SubscribeSign In
Collection by Matthew Keeshin
Editor’s Pick

A Crash Course in Palm Springs Architecture

From midcentury classics to new homes, Palm Springs continues to be a destination filled with history and modern design.

View 18 Photos
In Palm Springs, Sander Architects created an energy-efficient hybrid prefab home that’s designed to stay naturally cool in the desert heat, which often climbs to triple digits in the summer.
In Palm Springs, Sander Architects created an energy-efficient hybrid prefab home that’s designed to stay naturally cool in the desert heat, which often climbs to triple digits in the summer.
To recreate that 1960s flair Kathy, a designer, spent four months scouring for vintage treasures. "Because we were buying a Palm Springs midcentury modern hotel, I wanted to furnish it with pieces that made sense and were true to that time period," Kathy says. "That said, I wasn't too strict." That means guests may find an '80s chrome coffee table or Jonathan Adler seconds alongside macrame wall hangings and Gainey pots.
To recreate that 1960s flair Kathy, a designer, spent four months scouring for vintage treasures. "Because we were buying a Palm Springs midcentury modern hotel, I wanted to furnish it with pieces that made sense and were true to that time period," Kathy says. "That said, I wasn't too strict." That means guests may find an '80s chrome coffee table or Jonathan Adler seconds alongside macrame wall hangings and Gainey pots.
Its living room features an Eames LCW, Bertoia Barstools, and Eames Tandem Shell Seats.
Its living room features an Eames LCW, Bertoia Barstools, and Eames Tandem Shell Seats.
Each project comes with an introductory paragraph that provides basic details such as name, location, year, and architect (when known). The meat of the book is its visuals, as evinced by the nearly full-spread of the 1973 Lavie Residence (designed by William F. Cody) and its striking indoor-outdooor design.
Each project comes with an introductory paragraph that provides basic details such as name, location, year, and architect (when known). The meat of the book is its visuals, as evinced by the nearly full-spread of the 1973 Lavie Residence (designed by William F. Cody) and its striking indoor-outdooor design.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
Another 1956 tract house with a flat roof designed by Krisel.
Another 1956 tract house with a flat roof designed by Krisel.
Krisel was also known for his boldly modern approach to landscape. The Menrad residence, shown here, features a distinct geometric design. The architect, working in the harsh Palm Springs climate, relied on hardscape elements—setting a precedent for drought-tolerant landscape design.
Krisel was also known for his boldly modern approach to landscape. The Menrad residence, shown here, features a distinct geometric design. The architect, working in the harsh Palm Springs climate, relied on hardscape elements—setting a precedent for drought-tolerant landscape design.
The Buzyn residence features an open-plan interior.
The Buzyn residence features an open-plan interior.
A courtyard like this is just begging to hold a party. Photo by Dan Chavkin.
A courtyard like this is just begging to hold a party. Photo by Dan Chavkin.
The Frey II House in Palm Springs, designed by architect Albert Frey.
The Frey II House in Palm Springs, designed by architect Albert Frey.
The back of the house takes center stage with wide-reaching windows opening to the desert and mountains at its feet. Photo by: Justin Keena.
The back of the house takes center stage with wide-reaching windows opening to the desert and mountains at its feet. Photo by: Justin Keena.
For homeowners on a budget, the Internet is your best bet when making upgrades. “What we should all really be excited about is how much access we have to furniture and accessories at any price,” Berkus said. “I started my design firm pre-Internet and now we source 85 percent of what we use online because we have so much incredible access online.” Berkus recommends shopping globally by scouring websites like ebay.fr for more unique pieces of furniture that will stick with you for many years. 1stdibs and One Kings Lane are other good options. Pictured is a mid-century modern living room renovation designed by contestant Lukas Machnik> in Palm Springs for American Dream Builders. Photo courtesy NBC.
For homeowners on a budget, the Internet is your best bet when making upgrades. “What we should all really be excited about is how much access we have to furniture and accessories at any price,” Berkus said. “I started my design firm pre-Internet and now we source 85 percent of what we use online because we have so much incredible access online.” Berkus recommends shopping globally by scouring websites like ebay.fr for more unique pieces of furniture that will stick with you for many years. 1stdibs and One Kings Lane are other good options. Pictured is a mid-century modern living room renovation designed by contestant Lukas Machnik> in Palm Springs for American Dream Builders. Photo courtesy NBC.
The Saguaro Palm Springs, Palm Springs Especially after a brutal winter, a stay at The Saguaro is like entering a new, technicolor dimension. Centered around a sizable pool, the guest rooms feature hand-crafted Mexican furniture in varying eye-popping hues. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat were inspired by Palm Springs’ indigenous desert flowers.
The Saguaro Palm Springs, Palm Springs Especially after a brutal winter, a stay at The Saguaro is like entering a new, technicolor dimension. Centered around a sizable pool, the guest rooms feature hand-crafted Mexican furniture in varying eye-popping hues. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat were inspired by Palm Springs’ indigenous desert flowers.
The Kaufman Residence by Richard Neutra, Palm Springs, 1946. Photo courtesy of the Julius Sherman Photography Archive, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.
The Kaufman Residence by Richard Neutra, Palm Springs, 1946. Photo courtesy of the Julius Sherman Photography Archive, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.