Palm Springs is a renowned destination for mid-century modern architecture and desert modern homes, offering a wealth of inspiration. During Modernism Week, I toured a range of unique homes to gather inspiration for my business. Read on for my tips to discovering timeless elegance.
The Mid-Century style is characterized by clean lines, large windows, and integration with the natural landscape. Iconic architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler contributed significantly to this style particularly in America. I have discussed in previous blogs about my love for this design aesthetic, you will see many homes feature in preeminent magazines, it certainly is growing in popularity and hopefully homes of this era will be recognised nationally with security of heritage overlays. In Melbourne we can visit many mid-century homes through tours, suburbs with high propensity of this style include Eltham, Montmorency and Beaumaris. The later has a dedicated group supporting the local homes https://beaumarismodern.com.au/
Of course, we also have the fabulous Robyn Boyd home, also with its own foundation. Home tours and resources are readily available https://robinboyd.org.au/
The Desert Modern style emerged as architects adapted designs to the harsh desert climate, focusing on energy efficiency and the use of local materials.
I found there to be two types of architecturally built homes in Palm Springs:
First, the paired back, minimal and modest, connected to nature with ample glass and a low pavilion roof.
Secondly, the glamorous Hollywood A-listed type of home (Elvis and the famous Rat-Pack) with sizable landscapes, gated communities, golf course views, brass, marble and other high-end materials.
Most architectural mid-century homes had pools and lovely desert inspired gardens with resilient flora.
Notable homes that were visited:
The House of Tomorrow, also known as the Alexander Residence, was designed by William Krisel for Robert and Helene Alexander, who frequently collaborated with Krisel on their merchant building projects. Completed in 1960, this remarkable 437 square metre home features four living zones, each a 30-degree dodecagon (12-sided polygon) with stunning floor detailing. The 12 sides of each dodecagon are represented in the floor by a simple aluminum transition strip, aligning with various elements of the home, including the front fence, pool, and internal walls. This mathematical ingenuity is a testament to Krisel's design brilliance.
Recent updates by Palm Springs designer Michelle Boudreau Design have thoughtfully preserved the original floor plan while enhancing each room for modern living through updated materials and finishes.
Adding to the home's allure, Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned here in 1967.
Albert Frey's Frey House II is a remarkable example of his architectural vision. He meticulously tracked the sun's path for a year before building, ensuring the home's perfect integration with the surrounding landscape. A notable feature is the protruding rock housing a light switch, which anchors the structure to the desert environment.
The house itself is modest, reminiscent of an oversized caravan with built-in joinery. Its minimal interior features yellow and teal accents, complemented by a blue perforated ceiling. Timber joinery harmonises with the desert tones of the rock and landscape, while extensive glass walls immerse inhabitants in the natural beauty and stunning views. The pool, a shimmering focal point, is visible from within the home.
The Wexler House, designed in 1954 and completed in 1957, was architect Donald Wexler's own residence, where he lived with his wife Marilynn and their three sons. Its simple post and beam construction was completed by a team of three in just four months.
Originally designed as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home of approximately 135 square metres, it incorporated features like air conditioning, linoleum tiled flooring, and oversized glazed partitions. A Japanese shoji screen initially separated the kitchen and nursery. Wexler's vision for adaptability shone through as the family expanded; a pool was added in 1960, along with another bedroom.
The home remains a humble mid-century gem, featuring warm grey paint and dark accent tones in the bathroom and furniture. I was fortunate to experience an evening there during Modernism Week. The atmosphere was homely and welcoming, and it was lovely to enjoy time by the pool amidst the chatter and laughter of fellow attendees.
The West House, recently renovated by Michelle Boudreau Design, was a truly remarkable project featured on the tour. Originally built for Adam West, the first movie Batman, the home incorporated subtle Batman-related motifs and black accents, creating a luxurious ambiance rather than a "Batcave" feel.
Every wall was exquisitely detailed with wallpaper, tile, patterned curtains, or solid timber woodwork. The design team, who had only handed the project over to the client days before the festival, were thrilled to see the home's completed state for the first time.
The level of design detail and material selection in this home was truly inspiring and will resonate with me throughout my entire career.
The Sackley Chase Sensation house, a 1976 masterpiece designed by Stan Sackley and decorated by Steve Chase, recently underwent stunning upgrades by the talented Roger Stoker and Michael Ostrow of Grace Home Furnishings, who also reside in the home. This mid-century gem exudes personality, pattern, and glamour.
Each room boasts a unique design style, yet the transition between spaces remains harmonious through the use of similar colors and shapes. Furniture arrangements are traditional, while the decor and art play a pivotal role in creating a sense of calm. I was particularly impressed by how the current owners enhanced the livability of this 70s home, seamlessly blending historical elements with modern necessities.
The Lautner Compound offers a unique escape in Desert Hot Springs, just 15 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Designed by John Lautner, an apprentice of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the compound comprises four units. Originally intended as the first phase of a larger development, these four units stand alone, lovingly restored by their current owners.
Each unit is available for rent and perfectly suited for weddings and group gatherings. Three units face south, while the fourth faces east. All are connected by striking terracotta steel exposed beams and feature skylight windows, providing abundant natural light while maintaining privacy. Built in 1947, these units feature stunning timber interiors, fantastic concrete and stainless steel benchtops. Each is uniquely decorated with subtle differences in bathroom tile selection and period-appropriate furniture.
In my next blog I shall share some fabulous Los Angeles showrooms and design highlights, including my lunch at the well published Kelly Wearstler Palma at The Proper.
Generate conversation, Jenni
Comments