Desert Wild, as the home is called, features a friction-less interior of plaster, microcement, and wood that’s designed to place emphasis on desert views. Read on for Louis’s account of the building process, and how you can book your own stay at this serene hideaway.

1. Looking For a Challenge—and the Big Move

“Why Joshua Tree?”

That’s the question my wife, Natalie, and I have been asked weekly by friends, family, and strangers for the past two years.I’m not sure if we have come up with a great answer, or answered it the same way twice in a row, but we do know that we were drawn here with a desire to create something—and hopefully create something special.

About two years ago, after visiting Joshua Tree frequently as a stop-over between Sydney, Australia, and Chicago to visit family, we decided to quit our day jobs, throw caution to the wind, and move to the Mojave Desert, with cats in tow. Our journey first started with the desire to renovate an old homestead, but after seeing a few pieces of land, and an unplanned meeting with local contractor Michael A. Wilson, we bought a 1.2-acre lot in South Joshua Tree within 10 minutes of the National Park entrance and downtown Joshua Tree.

We decided on a floor plan that was small—around 1,100 square feet. We had to utilize the space effectively, so the bedrooms are on either end of the property, allowing greater privacy if two couples are staying there at the same time.

Early on in the process, we decided outdoor shaded areas are essential in the desert. We added three separate covered patios, each serving a different purpose throughout the day. The large front patio is for taking in the sunset views and drinking wine in the swing chair. The back dining area can be used for entertaining at night. The lounge area can be used for taking a break from the desert sun after cooling off in the pool. We decided on the name Desert Wild because of all of the native flora and fauna around the property, but the home is designed as a retreat to relax, reflect, and slow down.

2. Planning, Permits, and Going Stir Crazy

We had heard getting permits could take forever in our county, but our fingers were crossed for a speedy approval. A second hurdle was added to the process when an additional permit was required to grade into our sloped backyard, which would add space for our pool and more privacy. Our contractor, Michael, was “on the ball” and responded promptly to whatever was required, but the process still took what felt like an eternity.

It was a trying time for us both, and there were moments when we really questioned what we had gotten ourselves into. Had we bitten off more than we could chew? Regrets about not doing a renovation were creeping in, and it was difficult to stay positive.But finally, about nine months after we moved to Joshua Tree, we received all the permits, and the foundation was ready to be poured. It was go time!

3. Finding Inspiration

Natalie, a graduate of the Sydney School of Interior Design, started drawing, researching, sourcing, and dreaming. Inspiration came from our travels—specifically to Morocco, Greece, Spain, and New Mexico. Artist Georgia O'Keeffe’s home in Abiquiú, New Mexico, was of particular importance, and helped inspire the Zen-like simplicity of the design.

Our goal was to create an environment that reflected the serenity we feel when we are in the desert, but with the modern comforts of an upscale retreat. We also were inspired by the color palette of the desert and its natural beauty. We knew from the start we wanted to create a unique space for Joshua Tree: one that was minimal and restrained, but also inviting and filled with light.

4. Beginning the Build

Right from the start, we had a strong vision of how we wanted Desert Wild to look and feel. I think that was of vital importance to the end result. We knew that in order to bring our vision to life, our trades needed to be artistic, and our materials had to be special.

We spent every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. helping Michael, Michael’s right hand man Jerry, and their amazing crew. With no prior experience, we did everything from framing to electrical. The build was not an easy process by any means. Every day brought new challenges, excitement, and sometimes compromises. Blood, sweat, and tears become the actuality when you decide to build in the desert in July!

The kitchen was one of the biggest challenges of the build and was truly a team effort. Anthony, from Fire on the Mesa, built our cabinetry, and it was artists like him who made the difference in bringing Desert Wild to life.

Custom details added time to the build, which totaled about 10 months, but those details are what we love most. Some of our favorites include our sand-colored plaster floor that continues up the walls in place of baseboards, recalling riads in Marrakech, and the built-in bed, side tables, and headboard in the second bedroom—all of which is the same material and color as the flooring.

5. Getting the Details Right

There were different phases of the build, but the one constant was taking care to get the design details correct.

We wanted to contrast old-world materials and techniques, such as tadelakt (waterproof plaster used in Moroccoan architecture) and 100-year-old Turkish sinks, with cutting edge materials, such as Topciment,to create a balance that feels warm and inviting. The simplicity of the organic materials and all of our unique, custom built-in features do the talking in the space.

The desert landscape creates a stark background, so we chose a warm tonal color palette that is neutral and calming. Texture and contrast were added through the use of reclaimed Douglas fir, marble, antique brass, and different plasters and linens.Large picture windows were used in every room to draw the outside in.

6. Seeing the Light at the End of the Tunnel

I knew we needed the project to be over when the stucco company called and said they wouldn’t send us any more samples of white. Our living room had hundreds of paint chips strewn across the floor and couch. The dining table was piled with drawings, brochures, and different woods. The kitchen counter was full of paid invoices, and our yard was scattered with samples of every different color of pebble and flagstone.

I knew we needed the project to be over when the stucco company called and said they wouldn’t send us any more samples of white.

Our life had been completely consumed by the build. I’m sure one day we will laugh about how we spent hours debating on whether the kitchen countertops should be 2 3/4” or 3” thick, but it might still be a little too soon!

7. A Fairytale Ending

“Dreamy” and “magical” are the two words that guests often use to describe our home, and it is exactly what we love to hear. Of course, there are a few details we would now do differently, and we will always see things to add to the agenda, but we are thrilled with the way Desert Wild came together. All of the hard work paid off in the end.People ask us if we will do another project like this soon, and just like the question “Why Joshua Tree?” I don’t think we ever answer the same way twice.

Book Your Stay

Follow Desert Wild on Instagram (@desertwild_jt).

More Construction Diary:

A Young Couple DIY a Lofted Yurt in Portland

A Serene Desert Hideaway Is Part Rental, Part Designer Showcase

Project Credits:

General Contractor: Michael A. Wilson General Contractor / @mwilsonjt

Photographer: Swiley Interior Photography / @swileyinteriorphotography

Cabinetry: Fire on the Mesa / @fire_onthe_mesa

Also Appears In

Construction Diary: A Couple Build a Moroccan-Inspired Retreat in Joshua Tree