Desert Sun

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This home’s imposing, modern exterior belies the welcoming spaces within. “We wanted the desert to be accessible but we weren’t designing a typical desert home,” says interior designer Alex Woogmaster, who treated the views, framed in floor-to-ceiling sliders, like art. The home’s palette underlines its connection to the environment; the colors and subtle sheen of the kitchen’s bronze and white lacquer cabinetry, as well as its chrome frames, echo those found in the surrounding sand, rocks and scrub.

While the kitchen’s design—like the rest of the home—is unmistakably contemporary, Woogmaster acknowledges that there are historical and traditional influences in his work. There’s the sense of balance and symmetry, the pleasing simplicity of the layout and an appreciation for spaces defined by function, even in separate rooms. “There’s an intimacy to them that I value,” he shares. That’s revealed in the placement of the kitchen. While clearly part of the home’s central living space—and connected to it by the same finishes—it’s recessed into a subtle extension of the living room, imperceptibly setting it apart. Meticulously executed details, like its framed doorway and its hardware, also divulge Woogmaster’s traditional leanings. “So the kitchen reads modern but stems from a classical and formal sense of discipline,” he says.

Woogmaster tips his hat to the client for discovering eggersmann’s impeccable cabinetry. The German company’s aesthetic, which he describes as “clean, balanced and sensitive,” fit seamlessly into his overall vision for home. They chose the Manhattan line, which showcases an ultra-thin frame and overall sophisticated style. Light bronze panels define the cooking and prep area, including the island; white lacquer comprises the remainder of the perimeter. “The bronze finish has an iridescence that gives the impression of subtle movement,” Woogmaster remarks. He describes its synergy with the rest of the home’s materials, including the taupe and textured fabric wallcovering from Weitzner that jump-started the entire project, as “dazzling.”

Form, of course, is only one part of the design equation. Function, especially in a workhorse space like a kitchen, is equally important. “I’m really glad we paired up with eggersmann,” Woogmaster concludes. “They were easy to work with, responsive, and they had smart solutions.” In addition to hiding the dual Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezers, those solutions include an automated garage door–inspired TV niche, activated by a concealed counter switch, a discreet coffee bar, highlighted by dramatic Trondheim Acacia Dark interiors, and illuminated silverware drawers. “It was a fully custom outfit that they were able to accommodate flawlessly,” says Woogmaster. Consider it a chef’s choice.

Photo by Roger Davies