How to Create a Desert Style Interior

With all the fabulous sunny weather in Great Britain over these last few weeks, what better time to celebrate the chic and rustic style of desert inspired interior design, with their soothing colours and traditional accessories?

This cool and relaxed designer look can be translated into both contemporary and traditional style interiors and provides a stylish earthen ambiance in any room of the home. With a few simple additions and changes you can transform even the most neutral of interiors into a summery ranch style retreat that is laid back yet luxurious.

Desert colour schemes create a perfect balance of rustic cosiness and light summer tones that create a tranquil ambiance within the home. Opt for classic sandy tones such as beige, taupe and terracotta that can be mixed with chocolate and mocha browns for added depth and warmth. This neutral colour palette can be accentuated with orange, leafy green and yellow for a botanical influence that balances the earthen tones of desert landscapes.

More earthen tones can also be balanced with bold Mexican hues such as turquoise, fuchsia and purple for a burst of vibrant summer colours that compliment and contrast with the natural tones of desert interior design.

When selecting fabrics and upholstery for a desert inspired interior, opt for classic materials such as cotton and linen and opt for cushions and throws in tribal style patterns and prints, Aztec designs in cosy brown, yellow, beige and cactus green colour schemes for a chic and neutral style.

You can also include some faux fur and artificial cow hides that will create a ranch style look that is perfect for creating warmth in the cooler British weather.  Bold blue, pink and purple Mexican designs will look fabulous against a plain cream seating area or scattered in an elegant swinging hammock for a truly relaxed look and feel. Select Kilim patterned or Persian style rigs in matching colour palettes that look wonderful against simple natural or reclaimed wood flooring to reflect the cosy and earthen desert surroundings.

Balance the sandy and neutral tones of the home with some desert inspired foliage that will create a pop of colour and a visual focal point within your chosen interior space. Cactus and Aloe plants will give an authentic desert atmosphere in the home and can be displayed in large terracotta planters in the corner of the room or small orb style terrariums that can be displayed along a mantle piece or sideboard. Alternatively select contemporary terrariums that can be hung above a window or dining table for a modern twist on this traditional look.

These plants require very little maintenance or water making them perfect for busy lives however if you still don’t feel particularly green fingered then why not add a botanical influence with some cacti wallpaper or cushion covers that will add greenery and freshness to a neutral interior space. Add a further desert twist to your statement wall with a  selection of cattle skull wall mounts or Mexican style masks for a hint of authentic and regional style.

Complete your desert interior with a selection of natural furniture items that will compliment the earthen colour palettes and outdoor influences and create a balance of function and fashion within your home. Reclaimed and weathered oak items look fabulous in a desert interior setting and bring a sense of the outdoor landscape, indoors to provide a balance of ruggedness and style that works particularly well in a living room, dining room or bedroom area.

These items can be further complimented by a selection of rustic tree trunks and branches and rattan style seating designs that will create a relaxed, country style atmosphere. If you prefer a richer ranch style interior then opt for deep walnut and mahogany furniture items that will create a rural ambiance within the home and look particularly striking as a statement item such as a four poster bed frame, traditional dresser or dining table to create a focal point within your chosen room.

For more ideas on creating an authentic desert style interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Desert Interiors