Living with the harsh demands of climate and solitude, people have flourished in the desert for thousands of years. Drawing on the rich history of desert-style living, author Mary Whitesides illustrates contemporary desert style in modern desert dwellings. She shows how historic building materials and methods, such as rammed earth and adobe, are combined with modern style and contemporary conveniences. Desert Style examines how exterior design in architecture can create homes that meld with the desert landscape, how materials and textures can reflect the desert, and how color schemes of desert hues and cooling tones can be incorporated into living spaces to create desert style. Indoor spaces and designs are abundantly illustrated, from use of space and materials to create the best heating and cooling for desert homes, to what furniture, paint, and art you should use. Modern art, Old World Tuscany design, Spanish Colonial style, and wrought iron are just a few of the elements that can be combined to achieve the style you want. Open interior spaces, patios, and well-placed windows are incorporated in the design of desert style homes to create openness and to extend living space into the out-of-doors. Water, a precious commodity in the desert, can be used in fountains or reflecting pools whenever possible, to create a sense of oasis in a dry environment. Showing examples of homes throughout the deserts of the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, the book includes rich full-color photography, a section on desert landscaping, and a resource listing and guide. From an understanding of the philosophy behind desert style, down to incorporating the most specific details, this book explores the many options for creating beautiful, contemporary desert style living.
