Wabi-Sabi meets Mojave Desert: Más o Menos by Studio Plow.

Venture along Route 62 on the way to Joshua Tree National Park, and you’ll discover Más o Menos, a cafe/bar hybrid paying homage to desert architecture and its untamed beauty. Designed by Studio Plow, in collaboration with Grain Construction, the space offers a refuge for holidaymakers and LA locals alike serving up all the good stuff from gourmet coffee to natural wine and handcrafted cocktails.

With the original 1952 white stucco facade preserved, the wine bar feels like it’s been there forever—seamlessly integrating into the landscape. Inside, the brief was Wabi-Sabi meets Mojave Desert with a palette that plays up the terrain’s simplicity and saturation.

Inspired by Joshua Tree’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, the design incorporates gradients and playful pops of colour, infusing the space with desert charm. Warm terracotta hues, reminiscent of desert sand and vibrant high desert sunrises and sunsets, harmonise throughout the space, fostering a deep connection to the environment.

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Clay-based materials, chosen for their authenticity and durability contribute to the bar’s lived-in feel while celebrating the natural beauty of the landscape. With an open floor plan that promotes conversation and a backyard terrace to admire the view, the focal point of the space lies at its heart in the meticulously crafted bar.

The major challenge for Plow and Grain was to transform this space both functionally and visually all within a tight budget. To minimise costs, they got creative—scouring architectural salvage yards for materials that could be repurposed. All of the exterior trellis as well as the custom outdoor furniture, benches, and coffee table were made from standard, low-cost Douglas fir lumber. Round tabletops, concrete pillars, and doors were all salvaged, giving the bar its unique character while reducing environmental impact.

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[Images courtesy of Studio Plow. Photography by Lauren Moore.]