HIGH TAIL

NORTHERN LIGHT

FURNISHINGS | JOSHUA TREE, CA

Young homeowners came to us with their just-purchased home in Joshua Tree. A contemporary new-build, if offered none of the bull-nosed corners and exposed beams that have become trademarks of high desert style. Further, our clients wanted to create a cozy, more Scandinavian vibe as an antidote to their busy lives on the coast. We loved the opportunity to separate from the herd.

NORTHERN LIGHT

FURNISHINGS | JOSHUA TREE, CA

Young homeowners came to us with their just-purchased home in Joshua Tree. A contemporary new-build, it offered none of the bull-nosed corners and exposed beams that have become trademarks of high desert style. Further, our clients wanted to create a cozy, more Scandinavian vibe as an antidote to their busy lives on the coast. We loved the opportunity to separate from the herd.

Living room in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Living room in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Kitchen in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
lights in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Patio of a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Patio of a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Patio of a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks

With an incredible pool and sweeping desert and mountain views, the project lacked only that fourth essential ‘hygge’ element—fire. Imagining sunrises by the fire, we installed a vintage Malm wood stove (converted to gas) positioned to take in the view. Sunsets are spent by the large outdoor fire pit.


The couple had commissioned a bocce court; we added a covered patio for dining and after -dinner star watching.

Living room in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Kitchen in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Dining room in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks
Lights in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks

Inside, we assembled a collection of simple modern furnishings that share a materials palette— leather, live edge wood, linen— with that of the more well known Joshua Tree look. We commissioned art that references the vintage signage seen driving into town on Hwy 62, and then took the scale of the bedroom wallcoverings to billboard proportions.

Bedroom in a Joshua Tree house designed by Dakota DesignWorks

Outside, we kept everything low, lean and simple—you can’t compete with those views. Repeating the same Adirondack-style chair provided the opportunity to easily move and regroup. We upcycled the intended carport as a covered lounge/dining space, and added a built-in grill.

Photography by Owen Masterson