What is Desert Modern?
I believe that Desert Modern design is a nod to mid-century modern with clean lines, simplicity and bringing the outdoors in with textures, stone, wood, fibers and plants. It lends itself to the 50’s and 60’s retro look but with the earthy vibe and colors of the 70’s. Lots of natural elements take stage here.
This architectural movement began with Frank Lloyd Wright – Architect, Designer, Writer and Educator. Originally from the mid-west, his first studio was in Oak Park, Illinois (a Chicago suburb). He built around 1000 structures in his career and retired to Arizona. Its no wonder his “desert modern” design has taken off in Arizona, Las Vegas, New Mexico and Palm Desert, California. Designing harmony with humanity and the environment, a philosophy he called “organic architecture.”
Furnishings take shape in clean lines, simplicity and organic shapes. Colors are those of nature like sand, tree bark, foliage as well as moodier hues like burnt sage, orange and rust. Lots of wood accents in all colors and natural stone and rock. Some desert modern decor ideas.
Some retailers that use these design aesthetics are Crate & Barrel and West Elm.