exploring with emily june: palm springs
Today we’re back with our Exploring with Emily June series, where we select a specific location to explore that offers notable design inspiration! The focus of our first adventure was in our own backyard of Houston, Texas. Now, we’re heading west to sunny Palm Springs!
The Kaufmann Desert house in Palm Springs, designed by architect Richard Neutra.
Slim Aarons/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
palm springs: a desert oasis
Palm Springs, California first became a cultural hot spot in the 1920s. The stars of Hollywood discovered that an oasis from their hectic lives was only 107 miles outside of Los Angeles! Hot springs and beautiful desert views became a welcome weekend escape, turning Palm Springs into a desert resort town. The getaway’s meteoric popularity continued, creating a market for glamorous clients seeking out equally glamorous homes!
desert modernism is born
Talented young architects like Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Donald Wexler flocked to Palm Springs, eager to explore modern architectural trends in this unique desert playground. These architects’ take on Modernism became known as “Desert Modernism,” due to their incorporation of the surrounding landscape, and access to it, into their designs.
Twin Palms Estates by William Krisel
Photo by: @thomlindsley
darling of design
Other notable features of Desert Modernism include clean lines, open floor plans, and sliding glass doors. The style’s “butterfly” roofs ( named after their resemblance to a butterfly’s v-shaped wings) and use of breeze blocks became hallmarks of the laid-back, modern style.
The House of Star Dust by William Krisel & Dan Palmer
Photo by: @thehouseofstardust
Today, Palm Springs is home to the largest collection of preserved midcentury modern architecture in the world! Beyond residential homes, the city boasts preserved hotels, a gas station-turned-visitor center, city hall, and various other buildings which still maintain their Desert Modern style!
eternal summer style
Pool parties featuring refreshing cocktails were, unsurprisingly, the activity du jour in the midcentury world of Palm Springs! This summery aesthetic ushered in a host of accompanying fashions (think comfortable shift dresses and flowy mumus) in bright, cheery shades of yellow, pink, magenta, avocado green, and blue. Interior design trends followed suit, pairing accent pieces and soft goods in upbeat colors with walls painted in neutrals like white, a backbone of Modern design, as well as light tans and grays.
Photo by: @vntgpalmsprings
Natural materials like rattan, lava rock, and stone brought a taste of the outdoors indoors in the form of furniture, fireplaces, and flooring, speaking to a basic tenant of Desert Modernism. Finishes like chrome and brass were popular, contrasting nicely with warm, naturally–stained wood finishes on doors, ceilings, and more. Soft sheepskin or wool rugs added charm and comfort where needed. Classic minimalist Eames chairs might be partnered with a potted cactus. When channeling Desert Modernism, imagine Modernism on a sunny weekend getaway of its own!
vintage vixen
Palm Springs remains a destination for design aficionados and vintage enthusiasts alike – a preserved Midcentury Modern paradise that feels like an escape from our busy world. While we’re always dreaming of a Palm Springs getaway, there are plenty of ways to introduce Palm Springs style to your own spaces for a daily retreat! Step outside, grab a gimlet, and shop the links below for our Palm Springs picks!
