Geometric shapes complement desert architecture in Las Vegas

The local landscape is dotted with homes that are a brilliant testament to the meteoric rise of desert contemporary architecture. Developments over the past 15 years, such as The Ridges, have given builders the chance to experiment with contemporary designs that are now characterized by clean and simple lines wherein sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount and tile roofs are absolutely verboten.

One local architect described this as "a trend that's here to stay because when you come to Las Vegas, it's an incredibly stark desert, so you're brought down to the basic elements of nature."

And what a perfect environment this is for the kind of timeless furniture design that finds beauty in form and not in surface decoration or "gingerbread," as it's sometimes referred to in the design trade. We're talking about basic geometric forms that were first embraced by the Greeks of old and have now found a home in the digital age proving once more that everything old is new again. In actuality, what we've now come to know as modern or contemporary has been in existence for a very long time.

In fact, Western culture appears to have had a natural inclination to choose geometric shapes over nongeometric forms, probably because their beauty is simply superior, timeless and based on pure rational appeal. The qualities expressed in this type of design are an economy of line, the beauty of proportion, as well as the extreme precision necessary to create furniture of lasting and enduring appeal. In other words, geometric shapes are indeed the perfect complement to our desert contemporary architecture.

A client recently described this look rather charmingly as a desire for "all square furniture" for her new home — in The Ridges community. Touring some new desert contemporary model homes with her was almost like going back in time for me as I first "cut my teeth" in design with this type of furniture that has a look so pure and simple. The only difference nowadays seems to be in the actual finishes that are, for the most part, shown in dark stained woods like wenge, mahogany and walnut, whereas popular finishes might have once been goatskin, parchment, lacquer or some unusual veneer.

Today's desert contemporary furniture seems to be a reflection of the straightforwardness and order that most of us are looking for in our lives. Quite simply put, they are functional solutions that are expressed in geometric forms that are helping us to define a simpler lifestyle. Square shapes, rectangles and simple lines seem to be the order of the day when it comes to any kind of tables, storage units or beds.

No doubt, to some this type of furniture may seem over simplified with its similarity to geometric shapes, and they may even refer to this period as "square, spare and bare." But, be that as it may, the old is once again visibly influencing the new, and the "new" desert contemporary look is the logical outcome of it all.

In summation, the inherent characteristics of this type of design include the following:

Clean lines that focus first and foremost on function before form and avoids the excessive accessories and decorative elements that are seen in many other styles.

When well-planned, it can promote a sense of calmness and simplicity to the home.

It maximizes space and helps to create the impression that a room is larger than it actually is.

Key identifying features are minimal textures and bold geometric forms, neutral colors accented with a single bold color along with polished finishes and asymmetrical balance in furniture and layout.

Rooms with high ceilings; "square" edged furniture, each piece stands out as individual and unique; negative space is just as important as the areas filled with objects; linear wood floors; bare windows; and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture.

Smooth, clean geometric shapes are essential for furniture pieces, with upholstered furniture usually in black, white or another neutral tone. These pieces should be simple and uncluttered without curves or decoration.

In a word, less is more, so go basic, bare, bold and structural.

Way back in antiquity, the great Greek philosopher Plato declared that when he spoke of beauty of form he meant "straight lines and circles, and the plain or solid figures which are formed out of them by turning lathes, rulers and measures of angles, for these I affirm to be not only relatively beautiful, like other things, but they are eternally and absolutely beautiful."

Later on, Otto Wagner, a Viennese architect in 1894, had the foresight to declare that "a new style consonant with our modern requirements would stress horizontal lines … great simplicity and energetic exhibition of construction and materials."

This is surely a time of dynamic changes in people's lives and thoughts, but natural geometry is all around us and appears to be a trend that has endured throughout history; and it's nothing less than the very cornerstone of desert contemporary furniture design and architecture.

— Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design. He is past president of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and is a certified professional in green residential design. Questions can be sent to soleildesign@cox.net.