A pair of globetrotters’ abodes reflect their world travels—and the treasures they have collected along the way.

Walking into Tierra Del Lagarto, the Scottsdale furniture and accessories showroom owned by mother-daughter duo Linda and Meg Van Lith, is like stepping into an artful collection of the world’s most cherished cultures. Every corner offers richly carved woods, vibrant textiles and intricate artisan-made objects from far-flung places such as Indonesia, Morocco, India, Mexico and Turkey.

It’s a curated representation of the Van Liths’ love for travel and craft, but it’s also a reflection of their personal homes—spaces that hold both their treasures and memories.

“We have an Old-World aesthetic and equally love hand-carved, time-worn wood, unusual vintage textiles, saturated color and a great story,” Meg says. “My home is a little more whimsical and bohemian, while my mom’s is more classic and colonial in influence.”

Linda’s Home: A Desert Dwelling of Time-Honored Elegance

Linda and her husband, Jerry, live in a 1930s Paradise Valley adobe house that was originally a sheep ranch—long before air conditioning was a desert essential. “The ceilings were painted black, Spanish Inquisition-style,” she says, laughing. “It was pretty grim, with a flat roof and small windows.”

The couple preserved the house’s bones—its stucco walls and Saltillo tile—but over 36 years, made thoughtful updates, crafting a home that reflects Linda’s deep appreciation for timeless, well-worn pieces.

“Over time, it became something else,” she explains. “It evolved, like our decor, like our lives. I always joke that my style says ‘well-traveled old bat,’ but that is exactly what I have been going for.”

Inside, Linda’s home echoes the collected charm of Tierra Del Lagarto. Every piece feels like it carries a history. “Sure, we have a bronze Indonesian rat paddling a leaf down a stream on our dining room table and an old silk cow painting framed with gold, pink and green turban silk over a fireplace,” she quips. “But the overall effect is a place that is vaguely Spanish Colonial, where people who travel a lot have lived for a long time.”

Meg’s Space: A Whimsical, Well-Loved Sanctuary

In contrast to Linda’s more traditional elegance, Meg’s North Central Phoenix home leans into the eclectic and unexpected. The dwelling itself, also built in the 1930s, was a farmhouse surrounded by a citrus grove. Its humble beginnings have been carefully transformed into something that is equal parts history and adventure.

“We dedicated the first few years to just making the house less dangerous for our kids, quite literally,” Meg recalls. “After that, we slowly renovated. It’s a mutt, really.”

The house, now a blend of Spanish Revival and personal touches, is full of pieces with stories. “When you own a furniture store, you naturally end up with as many mistakes as you do treasured wins,” she says. “Our four-poster bed is a cobbled-together mess from the first time trying to make king-sized anything by our carvers in Bali. Our dozens of pots on the patios are all broken and glued together. The moucharabieh tabletop with crushed legs is now a piece of art above the fireplace.”

Yet, like her mother, Meg has a deep appreciation for the imperfect. “The pieces I purposefully chose—such as our mother-of-pearl inlaid dressers I had made into sink vanities, the sliver of old Moroccan ceiling panel from the flea markets in Marrakech or the antique Himachal chest Linda gave me—live side by side with the beaten-up orphans we’ve taken in from Tierra Del Lagarto just fine.”

A Life of Discovery

For both Linda and Meg, their homes are spaces filled with the essence of their travels. “From attending our biggest supplier’s son’s wedding in Jodhpur, India, to riding motorbikes in Bali through rice fields looking for land, there are a million fantastic memories,” Meg shares. “Having something from our trips—whether beautiful or practical—is the most important ingredient in any space in our homes.” These dwellings are lived-in galleries—places where objects hold stories and every curio reflects years of exploration. Linda’s home speaks of quiet refinement and historical charm, while Meg’s is a colorful collection of wild creativity. “We love the friendships we’ve made, the treasures we’ve found, and the rich history we absorb with each trip,” Meg reflects. “Looking forward, we hope to venture further afield to Uzbekistan, Southeast Asia—there’s always a new adventure waiting.”

Global Perspective: Steal The Look

Meg Van Lith shares her insights on creating a collected, international aesthetic.

Anything Can Be Art

“Try hanging carved panels, antique doors, iron window grates or handwoven textiles. Nontraditional pieces displayed as art instantly add character and depth to your space. Incorporating the unexpected creates visual interest.”

Group Your Collections

Drama comes from massing similar items. Bigger things, such as vintage wine demijohns or water bottles, can be displayed up high on a tall cabinet to catch the eye. Smaller pieces, such as lacquered tikka boxes, feel intentional when arranged purposefully on a lower shelf.”

Hanging Chairs and Indoor Hammocks? Yes, Please!

“In our home, the kids fight over these prized hangout spaces. Easy to install and fun to use, they add an element of playfulness and can transform seemingly useless spaces into the most popular spots in your house.”

If You Love It, You’ll Find a Place for It

“Don’t worry about showing your personality in your home. Live among the things that bring you joy and remind you of the life you have lived. Don’t settle for knockoffs and mass-produced—find one authentic thing instead of half a dozen imitations.”

SOURCES

Meg and Linda Van Lith, Tierra Del Lagarto, Scottsdale, tierradellagarto.com.