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Teepees (aka tipis) are shelters of the Native Americans of the Great Plains. The word tipi simply means “living in.” We don’t suggest you ditch your apartment or manse to go live in a tent, but we think a teepee is a great home addition, whether as outdoor lounge, guest room, kid play area or pet nook. Cultural appropriation musings aside, teepees are inspiring  structures that deserve applause for their ingenious design. Here are some eclectic ideas for incorporating modern teepee designs into your life.tipi-gigante-large-teepee-gandia-blasco-xl4
If money – and space – are no object, consider this grand-scale, modernist shelter. The gorgeous Teepee Wigwam Outdoor Tent was conceived by Gandia Blasco in Valencia, Spain. Designed for hotels, retreat and spas, it’s also suited for private residences needing a soothing outdoor escape for lounging in style. We love its minimalist I.M. Pei pyramid looks.
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How about a room-size tent as a guest room? Check out the services of Foxcreek Interiors in Ketchum, Idaho, whose projects include custom furnishings, green and sustainable design, interior consultations and more. Their Teepee Guest Room project is a vision from designer Susan Seder, which sits on her very own property, to the delight of her visitors. “Our guests always tell us they don’t want to leave,” she says. Take a tour via the five images above this paragraph.
teepee designs by colorado yurt company

The Colorado Yurt Company at the base of the Rocky Mountains specializes int he careful craftsmanship of artisanal yurts, teepees and heavy-duty tents, honoring the Hopi tradition where tipi simply means “home.” They work with each customer’s specific needs, taking into account budget, the environment and other concerns. The company has been around since its owners made their very first teepee in 1976. Visit their site for hundreds of ideas and constellations (example above.)

Children's teepee designs
Children's lace teepee design with gardens
Children's lace teepee with garlands

For kids, there are many types of play teepees such as this Children’s Cotton Canvas Teepee with Wooden Poles. The 7-foot structure is easy to put up and take down, flame retardant and mildew resistant, so the wee ones can cozy up in comfort. Check out the cotton canvas ground cover (sold separately). String a bunch of LED lights and you have a magical wonderland escape. The  Lace Teepee with Garlands has cute pom poms, and you can even get a fake campfire made of cotton with poly-fill. For pets, there seem to be even more options like this five-pole, cotton-canvas, Printed Cat Tipi. Or DIY (see below) with the help of an online tutorial.


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If you want to take a teepee test drive, there are glamping options: Moab Under Canvas in Utah, near famed Arches National Monument; romantic and exclusive Dunton Hot Springs in the Colorado Rockies; and Mustang Monument, an eco resort in Nevada (see images below).
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