Houzz Tours
Modern Architecture
Houzz Tour: Minimalism Suits an Arizona Ranch House
Leaving only what wouldn't blow off in a hurricane, an architect designs a modern take on Southwest style
A splash of black in a sea of pink and white, this Phoenix ranch house stands out from the crowd with a decidedly modern take on desert style. Cynthia Steinman came across the outdated and termite-infested ranch house and immediately envisioned a modern desert home she could sell. With the help of architect Eric Spry, it evolved into a strong and clean design. "We just wanted to clear the dance floor," says Spry of the home's new look.
Steinman loved the house so much, she moved right in. "I'm not supposed to get emotionally attached," she says. "But when it was done, we put it on the market, and a week later I just couldn't sell it."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Cynthia Steinman
Location: Phoenix
Size: 1,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms
Photography: Christopher Barr Photography
Steinman loved the house so much, she moved right in. "I'm not supposed to get emotionally attached," she says. "But when it was done, we put it on the market, and a week later I just couldn't sell it."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Cynthia Steinman
Location: Phoenix
Size: 1,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms
Photography: Christopher Barr Photography
When Steinman and Spry first saw the home, they knew right away that the site dictated a clean, modern style. The black exterior was inspired by a house Steinman saw in a magazine. Rusted steel, including a water-cut address plate, provides the only color out front.
The renovation began as an exterior makeover, but the extent of the necessary repairs was so great that it soon turned into a full remodel. Although this home is in a prime part of Phoenix, no other renovators had been willing to touch it. "It just needed some love," says Steinman.
Spry kept the new house as simple and streamlined as possible. Anything that wasn't absolutely necessary — including shingles, bulky columns and trim — was taken off. "I stuck with what wouldn't blow off in a hurricane," says Spry.
The entryway is made up of a single column, a steel beam and a plate on top for a portico. Basic pavers carve a path to the front door.
The entryway is made up of a single column, a steel beam and a plate on top for a portico. Basic pavers carve a path to the front door.
The rooms were divided in the original layout. Spry had four walls knocked down and turned the main space into this open great room. They redid the ceiling structure, but most of the exterior walls are the same — no square footage was added, which helped keep the budget in check.
The fireplace wall was already there. A second drywall layer behind it and lighting in between create a subtle glow. Initially Spry simply refinished the drywall, but after the project was done Steinman wanted some texture in the space. Natural stone helps soften up the modern lines of the great room.
Fireplace surround: Idaho quartzite; flooring: ceramic tile; light fixture: Cost Plus World Market
The fireplace wall was already there. A second drywall layer behind it and lighting in between create a subtle glow. Initially Spry simply refinished the drywall, but after the project was done Steinman wanted some texture in the space. Natural stone helps soften up the modern lines of the great room.
Fireplace surround: Idaho quartzite; flooring: ceramic tile; light fixture: Cost Plus World Market
Every material and product in the house is made in the U.S. A muted, neutral color palette reigns in each room. "I would rather the people who come in be the pops of color," Steinman says. "And the outdoors: the pool, trees etc."
Sinks: Decolav
Sinks: Decolav
Spry gutted the kitchen and put in new windows with a view to the backyard and pool.
The island has a unique seating arrangement that encourages gatherings. Instead of the typical-bar style island on which those seated have to look sideways, this island has seating on all three sides to make direct conversation easier.
Countertops: Corian; light fixture: Exeter 16 Jar, Pottery Barn
The island has a unique seating arrangement that encourages gatherings. Instead of the typical-bar style island on which those seated have to look sideways, this island has seating on all three sides to make direct conversation easier.
Countertops: Corian; light fixture: Exeter 16 Jar, Pottery Barn
The pool had been left without water and care for some time, causing quite a bit of damage. Initially, Steinman didn't like the shape of the pool, since it didn't quite go with the home's clean lines. But a complete redesign or fill-in would have put them way over budget, so they refinished it instead.
A new Pebbletec surface and concrete decking tie the pool into its sleek surroundings. As in the front yard, the backyard landscaping is minimalist. "We wanted each bush and tree to be its own surprise," says Spry.
Spry designed a sculpture of steel panels and exterior lighting to hide an unattractive portion of a surrounding block wall. The panels also hide an electrical transformer and pool equipment.