Moody Modern

The renovation of Moody Modern, a two-story residence in Paradise Valley, AZ, brought the home back to its roots and reflects the new homeowners’ love of modernist architecture.

Set on a hillside near Mummy Mountain, Moody Modern was initially designed and built for a bachelor who wanted something very contemporary. With its exposed concrete block walls, black aluminum composite fascia and porcelain tile flooring—both inside and out—it has a strong masculine energy.

The owner eventually married, and the couple overhauled the interiors in a more traditional style. Later, they sold the four-bedroom house to a couple with a strong affinity for modern design. With the bones of the original residence still in place, the new owners wanted to bring Moody Modern back to its original intent.

The original architect, C.P. Drewett, completely updated the main level, reworking spaces and replacing the window systems. Interior designer Holly Wright changed out the kitchen finishes, overhauled two powder rooms and modernized the great room fireplace.

Because of the kitchen’s exceptional views, Drewett didn’t want upper cabinets on its north side, which allowed for an entire wall of windows to be installed that looks out to the lush desert landscape. The dining area, across from the kitchen, has a direct line of sight to Camelback Mountain due to a new corner floor-to-ceiling door system that pockets open. Additional changes were made throughout the residence, but its original essence remains unchanged.

Designed for the hot desert climate, this highly horizontal home is book-ended by the primary and secondary suites. This allows the pool and patio, which sit in between, to be protected from the sun coming from the east and west. Even on the hottest days, the house and outdoor spaces are cool, comfortable and highly livable.