This Palm Springs House Is Full of the Grooviest, Most Stylish Mid-Century Modern Decorating Ideas

This article highlights the home of interior designer Dana Tosolini in Narrabundah, Canberra, which seamlessly blends mid-century design with Palm Springs aesthetics. The property serves as both a family residence and the base for her interior design business, Concepts Interior Design (CID). The design process took approximately two years, with half of that time dedicated to planning, and was completed in March 2023. Dana's primary goal was to create a functional space that balanced professional and personal life, with specific zoning that allowed clients to visit the office without accessing private family areas. The home is shared with her husband, Carlo, and their two adult children. The design ethos of the home reflects Dana's personal style, characterized by a mid-century foundation with a playful European twist. She deliberately chose a bold and directional interior to showcase CID's capabilities in design, documentation, and project management. The exterior facade, inspired by a Modernist European home found on Pinterest, incorporates interesting brickwork details using PGH ‘Morada’ bricks in Ceniza and a striking wall of triple glazing. The facade was designed to be sympathetic to the local housing stock while incorporating modern elements, such as a nearly three-meter-high glazing panel installed with minimal steel supports to achieve a specific aesthetic without a parapet. Inside, the home features a neutral backdrop of soft whites and greiges, which allows vibrant accents and oversized artworks to stand out. Bright fuchsias, zesty citrus shades, and sweet pinks are strategically used to inject fun and personality into the space. Notable pieces include a holographic ballerina artwork by Umberto Ciceri, reupholstered 20-year-old lounges in velvet from Elliott Clarke, and Ligne Roset ‘Pukka’ armchairs. The kitchen and dining areas feature a refurbished dining table, Quantum Zero engineered stone benchtops, and cabinetry in Avion Grey and Polar White. Outdoor spaces also incorporate bold colors, such as an outdoor dining table repainted in Haymes Blushing Peach with a custom pink glass top, and a feature wall painted in Taubmans Earth Tone next to blue pool tiles. The home is filled with personal objects and a tailored color scheme, yet the neutral base palette ensures adaptability for potential future buyers with different tastes, allowing for cost-effective interior adjustments. The layout is also designed for flexibility; the spacious home office can easily be converted into a formal living area as the family downsizes. The project, which was Dana's first experience managing a build from excavation to completion, was a significant professional and personal milestone, providing both a steep learning curve and immense satisfaction. Dana emphasizes the importance of hiring a designer who fully understands the client's aesthetic goals, ensuring the design aligns with their personal style and vision rather than just imposing the designer's stamp. The home is described as a place where the family feels "eternally on holiday," positively impacting their relationships. #MidCenturyDesign #PalmSpringsStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #CanberraHome #BoldInteriors #ColorfulDecor #RenovationProject #FamilyHome

This article highlights a lavish Midcentury Modern home located at 1240 South Manzanita Avenue, Palm Springs, California, which is currently on the market for $1.85 million. The property, boasting four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and 3,250 square feet of living space, is presented as an ideal personal indulgence. The home's long-term previous owner was known as the “plumber to the stars,” with notable neighbors including Liberace, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor, adding a layer of historical celebrity appeal to the property. The house is marketed as being "fabulously decorated," and is offered complete with its custom-made period furniture. A key feature emphasized is the extensive use of archival velvet-flocked gold foil wall covering throughout the interiors, complemented by 100 percent deep-pile wool carpeting, contributing to a distinctive and opulent aesthetic. The author expresses a strong personal desire for the property, humorously framing it as a collective birthday gift. The interior design is a central theme, showcasing a vibrant and luxurious style that is characteristic of Midcentury Modern aesthetics with a unique twist. Specific attention is drawn to a "swanky, curved, wet bar," which is described as an accurate and appealing feature of the home. The dining area is also noted for its specific table and chairs, which are hyperbolically valued at $2 million. The bedrooms are described as being particularly impressive, with each room featuring different carpeting chosen to perfectly match the bed, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. Velvet is frequently mentioned as a prominent material, symbolizing luxury and opulence within the home's design. The bathrooms are also presented as being exquisitely designed, maintaining the high standard of interior decoration seen throughout the rest of the house. The author acknowledges that the vivid interior decor, particularly the intense colors and textures, might require an adjustment period for one's vision when transitioning from inside to outside, but deems it a minor and acceptable inconvenience for the sensory experience the home offers. The article concludes by reiterating the author's strong personal admiration for the property and positioning it as a highly desirable item. #MidcenturyModern #PalmSpringsRealEstate #LuxuryHome #VelvetDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RealEstate

