Modernism in Palm Springs

Usually when I go to Palm Desert I’m with family and no one wants to go look at houses. This time I had a few hours to escape and see some of the famous 50s’-60s homes.Picked up my map at the old Tramway gas station, now the visitors center.

Simple materials, but a creative use of bricks and a soaring roof line.

I am a firm believer that when you educate and expose yourself to a style, be it art, music or architecture, you will come to appreciate it. It takes time, everything good in life does. I wouldn’t say Mid century modern architecture is my favorite, but the more I see, the more I appreciate. No better place than Palm Springs with it’s multitude of these homes still standing side by side. Also, something about the desert makes these sing.This is one of the few houses on the map that I was able to photograph. All these homes are private and many are now behind gates, I totally understand people not wanting strangers coming by and photographing their homes. Although, this map was put together by the Palm Springs Modern committee – so they must have gotten permission.Just driving the neighborhood, I encountered so many houses I just stopped the car and pulled out my camera.I’m wondering if the front gate was a later addition. It is a simpler design. I really like the very angular door next to the circular iron grate.Typical roof line and so appropriate for the desert. This allows a higher ceiling which means hot air is rising and it might make the interior just a little less oppressive. Notice the wall? I have overheard people complaining about ‘those tacky lattice walls’. Really? When Frank Lloyd Wright used a concrete block over and over people swooned. Modern architects took the design to the masses and that makes it tacky? To me it is one of the most effective parts of this style.The use of different materials, stone, gravel, iron work.Frank Sinatra’s original home in the desert. He later moved to a much larger complex. I was very lucky that the gate was open.Someone is refurbishing the house next door. Look at this incredible gate, original to the house, this I love! Of course this will make an incredible quilt, need to give this some serious thought.I do love gingerbread Victorian homes. I also love this simplicity.I think this is an old house with an incredible addition. It works so well. Federal rules for adding on to an historic building require that one doesn’t replicate the old. The idea is to have a definite change between old and new, while at the same time creating a cohesive unit. This is the perfect example.Cut outs in the roof that allow the ubiquitous palm trees to do their thing – grow really really tall.Impressive isn’t it? I never would have noticed the house otherwise.As I drove away I came by the Saguaro Palm hotel, it looks old, but I can’t find any information about it, so it may be new construction in the style of Midcentury.Admitting my sins, as I rounded the corner in the car I was just clicking away at my camera, it worked.Looking t the size of the hotel, I’m thinking the whole thing is modern, but what a great use of shapes and colors. Look online, the pool area is a riot of bright colors.