There are certain aesthetic themes that most mid-century modern homes share –open floor plans, natural materials, minimalism around decorative objects, and an emphasis on function and practicality. However, in desert and coastal regions, there are striking variations in the use of light, color, materials, and decor in mid-century modern homes.
Entertainer Bob Hope’s space-age Palm Springs home.
Palm Springs, California, is famous for the large number and variety of mid-century modern homes built there throughout the 1940s and early ’60s, often for movie stars, and the monied West Coast elite. These homes are quite distinct in appearance compared to other homes of the same era – in fact, the spaceship-like semblance of some make them look near ready for lift-off!
Fortunately, elements of this unique style – often referred to as the “Palm Springs look”– can be adapted and enjoyed by aficionados of this particular mid-century modern style in most any part of the country.
The choice of white is for more than aesthetics. It also helps keep the home cooler.
Homes in climates where sun and warmth are year-round attributes tend to take full advantage of the abundant sunshine, with glass walls and sliding doors that fully open rooms to the outdoors, allowing the interior and the exterior to become a near-seamless single space.
When it comes to the interiors, think white, white, and more white, with expressive color here and there in pillows, throws, and art. The same goes for exteriors, especially backyards with white hardscapes and brightly colored cushions on white, starkly linear patio furniture. The desert sunlight is reflected through the use of light colors, especially dazzling white, which also helps cool the interiors.
A vibrantly-colored front door is an easy way to add a pop of color.
Color, where it does occur, is in eye-popping and intense pinks, blues, and turquoises – tones that characterize the local landscape, especially the sky and its sunrises and sunsets. Another striking feature in these homes is a vividly painted front door, which provides an energetic and welcoming pop of color.
Common elements in Palm Springs exteriors include breeze block walls. These are painted cinder blocks stacked and designed to create mosaic-like patterns that offer privacy while, at the same time, allowing air to flow through easily. They are also highly durable and resilient to wind, water, sun, and cold.
Mid-century modern lovers who don’t live in the desert or on the beach can still incorporate a Palm Springs flair into their homes with relative ease.
Natural materials and bright accent colors liven up the all-white space.
To get the Palm Spring look, start with painting walls a bright white. Then add color to accent the space with art, vases, pillows, or a single wall in sunny yellow, lime green, or sky blue.
Unifying indoor and outdoor spaces can be achieved with large glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, and using matching materials – metal, stone, and wood – both inside and out.
The famous mid-century Sputnik light is a signature piece that complements the Palm Springs aesthetic.
Succulents, cacti, and palm trees can bring a sense of the desert into the Midwest – even 1,000 miles away from the arid landscape of Palm Springs. And, to embrace the retro, space-age glamour of the era add signature pieces such as sunburst mirrors and clocks, Sputnik light fixtures, and distinctly 1950s and ’60s era art and home bar accessories.
In adherence to the underlying principle of all mid-century design, your Palm Springs look should reject clutter and each piece should be highly curated to complement the overall aesthetic of the space. Every piece should have a purpose, spaces should feel open, and bright white walls should be juxtaposed with judiciously used, exuberant color.
The final touch? A meaningful connection with nature – via succulent plants, a dessert rock garden, or even a statement piece such as a natural wood dining table. The internet is crawling with stunning examples of the Palm Springs aesthetic. Determine what individual elements work for you and your space and you too can create an environment rooted in the iconic Palm Springs style, even here in the heart of Kansas City!