Travis Smith, a lead interior designer at H3K Home+Design, transformed a 1963 fixer-upper in Palm Springs' Indian Canyons neighborhood into his dream midcentury modern home. Smith's passion for design began in childhood, where he frequently rearranged furniture and developed an early appreciation for midcentury aesthetics, influenced by classic TV shows and films. His background includes owning a midcentury furniture store called Good Eye in Washington, D.C., and a long-standing fascination with the blend of antique and contemporary design elements. This extensive experience culminated in the design of his current residence, which serves as a testament to his expertise and personal style. Smith and his husband, John White, acquired the property unexpectedly during the pandemic. They had been content in a smaller patio home when White's clients made an offer on their existing residence, prompting them to consider a move. The Indian Canyons home, though requiring significant renovation, immediately appealed to Smith due to its 11-foot "Mod-iterranean" double doors, smoked glass clearstory windows, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The house, nearly 4,000 square feet, presented a large canvas for Smith to implement his design vision. After selling their previous home and most of its furnishings, they embarked on the project, with Smith meticulously planning the interior through mood boards and digital presentations, much like he would for a client. His design approach for the home combines neutral earth tones with vibrant accents of burnt orange and golden Dijon. The space is furnished with Danish teak pieces, authentic vintage finds, and modern items that pay homage to midcentury design, creating a style Smith calls "butch modern." A key aspect of his design philosophy is to create an environment where guests find it challenging to distinguish between vintage and contemporary pieces, indicating a successful integration of different eras. Notable features include a brutalist painting by Daniel Peterson over the fireplace, Tesselle kitchen tiles, and Pacific Register floating screens, alongside personal collections like a 1963 abstract painting by William Brun. The living room showcases twin mustard-colored sofas, a wood slab coffee table, and black leather chairs, complemented by a laser-cut wood privacy screen and a knotted rug. The TV room, featuring a paneled wall and a leather sectional, provides a comfortable retreat for reading and relaxation. The remodeled kitchen reflects another childhood aspiration of Smith's, with its distinctive yellow, walnut, black, and white sliding cabinet doors. The home also incorporates artwork that reinforces its retro character, such as a "Dirty Harry" dot painting by Hank Hudson and a 1970s triptych by Letterman. The primary bedroom includes an abstract mural by Wallmur and a painting by Bret Palazzo, further contributing to the home's optimistic and dynamic atmosphere. The property is scheduled to debut on a Modernism Week tour in February, highlighting its significance as a well-preserved and thoughtfully designed midcentury residence. A recently discovered fact adds to its allure: the home was originally designed for developer Harry Kelso as part of the Canyon Country Club Estates by Ray Levanas, AIA, a former Warner Bros. film set designer. Smith views this project as a deeply personal endeavor, allowing him to express his long-standing passion for vintage films and television shows through his interior design choices, thereby creating a home that truly reflects his life's work and aesthetic preferences. #InteriorDesign #MidcenturyModern #PalmSpringsArchitecture #HomeRenovation #VintageDecor #DesignProcess #IndianCanyons #H3KHomeDesign

This article explores the transformation of an Indian Wells vacation home in Palm Springs, a mid-century modern residence that underwent a significant renovation by interior designer Stephanie Brown Inc. The project aimed to update a dated property, which suffered from piecemeal renovations, including ceramic flooring, defunct fireplaces, poor space planning, and an inefficient kitchen layout. The reimagined home, spanning 2,200 square feet, now seamlessly integrates with its desert landscape and adjacent golf course grounds, offering a blend of modern aesthetics and functional design. The exterior enhancements include an entry courtyard designed to draw attention skyward, expansive patios, and a pool with an organic, pond-like edge, all contributing to an immersive outdoor experience. Inside, the home features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area centered around a core element that houses a wood-burning fireplace and media equipment. The private quarters consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all designed to maximize natural light, sight lines, and fresh air. Previous structural inefficiencies were addressed by consolidating poorly used space, converting former fireplaces into built-in millwork, and redesigning the kitchen for optimal entertaining. The kitchen now includes a long island for gatherings, a dedicated coffee station, and a bar strategically placed between the dining and living areas. Stephanie Brown's design philosophy for this project, dubbed "Casa Sand Dune," focused on creating a warm, calming, and clean interior. Unlike the bright and kitschy styles often associated with Palm Springs mid-century interiors, Brown drew inspiration from contemporary design in Mexico and Australia. These influences emphasize monochromatic palettes and the use of natural materials, such as textural stone and warm woods. The interior surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops, are bathed in soft parchment tones, allowing for a layering of expressive home furnishings that introduce warmth and character, contrasting with the starkness sometimes found in minimalist designs. Considering the arid climate and the desire for outdoor living, large-format porcelain tile was selected for flooring throughout the home due to its cooling properties and durability. Other wet areas incorporate subtle shifts in material, featuring soft terrazzo marble and a textured wall of zellige terracotta. Melamine walnut cabinetry was chosen for its resistance to extreme heat and sunshine, ensuring longevity and maintaining aesthetic integrity. The fireplace, a focal point, is encased in walnut paneling with a hearth made of fluted concrete tiles. Through these careful interventions and material selections, Brown has successfully reinterpreted a mid-century modern gem, adding a contemporary layer to Palm Springs' rich architectural heritage while preserving its timeless appeal. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #PalmSprings #HomeRenovation #DesertLiving #StephanieBrownInc #ArchitecturalHeritage #NaturalMaterials #ContemporaryDesign

