Style: Desert Artisan

Earthy, arid and simple — this warm look is inspired by clean lines, desert hues, and exotic textures sourced from around the globe.

An abode that Cleopatra would be proud of, the Desert Artisan look offers a contemporary take on the classic colours, fluid forms and opulent touches found in the world’s most remote and luxurious homes.

Warmth and opulence: Discover the Desert Artisan moodboard

Love the Desert Artisan style? Get inspired with the Lounge Lovers Desert Artisan Pinterest board.

What’s important in the Desert Artisan style

Rustic, natural and bold are key for this design trend. Statement-making block prints and panelled walls meld together in eclectic cohesion, while chestnut gold and dried foliage connect the indoors with the outdoors and awaken the romance of long desert days.

Old-world charm can be found at every turn in the Desert Artisan aesthetic. This look pairs clay with wood, leather and linens to bring warmth and style in any home.

The Desert Artisan Colour Palette

From Morocco to Cairo, earthy colours tie the various elements of the Desert Artisan look together in perfect harmony. Tonal browns accented with strong blue are grounded with black outlines, creating elegant yet soothing silhouettes that channel the undulating hills of the Sahara.

Key accents and materials

Texture is celebrated over patterns in the Desert Artisan look, with natural fibres and high saturation accents catching the eye. Suede leather, terracotta and sandstone are the ideal materials to channel the arid atmosphere of the outback. Meanwhile, woven objects bring layer and contrast into the home — working perfectly with dried foliage and earthen homewares.

Finish the look off with gold and tin trinkets, gourd-shaped sculptures, and tapas-inspired dining sets that exude desert opulence.

4 ways to achieve the look in your home

1. Channel your love for wood and leather

This interior design style places emphasis on raw and warm materials, which means that leather, timber and the Desert Artisan look are a trio made in heaven.

Select a leather lounge in outback tan or espresso, such as the Linden Corner Sofa, and work this in with solid wood dining tables, chairs, coffee tables and sideboards. The idea is to bring together complementary wood finishes and leathers, such as an espresso sofa with an acacia wood coffee table, to establish depth in a space and bring a sense of cohesion.

2. Add a breath of fresh air with blues and whites

Unlike most interior design styles, which are grounded in a base of neutral whites and creams, the Desert Artisan look typically favours warm hues as a base and lighter colours as a finish. Shades of white and blue bring a breath of fresh air in an otherwise rich and opulent colour palette, and act as focal points in a room.

Blue sculptural pieces, textured cream linens, or pure white terracotta pots are all ideal accessories for the modern desert-inspired home. However, don’t just limit yourself to accessories — a glistening white tub amidst an amber bathroom, or a beautiful cream floor against timber walls both work wonders for bringing the Desert Artisan look to life in your home (without being overbearing).

3. Strip away the curtains

The Desert Artisan style embraces the warmth of the blazing sun. Strip away your curtains and go all-natural with windows to let in as much light as possible — the sunshine will only bring out the buttery rich tones in your home. If bare windows are too open for your taste, opt for wooden blinds or shutters instead to keep the desert vibe alive (while maintaining a sense of privacy).

4. Tune into textiles and textures

Textiles are a key element in the Desert Artisan style. Channel the desert landscape with vintage kilim rugs or flat-weave natural fibre options, both of which add interest and keep the room cosy all year long. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures as well to create depth — for example, contrast a hard wall with the soft leather of the Cuba Armchair, or juxtapose the smooth texture of terracotta with jagged dried foliage.

Ready to bring this look into your home? Shop the Desert Artisan style below.