Before & After: A Blissful Update Reinvents a 1960s Alexander Home in Palm Springs

Listed for $880K, the modernized post-and-beam home embodies quintessential Palm Springs style.
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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A private patio provides a quiet outdoor space for the bedroom.

Both bathrooms features all-new finishes and walk-in showers.

Both bathrooms features all-new finishes and walk-in showers.

A look at the second bedroom, which is currently staged as a home office.

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.

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.

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.

And, of course, no home in Palm Springs would be complete without a backyard pool.

Project Credits:

Interior Design: Lilianna (Lilly) Kim

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