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Desert Modern
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Ah, Palm Springs. When I think of it, I think of The Rat Pack, that swanky Sinatra place, The Kaufmann House, Alexander Kit Houses, fields of wind turbines, the desert next to the bright blue sky, Pee Wee and Dotty in a dinosaur, the Prada Outlet, the oasis of pools, bright Blenko bottles, mid-century modern furnishings, orange turquoise and white, the eclectic Jonathan Adler Designs at The Parker Palm Springs, Suzanne Somers' crazy contraption that gets visitors up the mountain to her house, Kathy Griffin's star on The Walk of Fame...and the list goes on.
What is Desert Modern Style? While Palm Springs is the first spot that comes to mind, it is by no means limited to Palm Springs. Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico also have plenty of desert inspiration to offer. Desert Modern is currently whatever you want to make of it, inspired by surroundings, its architectural past, and future needs. We've seen the thrifty and clever owners of The Brick House prove this. It can be Sinatra-esque palm leaves wallpaper. It can be a conversation pit. It can involve the latest ways to conserve water and find some cooling shade. You know it when you see it the one thing it always has is a big dash of fun, and it never takes itself too seriously. Here are some great examples of Desert Modern from around houzz.
What is Desert Modern Style? While Palm Springs is the first spot that comes to mind, it is by no means limited to Palm Springs. Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico also have plenty of desert inspiration to offer. Desert Modern is currently whatever you want to make of it, inspired by surroundings, its architectural past, and future needs. We've seen the thrifty and clever owners of The Brick House prove this. It can be Sinatra-esque palm leaves wallpaper. It can be a conversation pit. It can involve the latest ways to conserve water and find some cooling shade. You know it when you see it the one thing it always has is a big dash of fun, and it never takes itself too seriously. Here are some great examples of Desert Modern from around houzz.
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This home with the unbelievable canters is actually in Malibu, but this striking photo of the structure protruding into the sky with the mountains beyond is a great example of how great architects respond to the landscape with modern engineering and style.
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| The comfy oversized sectional, the bright orange woodstove and the endless glass is great example of current day desert modern style. |
by Amy Lau Design
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This groovy bar area is a spot where Sammy, Dean, and Frank could feel right at home.
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| I am in awe of the way Jonathan Adler has reinterpreted Palm Springs Modern style with geometry, classic Bertoias, bright colors and eclectic touches. |
by The Brick House
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Morgan and The Boy have ingeniously furnished and styled their desert home with thrifty finds. To see more, check out their houzz interview here.
by The Brick House
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I can't resist a shot of the front of their home. They had yet to do everything they wanted to with the yard when this was taken, but the exterior's transformation is so impressive.
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Turquoise, orange and white are a great Palm Springs combo.
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This vignette is a groovy tribute to the Rat Pack days.
So does this one.
by Marmol Radziner
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A punctuated bunker stands up to the elements and plays with peek-a-boo desert views.
by Marmol Radziner
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Here it is from the other side, lit up at night.
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| Cutout walls are a wonderful desert modern touch. |
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Modern sculpture with the desert mountain landscape in the background is a great addition.
by OJMR Architects
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A high ceiling, white walls, glass doors, simple curtians and the punctuation of the warm wood media wall give this family room desert modern style.
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by Amy Lau Design
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| Another oversized sectional full of punches of color against light walls would fit right in in any desert getaway. |
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Cut out screens accessorized with hanging plants make this open and airy space perfect for the desert.
by decordemon
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Orange Emeco barstools, clean lines, and the simple palette of this open kitchen are pure desert modern inspired style.
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| More Jonathan Adler interpretation of Palm Springs' funky style, where the old and new create a funky spot to lounge. |
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Alright, I admit it, I am totally stuck on Adler's Parker - this is a great example of how a palette of many textures can work in the desert.
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| I promise, this is the last Adler shot, but I saved the best for last - a conversation fire pit that is truly a prescription for anti-depressive living. |
Comments
Richard Martin - West Coast Home Design Assoc. Thanks for pulling this collection together, Becky! A lot of these ideas will be equally at home in the BC interior. I'll fan this out for inspiration!
3 years ago · Like
antoinette83 well done for all the posts, i follow them everyday! and get inspiration all the time
3 years ago · Like
Danenberg Design Thanks Becky, these photos are great. Did you take any of them? Someone did a really nice job. Fun do look at.
3 years ago · Like
Janell Beals - House of Fifty Mag The architecture and setting of the first home shown is breathtaking! Janell
3 years ago · Like
Dana's Design Studio No apologies for Adler inspiration...he is my favorite! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago · Like
marissaco great photos! i love palm springs, check out the ace hotel next time you are there.
2 years ago · Like
marissaco LOL....i now just saw your Ace post! well done!
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on Aug. 7, 2010.
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