Susannah Holmberg reimagines desert life at Moab Residence

Susannah Holmberg reimagines desert life at Moab Residence

As a designer Susannah Holmberg approached it Juniper hills Inhabiting the home of a family of seven, she faced a challenge familiar to anyone working in regions of outstanding natural beauty – the looming temptation to create a themed environment. But as Holmberg explains, “We tend to believe that Southwestern design has become a watered-down interpretation of Native American symbolism and Americanized versions of Spanish influence. We preferred to avoid both and create something entirely new.”

A modern kitchen with dark wooden cabinets, a marble backsplash, an island with two wooden chairs and a blue and white pendant light on the ceiling.

The wavy brick ceiling in the kitchen of this Moab, Utah, residence reveals itself through layers. The first thing you notice is the warm terracotta color – an echo of the red rock formations visible through almost every window. The rhythmic pattern of the curves then comes into focus and creates a wave effect in the room. This ceiling isn't just decorative—it embodies the central tension that animates the entire 5,000-square-foot home; how to create a dialogue between contemporary domestic life and an ancient landscape.

Modern kitchen with dark cabinets and pendant lights, large windows and doors leading to a patio with a pool and scenic views of the red rock desert cliffs.

A wooden dining table with four chairs sits next to a built-in bench that holds a large vase of green flowers and two cups. Wallpapers with animal motifs decorate the walls.

This rejection of established regional tropes opened up space for a more nuanced engagement with the place. Rather than mimicking the landscape directly, Holmberg absorbed its chromatic influence in a palette that combines maroon, rich brown, deep blue and green. The resulting interior showcases primary colors that appear bold and appropriate at the same time.

A dining nook with a curved blue upholstered bench, a wooden table and chairs, green patterned wallpaper, a paper lantern and a vase of branches.

A dining room with a wooden table, six chairs, a modern white chandelier, stone walls, patterned curtains and a flower vase, viewed through an arched doorway.

The choice of materials throughout the residence demonstrates a deep engagement with regional climate conditions and contemporary sustainable design practices. Tile floors play a prominent role, not as mere decorative elements, but as functional components of a passive solar strategy that accommodates Moab's extreme temperature fluctuations.

A dining room with a wooden table and six chairs, a modern chandelier, a sideboard with decor, framed art and patterned curtains in neutral and earthy tones.

A living room with a brown curved sofa, a floral pillow, built-in shelves and a view into a dining area with a wooden table, chairs, a modern chandelier and framed artwork.

Perhaps most telling is how Holmberg describes the sensory experience of the site itself: “There is a complete stillness to the landscape. It is a property that feels so old and worthy of respect that you cannot be in the house or in the countryside without feeling that deep, ancient reverence.” This quality of quiet awe permeates the design choices, from the dining room chandelier Bourgeois bohemian studio This is reminiscent of a fossil formation of the carefully selected vintage pieces 1stDibs And Chairman that add historical depth to the contemporary space.

A living room with brown curved sofas, a round wooden coffee table, large windows overlooking the desert cliffs and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.

A bedroom with beige walls, beamed ceilings, a bed with dark linens, a dresser, a chair, a potted plant and wall art. Warm natural light penetrates the room.

Minimalist bedroom with exposed beam ceilings, neutral-toned walls, low bed, potted plants, open book on a side table and a view into an adjacent room with a wooden bench.

A bathroom vanity with a marble countertop, two sinks, wooden drawers, two mirrors, a dark vase with branches and warm brown walls.

A modern building with large windows and wooden accents stands in a rocky desert landscape with reddish sandstone hills in the background.

Two wicker chairs with cushions and a small table stand by a swimming pool and overlook a desert landscape with hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

For more information about Susannah Holmberg, visit susannahholmberg.com.

Photography by Yoshihiro Makino and styling by Jen Paul.

Susannah Holmberg reimagines desert life at Moab Residence

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism in his daily updated blog Leibal. In addition, you will find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture in the Leibal Store.

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