Kendall Jenner invited Architectural Digest into her new home – a ground-up countryside retreat tucked into the mountains just outside Los Angeles. She envisioned this place as an escape from the city’s constant noise, a haven for quiet summer evenings with friends.

How it all began

About five years ago, Jenner ended up in this area by chance and instantly fell in love with its atmosphere. She purchased the property impulsively: it featured an abandoned house she initially hoped to restore. But after a thorough inspection, it became clear the structure was beyond saving. And so began the search for a team capable of bringing her dream of a personal mountain hideaway to life.

«When I create a home, it’s crucial for me that it becomes a collaborative artistic process. I always choose a designer very intentionally – I know I’ll be deeply involved and incredibly meticulous», Kendall explains.

The dream team

This was Jenner’s first true build from scratch. Architect Kirby Lee from the Bay Area helped her craft a clean, thoughtful structure that later accommodated a rich, slightly playful aesthetic.

«I had never worked with an architect like Kirby Lee», Jenner recalls. «It was amazing to see just how detailed the process can be. I learned so much».

The choice of interior designer proved equally serendipitous. Kendall’s message came as an unexpected but delightful surprise to Heidi Caillier. By the time they began working together, the architectural plans were complete, and Jenner had assembled an impressive collection of collages, Pinterest images, and magazines filled with cabins and mountain lodges.

An interior full of character

Caillier’s first task was to give the home personality and warmth – the feeling that it had stood there for decades.

«For me, what matters most are textures on the walls and interesting details on the ceilings, to balance out the large windows», the designer explains.

This led to the introduction of board-and-batten paneling, exposed beams, and new windows: a round one in the entryway, and small segmented windows for four inviting niches in the bunk room. These features created exactly the «homey charm» Kendall had imagined.

Bold colors and «grandma-chic»

Jenner describes the project as «experimental» – a chance to step away from her usual classic restraint and finally play with ideas she had wanted to try for a long time.

The house now includes:
• walls in Farrow & Ball’s deep plum shade «Brinjal»,
• chartreuse tile from Zia,
• a blue Lacanche range,
• and a yellow sink and… a yellow toilet.

The latter became a small sensation when Kendall revealed it on Instagram.

«Yes, the yellow toilet is real», Caillier laughs. «And we chose it long before that color became trendy».

Airstream guest trailer

One of the most sentimental parts of the project is a 2020 Airstream Bambi trailer – an emotionally significant gift that had stood unused in Los Angeles for quite some time.

«And then it hit me – why not turn it into a guest room?» Kendall says.

Today, the tiny trailer feels like a warm, grown-up playhouse: veneered walls, a zinc tub, Welsh throws, and a petite kitchen.

«It’s the perfect spot for that friend who books their trip at the very last minute», Jenner jokes.

Photo: architecturaldigest.com