Desert Modern

Where it comes from

Palm Springs mid-century, adapted for contemporary desert building.

Desert modern pairs flat modern planning with sand, clay and cactus tones, plus deep overhangs and large glazing arranged around shade. It is one of the few styles where the exterior decision — where the sun is blocked — governs the interior look.

Lighting

Minimal and warm after dark, since the daytime scheme is entirely about controlling daylight.

What breaks it

• Heavy ornament
• Dark saturated colour
• Cluttered surfaces
• Cool white bulbs

Where to spend

Glazing and shading. Deep reveals and shaded openings are the style; without them it is simply modern in beige.