A cozy, neutral sameness defines our era of interior design. Velvet sofas. Bouclé armchairs. All-white living rooms. Beds layered with fluffy faux-fur blankets. Calming sage green kitchen cabinets.

Archeologists’ dreams of thrilling desert expeditions in search of ancient monuments conjure images of Indiana Jones spending months on end in his hat and khaki outfits in the cruel desert heat to ...