting near the entry of the home. The selection of plants and trees were inspired by Mediterranean gardens.

Kitchen Details
Kitchen Details

For the kitchen, the designer Katy Schuman opted out of conventional cabinets, but instead asked for plaster frames with inset modern cabinet doors. This gives the kitchen a centuries-old appeal, but required precision plasterwork. Appliances and other necessities are stored away in a walk-in pantry adjacent to the kitchen.

The kitchen features a built-in barbecue paired with a custom, high CFM ventilation hood. The entries into the kitchen are defined by “softened archways” that draw attention to the plaster ceiling details. The kitchen floors are bluestone tile from Belgium.

The kitchen and breakfast area is washed with light that passes through the bank of windows. Note the custom plaster hood in the foreground above the range. In the distance, a built-in fireplace adds warmth to cool mornings. This creates an ideal sp

The kitchen and breakfast area is washed with light that passes through the bank of windows. Note the custom plaster hood in the foreground above the range. In the distance, a built-in fireplace adds warmth to cool mornings. This creates an ideal space to enjoy coffee and mountain views.

Berghoff Design Group created a serene setting for backyard leisure and entertainment.

Berghoff Design Group created a serene setting for backyard leisure and entertainment.

Custom Details
Custom Details

Throughout the home, the designer wanted a blend of old and new. Here in the great room, we have reclaimed lumber for ceiling beams. The hearth is concrete, cast in place. For the fireplace, we sourced reclaimed bricks.

Without door casings or baseboards, our craftsmen were attentive to where plaster walls met the steel door frames and floors.

Plaster Throughout
Plaster Throughout

This home required extensive plaster with zero margin for error. Here in the parlor, note the complex plaster arched ceiling and paster fireplace. At the crux of the arches we recessed the light canopy. The parlor fireplace is fitted with reclaimed brick and a reclaimed limestone hearth.

For this sitting room, the designer asked for a fireplace that looked like the the original rugged stone was plastered over for a cleaner, modern look.

For this sitting room, the designer asked for a fireplace that looked like the the original rugged stone was plastered over for a cleaner, modern look.

The homeowners wanted uninterrupted views of the pool and garden from the master bath. But what to do about vanity mirrors? We fabricated hanging steel-framed mirrors that hover between the countertops and the ceiling. For privacy, the homeowners ca

The homeowners wanted uninterrupted views of the pool and garden from the master bath. But what to do about vanity mirrors? We fabricated hanging steel-framed mirrors that hover between the countertops and the ceiling. For privacy, the homeowners can lower sun screens, which are recessed into the plaster ceiling.