Desert modernism has become an increasingly popular architectural and interior design style, drawing inspiration from the arid landscapes of Palm Springs and other desert locales. This unique aesthetic combines elements of mid-century modern design with a focus on natural materials, neutral tones, and open spaces that evoke an airy desert feeling.

Whether you're a homeowner or renter looking to embrace this daring yet sophisticated style in your own projects, our expert tips will help you seamlessly blend indoor living spaces with their surrounding landscape—creating an oasis that is both visually striking and environmentally conscious.

Sometimes, the most impactful elements in a desert interior is the most simplistic as seen with the Japandi Natural Slat Wall and Floor Tile in the above bathroom that gives a foundational aesthetic to the space. 

First, Let’s Discuss The Origins of Desert Modern Interiors

Desert modernism emerged from mid-century modern design, a popular architectural style characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and an emphasis on functionality. This laid-back aesthetic has gained popularity through desert-based music festivals like Coachella, where the surrounding landscape serves as inspiration for daring designs that make buildings blend seamlessly with their environment.

Mid-century Modern Design Influences

A prime example of desert interiors featuring our latest collection – Groove. With both smooth and textural designs, these terra cotta tiles are definitively stylish and a testament to the trend.

The roots of this style can be traced back to the 1950’s Palm Springs architecture movement. Pioneered by architects such as Albert Frey and William Krisel, this simple style focused on creating structures that foremost reflect their function while incorporating sleek lines and large windows to bring in natural light. 

The year-round warmth and sunny skies of Palm Springs provided an ideal setting for these open interiors, leading many influential interior designers to flock there during its heyday as a seasonal resort destination.

The Role of Music Festivals in Popularizing the Trend

Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has been held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California - just a short drive away from Palm Springs. With its stunning backdrop featuring towering palm trees and rugged mountainscapes, it's no wonder that festival-goers have embraced desert style homes as stylish accommodations during their stay.

While the origins of Desert Modernism are rooted in mid-century modern design influences, its popularity has been further fueled by the recent music festival culture. Neutral tones and spacious rooms present a great opportunity to create an inviting atmosphere that is both timeless and trendy.

7 Tips To Achieve A Desert Modern Interior  

1: Incorporate Neutral Tones For Airy Spaces 

Central to desert modernism is the use of neutral tones such as beige, sand, and white. These colors create an airy ambiance that highlights natural light while providing a backdrop for bold accents like colorful rugs or statement furniture pieces. For optimal desert modern style, it is essential to choose a suitable color palette that will enhance the room’s design. Earth tones like sienna and deep green are also a great way of bringing the outdoors in.

Choosing the Right Tile Color Palette for Your Space

Selecting a suitable color palette is crucial in achieving the desired desert modern style. Start by considering your home's existing architectural features and materials. 

For instance, if you have exposed concrete walls or floors, opt for cooler shades of taupe or gray tile to complement these elements. On the other hand, warmer hues – achieved with our newest ceramic subway tiles – can be used alongside wood looks to evoke a more rustic feel.

2: Maximizing Natural Lighting For An Airy Space Effect  

To fully embrace desert modernism's open interior concept, it's essential to make optimal use of natural light sources within your living spaces. Large windows are characteristic of many Palm Springs homes, allowing sunlight to flood into rooms throughout seasonal resort months and year-round warmth. Add in natural textures like these Wooden Beige marble hexagon tiles on an otherwise minimalist hearth, and you’ve got a compelling 70s-inspired space.

If you cannot make structural changes, consider the following tips for enhancing natural light:

1. Hang mirrors opposite windows to reflect sunlight and brighten up darker corners.
2. Choose sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through while maintaining privacy.
3. Opt for furniture with sleek lines and minimal ornamentation, which will help create an airy desert feeling in your space without obstructing sunlight.

Ultimately, to achieve this coveted aesthetic, it's all about selecting the right color palette that complements the specific architecture of your home. From there, you can make strategic choices about window treatments and carefully curated furnishings that work together to create a welcoming and inviting space that exudes that signature desert vibe. 

By paying close attention to these key details, you can be confident that your home is a true reflection of the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you!

3: Use Wood Tiles in Desert Modern Design

Be sure to add in at least one wood accent piece to your design – it is essential to achieving a desert modern look rustic wooden elements add warmth and texture to spaces dominated by neutral tones while also grounding the overall aesthetic. 

In this section, we will explore popular types of wood tile replacement that you can use in desert-look interiors and provide tips for selecting the perfect piece!

Popular Types of Wood Used in Desert Modern Interiors

The beauty of oak wood look flooring is on full display in this family room. Featuring our very own Japandi Oak Chevron Tile, the impact is immediate and long-lasting for guests.

Oak: Known for its durability and beautiful grain patterns, oak is a classic choice that adds an earthy touch to any space. Its versatility makes it suitable for both traditional and contemporary designs.  The best part? You can find wood look alternatives for that traditional appeal.

Another option for those seeking a mosaic tile instead? Our Hexagon Wooden Beige Marble Mosaic Tile! It’s durable and expansive – perfect for playing up the natural light in a space, which interiors like these absolutely love!

