Desert Living Revolutionized: Susannah Holmberg's Innovative Moab Residence

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When Susannah Holmberg took on the design project for the Juniper Hill residence, home to a family of seven, she faced a well-known dilemma among designers in visually stunning locales: the allure of a thematic aesthetic. Holmberg, however, had a different vision. She notes, “There’s a tendency to dilute southwestern design into a cliché of Native American motifs and American interpretations of Spanish styles. We aimed to step away from that and forge something unique.”

The kitchen’s scalloped brick ceiling in this Moab, Utah home gradually unveils its charm. Initially, one is drawn to the terracotta shade, reminiscent of the red rock landscapes visible from almost every angle of the house. Then, the undulating pattern of bricks becomes apparent, casting a wave-like effect throughout the kitchen. This architectural feature serves more than an aesthetic purpose; it represents the home’s overarching theme of balancing modern living with the timeless essence of the natural surroundings.

This deliberate shift away from conventional regional designs allowed Holmberg to engage more thoughtfully with the environment. Instead of directly replicating the natural scenery, she infused the color scheme with maroons, rich browns, navy blues, and forest greens. This choice in palette yields a set of primary colors that are both striking and fitting.

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The selection of materials used in the home also speaks to a commitment to both regional environmental conditions and modern eco-friendly design principles. The tile flooring extends beyond mere ornamentation, playing a crucial role in the home’s passive solar heating strategy, which is ideal for dealing with the significant temperature swings typical of Moab.

Holmberg’s description of the sensory experience offered by the property itself is particularly evocative: “The landscape envelops you in an absolute silence. It’s a piece of earth that commands such respect due to its ancient character, making it impossible not to feel a profound sense of reverence both inside and outside the home.” This profound respect for the land influences every design choice, from the dining room’s chandelier by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, reminiscent of fossilized remains, to the carefully selected vintage items from 1stDibs and Chairish, which add layers of historical richness to the modern setup.