Nest in the Desert: A Desert Oasis for Home Design Excellence
Nest in the Desert has quickly become a favorite destination for those who believe home should be as beautiful as it is meaningful. Far more than a boutique, this curated haven where furniture, functional décor, statement artwork, and one-of-a-kind accessories come together represents the fulfillment of owner Robyn Halperin’s lifelong passion for creating beautiful, personalized spaces.
Tucked into the foothills of Oro Valley, Arizona, where desert landscapes meet sophisticated living, Nest in the Desert has quickly become a favorite destination for those who believe home should be as beautiful as it is meaningful. Far more than a boutique, Nest in the Desert is where furniture, functional décor, large statement artwork, and one-of-a-kind accessories come together to inspire your home year-round.
At the heart of it all is Robyn Halperin, the passionate owner and lead designer who has created something truly special. Nest in the Desert offers handpicked home décor where Robyn selects every piece to feel meaningful, timeless, and uniquely yours. This isn’t just another furniture store – it’s a testament to the power of personal touch in an increasingly impersonal retail world.
From Dream to Desert Reality
When Robyn Halperin and her husband planned for the later stage of their lives, they thought, “Why don’t we retire and travel? It sounded like a great plan… we were all excited about having fun and traveling the world.” But as Robyn reflects, “I wasn’t ready to retire.” This restless creative spirit led to the birth of Nest in the Desert, which opened its doors on August 22, 2022, at 7954 N. Oracle Road near Trader Joe’s.
Robyn’s passion for design began at a young age. “I probably started in high school. I was constantly redesigning my room and making changes, painting, and finding creative ways to put things together. I’m very DIY. After I made my very first design profile, my friend’s mom said, “I want to be your first client! I was only 18, and she paid me to accessorize her home.“ This early validation set the foundation for a lifelong passion for creating beautiful spaces.
A native of Kent, Ohio, Robyn has lived in Arizona for 16 years. The current Nest location represents the evolution of her business journey. Robyn previously ran a successful home furnishings store, “Robyn’s Nest,” for several years before establishing the current Oro Valley location.
A Curated Approach to Desert Modern Living
What sets Nest in the Desert apart is Robyn’s meticulous curation process. Every visit to the store reveals something new, from kitchen essentials and artisan gifts to curated lighting and seasonal treasures that transform a house into a haven. The Nest features “desert modern“ home furniture and décor that Robyn has carefully handpicked at several annual trade shows for interior products.
Robyn’s commitment to staying current is impressive: she attends major industry shows in North Carolina, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Atlanta. “I attend all the major furniture markets, and they talk about all the trends, and they preview what’s coming next, so I can share with the Oro Valley community.
The store’s product line reflects a sophisticated understanding of Southwestern aesthetics, featuring reasonably priced, high-quality items including furniture, art, candles, lighting, mirrors, faux greenery, rugs, pillows, and gift items. “Once someone visits our store, they often become a customer for life.”
Seasonal Magic and Community Events
Fall, Halloween, and Christmas are especially magical times at Nest in the Desert, when the store comes alive with creativity, seasonal charm, and layers of inspiration that draw locals and visitors back year after year. “For the holidays, we transform the store into a Magical Christmas Wonderland.” These seasonal transformations create an ever-changing shopping experience that keeps customers engaged throughout the year. Throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, many people tell her that Nest in the Desert is their happy place to find inspiration.
Nest in the Desert is also known for its lively Sip & Shop events, where first-time and repeat customers gather to enjoy a glass of wine while discovering the latest arrivals and drawing inspiration from the latest design trends. These gatherings reflect the store’s spirit: warm, welcoming, and always celebrating community. Along with open houses and other community events, these activities reinforce Nest in the Desert’s role as more than just a retail destination – it’s a community gathering place.
Supporting Local and American-Made
Nest in the Desert’s commitment extends beyond beautiful products to supporting fellow small businesses. “We carry a fabulous, specific candle and soap line from a woman in Tucson. We also have other very popular lines of gift items from women throughout Arizona. The store proudly features American-made furniture and unique products, including Rowe’s American-made sofas and chairs, manufactured in Virginia.
Robyn says she attracts many female customers because, in part, women are more inclined toward decorating their homes, and also because they appreciate that the Nest is a woman-owned and family-run business. The Nest currently has a team of seven dedicated stylists, creating a close-knit team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and knowledgeable design help.
Comprehensive Design Services
Beyond retail, Nest in the Desert offers comprehensive interior design services. Known for her impeccable eye and approachable style, Robyn has curated a talented design team ready to help you refresh a single room or reimagine your entire home. Robyn believes that your space shouldn’t just look amazing, it should feel comfortable and work for your everyday life. She’s a master of transitional décor, creating spaces that are not only stylish but also extremely functional.
The team at The Nest can help with everything from selecting a simple candle to a complete home interior makeover. Customers often bring in photos of their home for Robyn to evaluate. Her comprehensive design services include:
- Whole Home Makeovers
- Single Room Transformations
- Palette Perfection Consultations
- Furniture Finds & Fixtures
- Spatial Storytelling and Layouts
One special feature of Nest in the Desert is that Robyn and her staff will help you design your home right from the store. Whether it’s styling with functional accessories, layering seasonal accents, or finding the perfect custom piece, the team is dedicated to helping every customer bring their vision to life. “We love helping customers create the space they want. Feel free to bring in a photo and let us make suggestions to help you style your place.”
Building Personal Connections
What truly distinguishes Nest in the Desert is its commitment to personal relationships. “People walk into the Nest and want to feel known. We try to learn everyone’s names,“ says Robyn. “You’ll never get that from chain stores or the Internet!“ This philosophy extends throughout their customer service approach: “Customer service is the #1 priority for us. It distinguishes us from the big box stores. We’re dedicated to making our customers happy, and it’s what keeps them coming back.”
The biggest challenge in promoting our business? “Letting people know we are here. Word of mouth from all our customers is the best advertisement. Since opening, we have been active members and support the chamber of commerce and local animal rescue organizations in Oro Valley.
A Labor of Love and Community Gem
For Robyn, Nest in the Desert represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion. “The best part about it: I get to do what I love, and I’m such a people-person. I love meeting customers. We get to form relationships… I enjoy teaching people and helping them bring their style into their own homes. Robyn’s love for design is evident in every carefully curated corner of this desert oasis, a showcase of home design excellence.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Whether you love to browse the store in person or prefer the convenience of shopping online from home, they make it easy to bring inspired living into your space. With both in-store shopping and online ordering available at NestInTheDesert.com, Nest in the Desert continues to grow its reputation as Oro Valley’s premier destination for thoughtful, beautiful home design and gifts.
In an era of mass-produced furniture and impersonal online shopping, Nest in the Desert stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion, expertise, and genuine care for customers come together. Nest in the Desert is more than a store – it’s a community, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of how joyful and personal home design can be. For those in Oro Valley and beyond, it’s a local gem worth discovering again.