Walnut: With its rich color palette ranging from light brown to deep chocolate hues, walnut brings sophistication and elegance into your home. This hardwood is often used for statement pieces like dining tables or headboards due to its luxurious appearance. With us, you can embrace its beauty in tile form and ensure a long-lasting impact for your home.

4:  Select the Perfect Accent Piece

When it comes to creating an interior design that truly speaks to your personal style, it's all about the details. And one detail you definitely don't want to overlook is the perfect accent piece. In a desert interior, the right accent piece can tie everything together and make your space feel cohesive and complete. But beyond just aesthetics, the right elemental addition can also add function and practicality to your room. Whether it's a stunning piece of artwork or a statement bowl that doubles as a catch-all for your keys and sunglasses, your accent decoration should reflect both your style and your needs.

Creating a space that is Palm Springs-approved is easy – you just need to take a second to think out the elements that will work best in a given space. This bathroom design is a fusion between the trending style and a more contemporary edge thanks to the steel-look porcelain herringbone tiles.

Here are some core things to consider for accent piece hunting:

Analyze Your Space: Before choosing a perfect accent piece, consider factors such as room size, existing decor elements, and the desired function of the furniture. This will help you select something that complements your space while serving its intended purpose.

Choose Quality: Invest in high-quality, artisanal pieces made from solid materials, ensuring they are built to last. Pay attention to craftsmanship details like techniques and finishes for an enduring addition to your home. You want something that stands out amid the solitude!

Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix different types of wood within your desert inspired interiors. Combining various textures, colors, and grains can create visual interest while maintaining cohesion through shared design elements such as sleek lines or an airy desert feeling.

Tip 5: Be Creative & Use Desert Native Plants as Decorative Elements

To fully embrace desert modernism, incorporating drought-resistant plants like cacti, succulents, air plants, or palm trees into your decor is crucial. These botanicals not only enhance visual interest but also pay homage to their arid origins.

Pairing the right plants with the right tile is always a good idea. Seen here our Olson Bianco Wood Look Floor Tile stuns alongside some greenery. 

Types of Low Maintenance Plants Suitable for Indoor Use

Dry and sunny conditions, often found in desert modern homes, can be ideal for a selection of drought-tolerant houseplants to flourish.

 Some popular options include:

• Cacti: Available in various shapes and sizes, these iconic desert plants add a touch of southwestern charm to any space.
• Succulents: With their fleshy leaves and unique forms, succulents such as echeveria or jade plant make excellent accent pieces.
• Palm Trees: Although typically found outdoors in warmer climates like Palm Springs, smaller varieties such as parlor palms can adapt well to indoor environments if given adequate light exposure.

No green thumb? Make your space a jungle with floral tiles!

Luckily, for those that aren’t the best plant parents, you have another option: floral tiles! These can give any space a touch of plant appeal with low maintenance. A definite win-win for all our desert-look lovers out there. 

Floral marble tiles, like our Santorini Gray and White seen here, can be the perfect balance in this type of design. You’ll get neutral tones matched with floral essence in one shot.

Tip 6: Substitute A Bohemian Rug With A Tile Rug

A well-chosen rug can bring together all aspects of desert modernism. But the upkeep? Not always the best ideal. So, instead, go for a tile rug. It’s a timeless look that requires far less maintenance. Plus, it has longevity – you’re less likely to need to replace it as you would a rug. 

With tile rugs, you can have rich colors and interesting textures that will enhance your overall decor while adding visual interest to any room. 

The trick to finding the right tile for a tile rug? Go for one with patterns and visual interest. You’ll only be using it on a central part of the floor, so you need it to pop. Much like the Thassos and Carrara Weaved Octagon Marble Mosaic Tile does in this shower!

Tip 7: Balancing Minimalism with Statement Pieces

Desert neighborhoods are a quandary of wonder – They marry the natural land with man-made homes that somehow fuse together to create a magnificent result. So, the key to achieving a harmonious desert-approved interior aesthetic lies in striking the right balance between minimalist naturalism and daring, statement pieces that make everything blend seamlessly into one environment. 

Sometimes, the statement additions to create the space are subtle! Pair a desert modern tile backsplash with simple wooden cabinets and matte black kitchen appliances.

Start by choosing neutral-toned pieces with sleek lines reminiscent of international-style architecture found in iconic Palm Springs homes. Then add pops of color through bold accents such as patterned throw pillows, eye-catching artwork, or even brightly painted accent walls.

Some renowned staple statement pieces to consider:

• Macrame: Incorporate macrame wall hangings for texture and visual interest while staying true to bohemian roots.
• Sculptures: Add personality to your space with metal sculptures inspired by natural elements, such as cacti or abstract desert forms.
• Lighting: Choose lighting fixtures that evoke the airy desert feeling, like pendant lights with rattan shades or floor lamps made from natural materials.

Tying Desert Modern Interiors Together

If you're looking to infuse your home with a unique sense of style, Desert Modernism interior design might just be the perfect fit!

With its subtle yet bold blend of mid-century modern and natural elements, this style lets you make a statement without overwhelming your senses. By keeping your color palette neutral and making the most of available natural light, you'll be able to create a warm and inviting space that pays homage to the breathtaking desert landscape around you. 

And with some cozy wood accents, drought-resistant plants, and bohemian-inspired accessories, your space will be as gorgeous as it is comfortable. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to this style; all you need is a little creativity.