This Adobe House in Utah Is a Natural Desert Dream Home

Name: Holli Zollinger, my son Lorenzo and two kittens Zizi and Zara.
Location: Moab, Utah
Size: 729 square feet
Years lived in: 5 months, owned

My name is Holli and I live in this 729-square-foot desert adobe home with my son Lorenzo and two kittens Zizi and Zara. I’m a full-time working textile/surface designer and artist of 26 years. I helped build this home in the span of six months with the help of a local non-profit and 17 volunteer students looking to learn more about green and natural building concepts. This home is built of mud, straw, brick, stone, plaster, wood, concrete, and sweat! As well, all of the finishes were chosen to be timeless, comfortable, and as often as I could… close to its original source.

What is your favorite room and why? Master bedroom. I loved creating the feeling of this space. From the barn door slider (that I built) to the natural rattan elements, the natural plaster and strategically placed plants, to the bedscape. Because this room is so small I had to minimize the elements and concentrate on a few key statements. The tapestry as a headboard is one of them. I love the idea that this could be swapped out whenever I’m ready to refresh the space. And depending on one’s decorative mood, this can influence the room in many different styles.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I love the cozy factor of this home, but would love to have a loft or an additional room for a studio.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Define what you want right away. But don’t be afraid to change your mind as your research and study could bring you to new ideas and concepts previously unknown.

Thanks, Holli Zollinger!

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