This article highlights a midcentury home in Palm Springs, emphasizing its distinctive architectural features, particularly the extensive use of windows to enhance natural illumination and connect interior spaces with the surrounding environment. The design integrates vaulted ceilings with angled clerestory windows, which play a crucial role in brightening the main rooms and creating an expansive feel within the residence. This architectural choice is characteristic of midcentury modern design, which often prioritized open layouts, natural light, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas. The home's aesthetic draws from the principles of midcentury modernism, a style that emerged in the mid-20th century, typically between the 1930s and 1960s. Key elements of this style include clean lines, organic and geometric forms, a focus on functionality, and an emphasis on incorporating nature. The abundant use of glass, as described, is a hallmark of this era, allowing homeowners to appreciate their surroundings and maximize daylight, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The article showcases how these design elements contribute to the overall ambiance and liveability of the house. The strategic placement of windows, especially clerestory windows—which are typically high-set windows above eye level—ensures privacy while still allowing ample light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces. This design choice also helps in maintaining cooler indoor temperatures by mitigating direct sun exposure, a practical consideration for homes in regions with warm climates like Palm Springs. The vaulted ceilings further amplify the sense of space and allow for the inclusion of these elevated windows, contributing to the architectural grandeur of the main living areas. The article also implicitly touches upon the enduring appeal of midcentury homes, which continue to be sought after for their timeless design, functional layouts, and aesthetic simplicity. The integration of structural and aesthetic elements, such as the windows and vaulted ceilings, not only serves a practical purpose but also defines the architectural character of the home. This blend of form and function exemplifies the thoughtful design prevalent in midcentury architecture, which aimed to create comfortable, efficient, and visually appealing living environments. #MidcenturyModern #PalmSpringsArchitecture #NaturalLight #VaultedCeilings #ClerestoryWindows #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalPhotography

Architect Lane Williams and his wife, Debra, have relocated their Seattle-based architectural practice to Palm Springs, establishing a new home in the Movie Colony. Williams, who has been visiting the Coachella Valley since the 1990s, designed their new residence, which was constructed by Scott Cullens of Palm Pacific Construction. This is Williams' sixth home, with three being new constructions and three being major remodels, showcasing his extensive experience in residential design. His design prioritizes intelligent management of daylight, acknowledging it as a powerful force that can be manipulated and shaped by the architecture to cast specific shadows for comfortable living spaces. The house incorporates deep overhangs to ensure comfort in all seasons. Energy efficiency is a key aspect of the home's design, featuring thick walls, robust roof insulation, high-efficiency lighting and appliances, and solar panels on the casita's roof, all contributing to reduced air-conditioning costs. Williams’ design blends local styles, drawing inspiration from both influential midcentury architects like Albert Frey and Richard Neutra, as well as Spanish Revival works from the 1920s and '30s. The Spanish Revival influence is evident in the choice of gabled roof forms and thick walls, which provide superior insulation. Instead of traditional clay tiles, the roof utilizes metal for its light weight, earthquake resistance, longevity, and heat reflectivity. French doors replace standard sliding glass doors to evoke a Spanish Revival aesthetic. The exterior stucco walls are a foot thick, and the main house's gabled roof, inspired by early California Mission style, contrasts with the modern flat roof of the casita. The main living spaces feature an open plan, while the detached casita serves as an office for Williams and a studio for Debra, with the flexibility to convert into guest rooms. Minimal landscaping, including a sand-colored gravel driveway, reduces irrigation demands and stormwater management needs. The kitchen is designed for two cooks, reflecting the couple's enjoyment of entertaining and cooking. It features a six-person, fixed dining table that allows guests to interact with the hosts during meal preparation, with a linear box on the table concealing clutter. The cabinetry and counters, imported from Italy and installed by Tredi Interiors, are made with durable high-pressure laminates and single-centimeter thick porcelain slabs, respectively. Hiroshima dining chairs made from solid beech wood complete the space. The living room's design emphasizes a sense of connection while maintaining intimacy. Partial separations created by walls with gaps allow communication between spaces, differing from typical 'great room' layouts. The design draws inspiration from Moroccan homes, featuring a sprawling sectional sofa with throw pillows to encourage reading, lounging, and conversation. A Moroccan-inspired hanging lamp further enhances the room's ambiance. The room is decorated with a neutral Turkish rug, four small paintings by Oregon artist Tom Hausken, and a large painting by local artist Kippi Leonard. The interior finishes maintain a simple and cohesive aesthetic, utilizing ground and polished concrete floors, walls without baseboards, and windows and doors without trim. These materials, along with cement stucco, metal roofing, and anodized aluminum windows and doors, were chosen for their low maintenance and heat resistance. Hemlock ceilings conceal motorized shades and add warmth, while deep overhangs provide sun protection in summer and allow low-angle winter sun to penetrate the house. A shaded ramada connects the main house and casita, serving as a welcoming entry for guests. It features suspended raw wood strips that create a smooth, modern aesthetic by de-emphasizing structural beams. Debra Williams selected containers and plants for this area, which are integrated into the irrigation system, adding greenery against the neutral backdrop. The home's U-shaped design encloses a private interior courtyard with a swimming pool and spa, offering mountain views. With 800 square feet of covered outdoor space, there are always shaded areas for year-round outdoor living, allowing the couple to enjoy early mornings and evenings outdoors, even during the summer. #PalmSpringsArchitecture #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalRelocation #EnergyEfficientHome #MovieColony #SpanishRevival #Modernism #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLiving

