Submitted by Kim Dee Designs
Nestled among the pines in Pine, the new-build home, for which we titled the project Peaceful in Pine, was designed as more than a mountain cabin. It was envisioned as a retreat where our clients could slow down, reconnect, and escape the pace and heat of everyday life in Phoenix.
From our earliest conversations, one design challenge became our greatest source of inspiration. The home’s architecture is distinctly modern, defined by its steel structure, clean lines, expansive glass and a striking linear presence. At the same time, our clients were drawn to very different aesthetics. One gravitated toward modern minimalism, while the other loved the warmth and character of transitional cottage interiors. We viewed this as an opportunity to create something uniquely their own.
Our goal became finding harmony between those two perspectives. Every sourcing decision was made with that balance in mind. We selected natural materials to soften the home’s architectural edges, incorporating wide-plank wood flooring, warm wood ceilings, layered textures and earthy finishes that bring a sense of comfort to the contemporary structure.
A palette of warm neutrals, muted greens and natural tans was intentionally chosen to echo the surrounding landscape. We sourced materials and furnishings that felt timeless rather than trend-driven, layering natural textures with carefully selected vintage pieces to give the home warmth, authenticity and a sense of the clients’ personality.
Throughout the home, we paired bold moments with softer, handcrafted elements. One of our favorite examples is the first-floor bathroom, where a graphic mosaic tile introduces a distinctly modern statement, while Roman clay walls provide warmth, movement, and an organic quality that tempers the bold pattern. These thoughtful juxtapositions appear throughout the home, creating interiors that feel elevated without sacrificing comfort.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was maximizing every square foot. While the cabin includes two bedrooms, the upstairs loft became an opportunity to create a multifunctional space. The loft is designed to adapt to the family’s changing needs and it serves as a home office, reading lounge, guest bedroom, and additional storage area without ever feeling over-designed.
The home’s relationship with the surrounding landscape ultimately became the defining feature of the design. Expansive, two-story windows wrap the structure, filling the interiors with natural light and scenic views of the surrounding pines. A dramatic two-story living room anchors the home, where a floor-to-ceiling fireplace creates a sculptural focal point while balancing the warmth of the surrounding wood finishes.
Large sliding Nano doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, allowing the back patio to become a natural extension of the living space and reinforcing the home’s connection to nature.
