Annie Southam
The first rains have settled in but we are still wanting summer to linger longer. Adding warm desert vibes to your home decor keeps the cozy feeling regardless of outside temperatures. Learn how to emphasize natural light with these inspiration sources and a few easy tips. Soon you’ll have curated a comforting oasis you can still enjoy during cooler seasons.
Desert Vibes With Warm Tones
Hopefully, you love beige. The best way to bring in desert vibes is by using natural colors like beige, cream, and tan. Sometimes, these colors can have a grey undertone, which makes them cooler. Choose warmer options with tones that work with orange or red. Light, natural colors help make a room feel open and airy, while the warm tones emphasize natural light. Bentwood chairs in natural-colored wood and open shelving accentuate the feelings of openness and security. If you’re hanging a pendant lamp, look for styles that use natural shades.
Sleepy Time
If you’re not looking for a full home makeover, a guest bedroom is a nice place to start. Adding desert vibes to a small room helps you get comfortable with the decor style and is a nice surprise for visitors. Embroidered bed linens, textured decorative pillows, and a little Hygge decor go a long way! Guests tend to pack their own batch of clutter so operating on the principles of minimalism is easier in a less-used room as well.
So Sustainable
Another thing to think about when selecting furniture is wood sources and landfill potential. Consider shopping vintage when adding desert vibes to your home and lean into sustainability. Mid-century modern styles are usually well taken care of and come in beautiful wood styles that are half art/ half investment. Area rugs are also wonderful when they are worn in and loved up.
Focus on Texture
When working with a neutral color palette, texture becomes the key component in the room. Think of the juxtaposition of sand when selecting items to create your desert vibe. It should have a balance of rough and soft and be wonderful to the touch. Not too scratchy, not too plush. If you find a mixture of patterns for decorative pillows, add them to an entryway bench or window seat. A floor pillow is also a comfy way to invite formality to leave.
Feng Shui Warning
When looking at photos of Southwestern or Mexican-style homes, you will often see cactuses in the shot. A cactus is an easy way to bring desert vibes into your home but can have some negative impact from a Feng Shui perspective. Generally, plants with rounded leaves (as opposed to stabbing needles or sharp spines) are best for calming chi. Succulents are a good compromise, as they are desert-looking, easy to keep alive, and have rounded leaves. When looking at those fabulous desert designs, focus instead on the color palette, the textiles, and the wall art.
Go Wood or Go Earth
Since minimalist decor can be a little stark, it’s important to use the right materials to keep in the warmth. Natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramic ground desert vibes can be overly airy if you’re not careful. Take a look at our Feng Shui articles on how to incorporate wood and earth into your design. Receive the added benefits of personal growth and less clutter using the elements in thoughtful ways.
Final Note on Patterns
A final element to consider is pattern and artwork. Cactuses may not be great plantlife to bring in desert vibes but they are perfectly acceptable in art and prints. When selecting prints, stick with primitive designs. Crosshatch lines, caveman figures, and geometric shapes are perfect for rugs, pillows, and Mexican blankets. Abstract art in pastels or soft landscape art depicting desert scenes are a wonderful way to bring it all together.