This article details the design and construction of a 12,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion in Palm Beach County, Florida, characterized by its extensive use of rare and vibrant marble. The homeowners, a couple with two young children, collaborated with architect Daniel Kahan of Smith and Moore, and interior designer Andrew Howard, on this ambitious project. The design draws inspiration from Art Deco and midcentury modernism, featuring a neutral palette intended to highlight the couple's contemporary art collection, all within a neoclassical architectural framework. The project began with the clients' strong preference for stone, sending numerous images of marble, travertine, and granite slabs from Italy, Turkey, and other locations. This led to hundreds of slabs being reserved even before the comprehensive design schemes were finalized. A significant acquisition was a 13-ton block of Breccia Capraia marble from Pietrasanta, Italy, which underscored the design team's realization that every detail in the house would be unique and high-end. The homeowners, a commercial real estate investor and a competitive equestrian, expressed a desire for a home that felt established and traditional in its bones but fluid and modern inside. This vision translated into integrating blue-chip French and Italian Art Deco and midcentury modern design icons, such as Paolo Buffa, Jean-Michel Frank, and René Lalique, into the decor. The use of marble is pervasive throughout the residence. For instance, the butler's pantry showcases riotously veined slabs of purple-and-green Calacatta Borghese marble on emerald-lacquered cabinets and as tall backsplashes. The primary bathroom features solid Calacatta Gold wainscoting, while the spa walls are covered in silver travertine. The kitchen island is entirely composed of Calacatta Caldia Supreme. A powder room includes a vanity crafted from brass-inlaid, lilac-veined Turkish marble, with a carved sink, resembling an ancient Roman altarpiece. A notable highlight is the lounge and games room, where a monumental bar, custom-carved in Italy from the large block of Breccia Capraia Verde marble, serves as a focal point. This room also features classic parquet flooring, high coffered ceilings with warm-walnut beams, and matching wood paneling on the walls. Contemporary elements such as a graphically patterned hair-on-hide Kyle Bunting rug and a burgundy-lacquered Francesco Balzano console table are incorporated to balance the traditional features. The windows are adorned with floor-to-ceiling curtains made from an overlapping patchwork of five jewel-toned fabrics. The games room also includes a custom 1,700-pound marble Ping-Pong table by Moniomi, featuring sleek geometry, black-and-white-striped edging, and a multicolored inlaid-marble surface, blending fun with luxury. The foyer makes a grand statement with a seven-tier Murano-glass and brass chandelier from the 1970s, hanging from an oval skylight. This is complemented by 10 Murano sconces and a graphic Charles Arnoldi painting above a 1940s French Art Deco sideboard, set against gray-and-white marble checkerboard floors. The living and dining area is equally opulent, featuring a mantel carved from a single block of marble, 1950s armchairs by Gio Ponti, and custom sofas upholstered in Scottish cashmere. An Art Deco–inspired coffee table with horn-marquetry legs and a bleached-parchment top, along with console tables clad in translucent selenite and cabinet doors with gypsum shards in a sunburst motif, add to the luxurious aesthetic. In the primary bedroom, a mirror framed in 23-karat gold appears to float beneath dentil crown molding, and the wife’s dressing room boasts a vintage Murano chandelier and a ceiling panel hand-embroidered by artist Sophie Coryndon, finished in gold. Despite the luxurious materials, the designers ensured the home remained livable for a family with young children. Andrew Howard incorporated durable indoor-outdoor performance fabrics and finishes in kid-friendly spaces like the kitchen, family room, and children’s bedrooms, maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic while enhancing practicality. The family expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the investment in quality and thoughtful design has created a cherished home for their children to grow up in. #PalmBeachMansion #LuxuryHomeDesign #MarbleInteriors #ArtDecoStyle #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #AndrewHoward #SmithAndMooreArchitects #FloridaRealEstate

