Techyrack Hub

Desert Hues Temper Mid-Century Modern Oasis in Palm Springs


Palm Springs presents itself as the perfect place where residential architecture may dare to defy convention with steel expanses juxtaposed against natural stone, angular planes, and volumetric spaces that embrace their vistas. And it boasts a significant inventory of mid-century modern gems waiting to be appreciated by current audiences. Through careful intervention, interior designer Stephanie Brown makes contemporary this idyllic Indian Wells Vacation Home just outside the city proper. With a refreshed structure, subtle treatments, and surfaces awash in desert hues, it stuns as it once did in a bygone era.

A series of piecemeal renovations left the property feeling dated: ceramic flooring that had to go; defunct fireplaces; poor space planning; and an inefficient kitchen layout. The reimagined home is a sizable project for the area, a sprawling 2,200 square feet spread across one level with tendrils extending into the landscape, which meld seamlessly into the adjacent golf course grounds. Exterior features enhancing the experience include an entry courtyard that pulls focus up to the sky, generous patios, and a pool in the rear with an amorphous edge like a pond.

Minimalist living room with beige couch, abstract wall art, and decorative vertical wood slats. A table with a ceramic bowl and books is in the foreground.

Modern living room with a large gray sectional sofa, round wooden coffee tables with books, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a view of a garden.

The main interior programming comprises an open living, dining, and kitchen space situated around a central core element that houses a wood-burning fireplace and media accoutrement. The more private spaces include three bedrooms and three bathrooms that enjoy the same luxuries as their public counterparts. Access to light, sight lines, and fresh air are prioritized at the turn of every corner. Poorly used space is consolidated, built-in millwork now occupies a few former fireplaces, and the reworked kitchen accommodates proper entertaining. Guests may gather around a long island, stop by the coffee station, or unwind at the bar located between the dining and living rooms.

Cozy living room with a beige sofa, wooden coffee table, two leather chairs, and abstract art on the wall. Natural light fills the space.

Modern living room with large windows, brown leather chairs, and a view of a pool and palm trees outside. A beige rug covers the floor, and a small table is between the chairs.

“We wanted the interior to feel warm, calming, and clean. Discovering similar mid-century interiors boasting an all-neutral palette proved to be an exciting endeavor,” Brown shares. “At first, I scoured Palm Springs for design inspiration, but the bright colors and kitschy styles didn’t align with our vision.” A vision lovingly referred to as “Casa Sand Dune.”

Wooden coffee table with stacked oval tops, featuring books, a round dish, and a tan chair in the background. A sofa is partially visible on the right.

Modern living room with a flat-screen TV mounted above a minimalist fireplace. The fireplace features a textured white facade and decorative spheres inside. A wooden coffee table is in the foreground.

Instead, the team referenced contemporary design in Mexico and Australia, which share a modern ethos and showcase monochromatic palettes paired with simple, natural materials such as textural stone and warm woods. The new walls are bathed in sunlight, breathing life into soft parchment tones that grace the primary surfaces – walls, floors, and countertops. The muted palette and finely tailored finishing details allow for a layering of expressive materials through home furnishings that invite warmth in a rebuke of sterility often associated with minimalism.

Modern living room with neutral tones, featuring a beige sofa, wooden coffee table, and large windows overlooking a garden and pool.

Modern dining room with a white table, six woven chairs, a fireplace, and large glass doors opening to a garden. Neutral tones and minimalistic design dominate the space.

Given the hot climate and nature living al fresco, Brown used large-format porcelain tile throughout the home, which feels cool underfoot and is extremely durable. Subtle shifts in other wet areas are marked with the introduction of soft terrazzo marble and a textural wall of zellige terracotta. She also chose melamine walnut cabinetry throughout, due to its resistance to weathering from extreme heat and sunshine. The fireplace is celebrated as a focal point wrapped entirely in walnut paneling with a hearth articulated by fluted concrete tiles.

Modern dining area with wicker chairs, a rectangular table, and large sliding glass doors opening to a garden view. Natural light fills the space, highlighting minimalist decor and a potted plant.

While the completed dwelling adds to the storied architectural history of Palm Springs, Brown leaves her mark on a rich tradition of mid-century modern design with a fresh interpretation of this timeless sensibility.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, a white island, and minimalist decor. A round mirror hangs on the wall, and a vase with pampas grass sits on the island.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, white countertops, and a gold faucet. Oven is built into cabinetry. White tile backsplash and decorative vase on the countertop.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertops, built-in oven, and tiled backsplash. Open shelving holds decor items like bowls and cutting boards. Minimalist and clean design.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island with two white stools, and a large vase with greenery. A skylight and minimal decor create a bright, open space.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry, a white countertop, bar stools, and minimal decor. Neutral color palette with a potted plant on the counter and open shelving displaying ceramics.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry, a white countertop, bar stool, and beige tiled backsplash. Neutral tones create a minimalist look.

A modern hallway with large windows, white walls, ceiling lights, and a beige rug on the floor. There's a glimpse of a living area with plants at the end of the corridor.

A modern bedroom with a beige upholstered headboard, white bedding, a brown knitted throw, a gold lamp on a round white side table, and two abstract artworks on the wall.

Minimalist bedroom with a white bed, beige pillows, a wooden nightstand with a vase and lamp, and a sliding wooden door on the right.

Modern bathroom with a round mirror, wooden cabinets, gold handles, and pendant lights. A vase with dried branches is on the countertop, set against a tiled wall backdrop.

Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity and round mirror. Glass shower enclosure with white square tiles. Two soap dispensers and a decorative vase with dried flowers on the counter.

A modern bedroom with a large bed, wall-mounted TV, and a view of a pool and garden through sliding glass doors.

Modern bedroom with a neutral color palette, featuring a bed, wooden headboard, wall art, and a side table. A bathroom with a bathtub is partially visible through a sliding door.

Minimalist bathroom with large white bathtub, gold fixtures, light stone tile wall, and terrazzo flooring. A towel hangs on the tub and another on a wall hook. Ceiling skylight present.

Modern bathroom with a large vanity, dual mirrors, terrazzo walls, and brass fixtures. Light wooden cabinetry and a tiled shower area are visible.

Modern bedroom with large windows, a desk with a lamp, a stool, and a bed. Views of palm trees and white lounge chairs outside.

Modern house with a glass door opening to a patio featuring a pool, two lounge chairs, and surrounded by palm trees.

Modern backyard with a swimming pool, white patio furniture, a tall palm tree, and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

A modern house with large windows, surrounded by palm trees, features a swimming pool in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Modern white house surrounded by lush palms, cacti, and greenery on a sunny day.

To see this and other work by the designer, visit stephaniebrowninc.com.

Photography by Phil Crozier.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, New York-based writer Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. When not writing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design.



Source link