Before & After: A Blissful Update Reinvents a 1960s Alexander Home in Palm Springs
A revitalized Alexander Home just returned to the market in Palm Springs after a renovation led by interior designer and stylist Lilianna "Lilly" Kim. Originally built in 1961, the residence is one of hundreds completed through the partnership between architect William Krisel and the Alexander Construction Company. Kim, who purchased the home back in June, sought to honor the desert style with a warm interior update and improved indoor/outdoor flow.
Located in the highly desirable Racquet Club Estates in Palm Springs, this two-bedroom Alexander home is back on the market after a recent renovation led by designer Liliana "Lilly" Kim.
The updated living area benefits from ample natural light thanks to all-new, full-height windows, as well as an additional set of sliding glass doors that connect to the side yard.
The original floor plan remains unchanged, although Kim extensively updated the home’s finishes. Throughout the interior, new concrete floors provide a cohesive look, complementing the original beams and wood-clad ceilings. The kitchen and bathrooms received the most changes with all-new cabinetry, countertops, and hardware.
Before: Exterior and Interior
Before, the front facade was marked by a two-toned paint job and metallic details.
The living room had a broad fireplace hearth, common in many Alexander homes—however the room lacked a direct connection with the side yard.
The kitchen echoed the front facade with a metallic backsplash and glossy cabinetry.
In addition to extensive mechanical and system updates, other upgrades include an oak-slat feature wall in the principal bedroom, which conceals a walk-in closet. Outside, an expanded patio offers a new fire pit and poolside lounging area, while the heated-and-cooled garage provides additional space for a studio or work area.
After: Interior and Exterior
New windows flank either side of a downsized fireplace. The smaller hearth still features the original masonry blocks.
The kitchen takes on a warmer appearance while retaining the previous configuration. Painted cabinets contrast with wood-fronted ones that match the peninsula.
A wall of windows and a sliding glass door provide views of the backyard pool.
In total, the home offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms with 1,225 square feet of interior space. The property’s location in the heart of Palm Springs also offers a convenient starting point for walking or biking around the area. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, currently listed for $879,900.
In the updated principal suite, a wood-clad wall conceals a hidden closet door beside the nightstand.
A private patio provides a quiet outdoor space for the bedroom.
Both bathrooms features all-new finishes and walk-in showers.
A look at the second bedroom, which is currently staged as a home office.
Kim updated the .28-acre lot with new concrete patios and landscaping—including a border of nearly 150 ficus trees.
A fire pit adds an entertaining area alongside the covered patio. The backyard overlooks iconic views of Mount San Jacinto.
And, of course, no home in Palm Springs would be complete without a backyard pool.
1077 E Francis Drive in Palm Springs, CA, is currently listed for $879,900 by David Neglia of Elevate Palm Springs Real Estate.
Related Reading:
Design 101: What Are Alexander Homes, and Why Are They Still So Beloved?
Iconic California Midcentury-Modern Architect William Krisel Dies at 92
A Palm Springs Alexander Home Sings After a Chic Renovation and Hits the Market to the Tune of $2.1M
A Palm Springs Alexander Home with Mountain Views Lists for $1.9M
Project Credits:
Interior Design: Lilianna (Lilly) Kim
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