This article highlights ten modern minimalist home décor items available from local retailers in Greater Palm Springs, emphasizing earth-hued pieces that blend minimalism with modernism. The selection includes various categories such as sculptures, terrariums, lighting, candles, tableware, stationery, furniture, mirrors, and decorative objects, each offering a distinct aesthetic and functionality suitable for contemporary living spaces. Among the featured items are the 'Sunbeam' series of totem sculptures by SoCal ceramic artist and landscape designer Dustin Gimbel. These sculptures are inspired by sun rays and midcentury modern shapes, designed to be stacked and displayed both indoors and outdoors. Another item is a petite glass and metal terrarium from Los Angeleaves at Flannery Exchange, ideal for showcasing succulents or air plants on a desk or hanging near a window. For lighting, Lolo Interiors offers a handmade, funnel-shaped ceramic pendant light made from stoneware with a white gloss glaze and brass accents, providing a sophisticated glow. To enhance sensory experiences, the article suggests the Joshua Tree Bonfire Candle from Roaming Travelers, which features notes of smoke, amber, and sandalwood, evoking the ambiance of the desert. For dining and display, Wabi Sabi Japan Living presents versatile stone placemats that can also serve as trivets or bases for large vases and artwork, introducing a natural element to tablescapes. Additionally, the article includes a vintage-themed lined notebook from Palm Springs Life itself, featuring various vintage cover options. Furniture options include the Hew Side Table from Design Within Reach, crafted from solid American walnut, with a modernist shape that adds a geometric touch to any interior. For wall décor, Between the Sheets offers a stylish twisted wood mirror designed to bring warmth and a natural element into a room. Decorative art pieces are also highlighted, such as the hand-built and painted ceramic 'Magic Eye' objet d’art from New York-based MQuan Studio, available at Super Simple, which adds intrigue to any space. Finally, the Mud Australia collection, available at Phylum, features the Hive Vase, a sculptural vessel with a slightly off-axis opening that emphasizes its artisan craftsmanship, suitable for floral arrangements. The curated selection aims to provide home décor options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aligning with modern minimalist design principles and reflecting the unique style of the Greater Palm Springs area. #HomeDecor #MinimalistDesign #Modernism #PalmSpringsShopping #InteriorDesign #LocalRetailers #CeramicArt #DesertInspired

The article details a vacation home in Palm Springs designed by Michelle Boudreau, which draws inspiration from Moroccan aesthetics, particularly the vibrant style of Yves Saint Laurent's Marrakech residence. The Canadian owners, who frequently visit Morocco, sought to recreate the country's rich cultural ambiance in their winter home. Boudreau, having traveled extensively in Morocco, channeled the "Majorelle blue" color palette associated with Saint Laurent's former home and infused the interiors with diverse textures, Moorish motifs, intricate tilework, and flamboyant filigree. The home, a modern new build in Vista Las Palmas, provides a neutral white backdrop that allows the predominant blue palette to make a significant impact. While the color scheme is reminiscent of Saint Laurent's Marrakech house and its original owner, French painter Jacques Majorelle, the design also incorporates aquatic themes, reflecting the clients' interest in watersports. This influence is evident in elements like shibori upholstery on Pierre Jeanneret re-edition dining chairs, creating a watery dimension, and wallpaper by A–Street Prints with a blurred trompe-l’oeil ikat textile effect, reminiscent of North African textiles brought via the Silk Roads. A diamond pattern in the wallpaper further evokes the glint of water in sunlight. Key design features emphasize movement and dimension. Filigree-inspired pendant lamps in the dining room project scattered light, while a taxidermy marlin with teal streaking contributes to the aquatic motif and adds a sense of motion. The media lounge, or "casbah," is designed with low cushions and high-pile rugs, echoing the tent culture of North African nomads. Custom wallpaper in this space features a tonal-blue arabesque pattern, mimicking the complex designs of handcrafted zellige tile, a signature element of Moroccan design rooted in Islamic heritage. Boudreau applied a modern interpretation of this ancient art form using three-dimensional turquoise tiles on the living room hearth, creating an oceanic, barnacle-like effect. In the kitchen, Clé tiles with kinetic geometry add energy. The design also incorporates midcentury materials like cane and brass. Cane-frame club chairs in the living room offer a light contrast to brass accessories, such as tea sets and side tables. Serena & Lily rattan barstools at the kitchen island complement Tom Dixon brass lamps, which are shaped like tagines, traditional North African cooking vessels, adding a touch of glamour. The primary bedroom serves as a serene contrast to the vibrant colors elsewhere, utilizing an ecru palette. Moroccan textiles, including imported blankets and rugs from Soukie Modern, provide tactile interest through varying piles and pompoms. Moroccan poufs contribute to the dune-like aesthetic, offering casual seating. A dramatic beaded chandelier is suspended through the frame of the four-poster bed, an intentional design choice to prevent the neutral palette from appearing flat. This design effectively merges Moroccan inspiration with the Palm Springs setting, creating a unique and sophisticated vacation home.

