PASSPORT: Palm Springs
Take in the scenery, soak up the modern vibe, and hit the stores
with Suzanne and Keith at this chic desert destination
THE MAGIC OF MODERN!
Right now there is such an interest in modern design, Keith and I decided to go the Modernism Week in Palm Springs. It is a week where the industry comes together to celebrate and appreciate mid-century architecture, design, art, fashion and culture. There are tons of events, tours, and of course glamorous parties! We had a great time and soaked up a lot of inspiration along the way. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Palm Springs has been described as a mecca of mid-century modernism – a style that I draw inspiration from and love to incorporate into my designs. I love unexpected juxtapositions and driving into Palm Springs the first thing you notice are the grand, jagged peaks of the San Jancito mountains perfectly contrasted against the sleek, clean lines that make up the architecture of Palm Springs.
We stayed at the chic Parker Hotel, which was designed by Jonathan Adler. Palm Springs is known for its modern architecture, glamorous hotels, luxurious spas and fabulous shopping!
Something I find that is truly unique to Palm Springs is how there was this specific period of time when so many modern architects designed homes there and because of the connection to Hollywood, there is this completely glamorous way of living in the desert. I have always felt this Californian architecture is the truly the first style of design original to America.
Something else that is unique to California design is the connection between indoors and outdoors. It was so intriguing to me, that even when coming to a place like Palm Springs that is in the desert, there is a special way the houses incorporate the outside and make it almost feel like an interior room. It continues to influence my own design and whenever I’m working on my interiors I look at that relationship and interaction between the interior with the exterior…I love the whole concept of creating an exterior room to be used as a real living space…
My friend Christopher Kennedy has turned his showhouse into a key part of the modernism week in Palm Springs.
A highlight of our visit was the Christopher Kennedy Modernism Week Show House. And the “Disco Dining Room” designed by my darling friend Martyn Lawrence Bullard!
While in town, Martyn, Michael and Daisy invited us over to his knock-out home for Valentine’s Day cocktails. Needless to say we fell head over heels with this fabulous spot!
Our most favorite event was the Elle Décor 1st Dibs Party at William Holden house!! A fabulous night under the stars…
Naturally, we had to do some SHOPPING! The first stop was the 1st dibs Antique Show for modern moments and some old school Hollywood glamour…