This article delves into the transformation of a midcentury bungalow in Beverly Hills by interior designer Jessica Nicastro. The project aimed to restore the home's original character, which had been obscured by a modern builder-grade remodel. The design process began with an immediate connection between Nicastro and the clients, Katie and Rob, who were expecting a baby. This personal connection informed the vision for a family-centric home that is colorful, joyful, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Nicastro's design philosophy for this bungalow centered on integrating the indoors and outdoors seamlessly, ensuring every interior element had an exterior counterpart. For instance, new home offices inside were complemented by an outdoor shower and surf shed, reflecting the clients' connection to the sun and surf. A key aspect of the renovation involved undoing previous renovations, such as closing off part of a fireplace and cladding walls in earthy Roman clay. The powder room was notably upgraded with a monolithic onyx sink, highlighting the designer's commitment to unique, high-quality materials. The material palette heavily favored natural elements, warm tones, and rich, layered textures, explicitly avoiding anything too white or sterile. A significant focus was placed on stone, with Nicastro meticulously sourcing various slabs from across Los Angeles. The kitchen features a peachy Quattro Stagioni, the main bathroom showcases a green Quartzite Esmeralda, and the powder room boasts Chanel onyx, creating distinct focal points and adding a luxurious touch to each space. This attention to natural materials aimed to evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity throughout the home. One of the standout features is a custom, three-sided suede-wrapped bar, ingeniously tucked into a corner of the living room. This bar, complete with an ice maker and wine fridge, is designed to serve the living, dining, and outdoor areas simultaneously, making it ideal for entertaining. The three-sided design allows for accessibility from both inside and out when the doors are open, emphasizing the indoor-outdoor flow central to the home's design. Another highlight is the blackened brass fireplace with a bullnose Rosa Travertino edge detail, which, alongside the bar, is considered a 'shining star' of the project. The nursery was designed to be playful yet adaptable for the child's growth, starting with a vintage rug and incorporating neutral-colored walls to create a warm atmosphere. The primary bedroom was conceived as a boutique hotel-like retreat, prioritizing the stunning treetop and city views. Low-profile furnishings and textured decor, such as the rug and bed, were chosen to enhance the layered look without obstructing the scenery. The exterior of the house was transformed with a bold, nature-inspired green paint, replacing a creamy taupe, to better complement the landscape and set the home's vibrant tone. A particularly innovative feature is the main bathroom's shower, which is cocooned in sage green Quartzite Esmeralda and includes a private picture window framing a lush botanical view, effectively bringing the outdoors in. #HomeDesign #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #BeverlyHillsHome #NaturalMaterials #LuxuryInteriors #RenovationProject #DesignerSpotlight

Los Angeles is renowned globally for its collection of masterful midcentury homes, with notable residences by architects such as Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koenig, and A. Quincy Jones. The ongoing preservation and renovation of these iconic structures for contemporary living are highlighted through a curated selection of projects. These renovations showcase how modern architects and homeowners approach the challenge of updating historical homes while respecting their original midcentury roots. One featured project is a vibrant renovation in Los Feliz, where a previously dark and disconnected midcentury house was transformed into a family home rich with color and narrative. This involved a collaborative design effort, incorporating bright hues like saffron and pink stucco, and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate an experimental filmmaker's art collection. Another example is the restoration of a Brentwood home by food blogger Claire Thomas. Her approach was to honor the home’s 65-year history, preserving original elements like drapes and researching era-appropriate color palettes. This renovation focused on celebrating and maintaining the home’s integrity rather than radical alteration. In Eagle Rock, a couple updated their midcentury home, transforming a tired, chalky-green facade into a warm, contemporary residence suitable for their family. This extensive renovation included installing white oak hardwood floors, adding Fleetwood sliding doors, extending the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, expanding the kitchen, and remodeling the guest house, ensuring no room was left untouched. Architect Dan Brunn undertook a breezy renovation in the Hollywood Hills, addressing a 1957 Edward Fickett–designed home that, despite its architectural history, lacked modern functionality. The renovation focused on reimagining the closed-off kitchen while preserving the post-and-beam structure and opening up selective areas to the outdoors. Writer Susan Orlean restored Rudolph M. Schindler’s Kallis House, often considered his late-period masterpiece, known for its "Schindler frame" allowing large glazed openings. The restoration aimed to maintain the architectural integrity while updating the home for contemporary comfort. Similarly, a Pacific Palisades home, untouched for over 40 years, received a sustainable revamp by architect Kevin Southerland, who preserved its "good bones" and integrated eco-friendly materials, including a new cement board exterior for durability. Interior walls were reconfigured to create a more livable, open floor plan with a balance of public and private spaces. An award-winning renovation in La Canada Flintridge by Osborn Architects and Jamie Bush + CO focused on a 5,000-square-foot home, using materials that created a unique architectural presence appreciative of the San Gabriel Mountains landscape. This project emphasized the seamless blend of interior and exterior spaces through large windows and continuous material usage, such as redwood cedar. Other notable renovations include a light-filled home in Silver Lake with views of downtown L.A., an elevated ranch house bordering Crestwood Hills that received updates to feel period-appropriate, Kristen Wiig’s restored Silver Lake home designed by Richard Neutra’s apprentice, a glamorous Buff & Hensman midcentury home above Mulholland Drive, and a John Kewell-designed home in Silver Lake with treehouse vibes. The collection also features the McLeod Residence, a midcentury stunner once photographed by Julius Shulman, and an A. Quincy Jones–designed house restored by architect Bruce Norelius. A sensitive restoration of a Pierre Koenig-designed Scott House, a 1963 residence updated by comedian Adam Carolla, and a Monterey Hills ranch that received a suave update from interior stylist Tony Wei further illustrate the diverse approaches to preserving and enhancing Los Angeles's midcentury architectural heritage. #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #LosAngelesArchitecture #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #HistoricalHomes #CaliforniaModernism #HomeRestoration

Content creator and founder of Deeply Madly Modern, Kellie Brown, embarked on a house hunt in Palm Springs on Valentine's Day 2022. After a near miss with a desirable furnished four-bedroom, which she describes as a 'heartbreaker' due to its fast sale and less-than-ideal location near the airport, Brown ultimately settled on a 1,300-square-foot, three-bedroom bungalow. This property was part of her top-five list and became her new home in the Sonoran Desert city she had long admired. Brown, originally from New York and residing in a Los Angeles rental, had considered owning property in Palm Springs for several years after a friend's birthday trip. The bungalow appealed to her because it was essentially turnkey. Given the prevalent construction delays during the pandemic, she sought to avoid extensive renovation projects. Although the home was furnished, the existing decor was described as a "big-box retailer situation." Brown quickly orchestrated an "instant flip" by selling most of the original furnishings through Facebook Marketplace before moving in. Her vintage collection from a storage unit was moved in the following day, immediately transforming the space. Her interior style is characterized by a postmodern and primal aesthetic, incorporating playful silhouettes and organic shapes. Despite this, she integrates a subtle nod to the 1950s or 1960s, typical of Palm Springs homes, through pieces like a vintage pine credenza. This credenza, positioned to the left of the entrance, serves as functional storage for blankets, board games, and household essentials, and is appreciated for its sustainability. In the galley kitchen, a patterned wallpaper from Sarah Sherman Samuel delineates the space rather than acting as a traditional accent wall. Brown explains that due to the home's layout, there is only one prominent wall in the living room, making the patterned surface a way to define the area. The print choice reflects her eclectic fashion sense and preference for neutral patterns that blend well with various elements. Brown also assembled a dining table for eight using vintage pieces. She combined Lucite and gold legs from a previous set with a large rectangular glass top and two wood pedestals found for a hundred dollars. This custom creation perfectly fit the bungalow and showcased her resourcefulness. Significant changes were made to the outdoor area. The existing whitewashed cinder block barrier was softened with ficus trees. The firepit was enhanced with Roly Poly chairs, adding personality to the space. The original pergola was replaced with a larger one from Wayfair, complemented by a comfortable outdoor dining set. Brown emphasized the importance of accessible and comfortable outdoor furniture, particularly for plus-size individuals, selecting a teakwood set with built-in cushions to ensure comfort. The primary bedroom presented the biggest design challenge. Brown experimented with numerous headboards before realizing that the solution lay in tone-on-tone wallpaper and custom-color-matched light fixtures, which together created the desired "drama." The primary en suite bathroom underwent a minor renovation, with a woodworker friend constructing a sliding door enclosure to provide privacy, as the original design lacked a door. This solution ingeniously incorporated towel racks on the sliding door to maintain storage space. The bungalow reflects Brown's personal touch through her artwork, curated ceramic collections, and vintage Moroccan rugs. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, creating a home that brings joy and reflects a labor of love. #HomeTour #PalmSpringsDesign #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #WallpaperDesign #OutdoorLiving #HomeRenovation #PersonalizedSpaces #EclecticStyle

The article showcases a distinctive two-story, five-bedroom estate in Tierra Verde, which has been reimagined with midcentury modern aesthetics and timeless elements. The interior design was led by Eilyn Jimenez of Sire Design, known for her work on the Netflix series “Designing Miami.” The property is also available for purchase. Jimenez's design philosophy is influenced by her travels and client interactions, evident in this water-lover’s paradise. The home features twelve-foot ceilings on the ground floor and a striking 24-foot foyer with a pivot door, creating a grand entrance. Custom-stained oak windows with porthole-inspired accents, walnut wood stairs, and bespoke carpentry add warmth and integrate coastal influences throughout the residence. A blend of modern amenities and vintage finds defines the home's character. The kitchen and bar areas feature avocatus quartzite countertops, while a Clé tile fireplace adds a touch of classic elegance. This thoughtful curation of materials and furnishings creates a harmonious balance between contemporary design and timeless style. The estate's exterior was conceptualized by JR Structures Custom Builders, while Sire Design curated all outdoor furnishings, including sofas, side tables, and pool tiles, to create a tranquil, lagoon-like ambiance. The home's proximity to Fort De Soto State Park makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The property offers waterfront views and is equipped with a negative edge spillover pool, a heated spa, and an outdoor lounge area designed for entertaining. A substantial dock is built on the side of the home, providing unobstructed water views. Key collaborators in this project include Sire Design for interior design, JR Structures Custom Builders for construction, Monroe Design Group for architecture, and South Meadow Productions and Jeanne Canto of JNNS for photography. Dina Sierra Smith of Smith & Associates is the realtor for the property. This home serves as an example of how midcentury modern design can be reinvented for contemporary living while honoring its classic roots.

This blog post highlights a 1961 architect-designed residence located at 1919 Merrick Street, praising its enduring elegance and the architect's skill in integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. The home, designed by Glenn Allen Galaway, a protégé of New York architect Phillip Johnson, showcases a dignified portfolio in both Dallas and Fort Worth. The article emphasizes Galaway's success in leveraging the property's ravine views, seamlessly blending the design into the environment. Despite being 57 years old, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house maintains a timeless aesthetic, having undergone a thoughtful renovation in 2014 that respected its original architectural intent. The interior features a cantilevered bay with floor-to-ceiling windows next to the fireplace, effectively bringing the outdoors inside. A paneled, floating wall cleverly divides the living area from a study, incorporating bookcases on the study's side. The open galley kitchen overlooks an informal dining area and bar, and the recent renovation introduced high-end finishes and materials, including top-tier appliances and a slab Carrara marble backsplash. The dining area offers a view of a private court, and strategically placed skylights enhance the natural light within the interior spaces. Bedrooms are also designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, and when combined with large, mature trees and the home's raised position, create the ambiance of a luxurious treehouse. The bathrooms have been updated with contemporary hardware and trendy wallpaper, exemplified by a Quadrille Ikat backdrop for a shell-framed mirror. The 4,145-square-foot, split-level house includes an informal living area downstairs, accessible via stairs. This lower level features a second fireplace and a wall of windows opposite a bookcase wall. The property gives the impression of floating in space, supported by slender stilts, with the nearly one-acre lot serving as a private green oasis. The article notes that the street view initially conceals the luxury within, but closer inspection reveals Galaway's subtle and effective approach to the challenges posed by the steeply graded lot. Plans for a pool and guest house, designed by Dallas-based firm Droese Raney, and a landscape plan by Archiverde, are available and will be transferred to the new owner. The property is currently listed at $1.6 million by Kris Karr and Kendall Kostohryz at Williams Trew. #ModernArchitecture #GlennAllenGalaway #FortWorthRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern

This article details the renovation of a 1961 midcentury modernist home in Golden Valley, originally designed by architect Richard Babcock. The new owners, Brian Duis and Todd Miller, acquired the property in 2015, drawn to its unique split-level, flat-roofed architecture, wide-open floor plan, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, despite its compact 2,300 square feet and small bedrooms and bathrooms. The home held a significant legacy, having been passed down through Babcock’s family, who sought buyers committed to preserving its architectural integrity. While structurally sound, with intact terrazzo floors and post-and-beam construction, the interior finishes and kitchen appliances were outdated. Duis and Miller aimed to update the home for modern living while respecting its original design principles. They engaged Peterssen/Keller Architecture and Marsden Building and Remodeling for the project. Architect Brent Nelson from Peterssen/Keller noted the home's thoughtful layout and adherence to specific design rules, which guided the renovation process. Key updates included painting structural elements charcoal and upgrading nonstructural trim to walnut stained gunmetal gray, aligning with the original aesthetic. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, incorporating the adjacent sewing/laundry room to create a larger, more cohesive space. This allowed for the integration of new appliances, cabinetry with a high-gloss Italian finish, Caesarstone countertops, and a Heath Tile backsplash, all while maintaining the home’s dark crown molding continuity. Recessed lighting and a range hood tucked into the ceiling further emphasized the clean, uncluttered lines characteristic of midcentury design. Minor changes were made to the layout to enhance functionality and light. A solid-core door at the entry was replaced with glass, increasing natural light in the hallway. A wall of cabinets between the kitchen and living/dining area was removed, creating an open-plan space suitable for entertaining. A small storage room was repurposed into a compact but luxurious bathroom featuring Hans Grohe and Duravit fixtures, Mir Ceramic tile, and a Canadian hemlock sauna. No additional square footage was added, and the renovations focused on making the existing space more livable. The basement was reconfigured to include an office seamlessly integrated with the family room via a custom wall-cabinetry system. The clients' willingness to compromise, such as accepting limited closet space, was crucial in preserving the midcentury design while adapting it to their minimal lifestyle. The renovation successfully blended the home’s historical significance with contemporary needs, ensuring its usability for decades to come. #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #GoldenValleyHome #PeterssenKellerArchitecture #MarsdenBuildingRemodeling