Sense of Place: Palm Springs
Bring some Palm Springs home—even if you’ve never been there!
Bright. Colorful. Optimistic. These three words best describe Palm Springs, says Peter Moruzzi, author of Palm Springs Holiday and Palm Springs Paradise, visual chronicles of the city’s mid-century boom.
Much of this Southern California town’s vibrancy comes from its history as a desert playground for both average Joes and celebrities. In the early 20th century, Palm Springs drew visitors from both coasts who were hoping to improve their health with the promise of clean desert air. But it wasn’t until the 1940s that the city exploded as a vacation spot for Hollywood royalty.
At the same time, a handful of modernist architects—William Cody, Donald Wexler, and E. Stewart Williams among them—were on hand to build second homes for vacationers. “Because it wasn’t their primary residence, owners were willing to experiment with a different look,” says Moruzzi. “Even Frank Sinatra, who wanted a Georgian-style mansion, eventually agreed to a modern retreat—with a piano-shaped pool!” And so, Palm Springs became synonymous with modernist design.
Moruzzi’s favorite hotel in town is the hip Del Marcos “because it’s original to 1947 and it’s still beautiful.” He’s also a fan of the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, a classic ’60s building that got a 21st-century face-lift. Sands Hotel & Spa is another retro rehab, but with Moroccan flair. Its iconic restaurant, the Pink Cabana, is covered in blush hues and banana-leaf wallpaper. Palm Springs style is trending hard right now, so get in on the bright, colorful, optimistic action with our Palm-inspired picks.
Bring the Palm Springs Look Home
Upgraded Umbrella
Be the envy of the beach crowd (or in your own backyard) with this Opalhouse chic scalloped umbrella ($90) in the perfect shade of teal.
Leveled-Up Dishware
This La DoubleJ colorful rimmed soup-and-dinner-plate set ($95) is the perfect antidote to a boring tablescape.
Chic Suds
Fancy up your bathroom sink with these Edie Parker stripey scented hand soaps ($16).
Pretty As a Picture
Get some tropical vibes on your gallery wall with Scott Living Yellow Tile Agave ($84).
Color Punch
Looking to cheer up your outdoor space? Just add this Blu Dot stackable watermelon-colored chair ($349) for an instant hit of happy.
Best Bud
The Bloomscape bromeliad aechmea plant ($79) checks all the boxes: hard to kill, a long-lasting bloom, and pretty to look at.
By Amelia Mularz | Feature photograph by Jaime Kowal | Pool lounge photograph by Justin Coit/Trunk Archive | Cacti photograph by Jaime Kowal | Vista Las Palmas photograph by Rebecca Kimmons | Rancho Mirage photograph by Trevor Tondro/Otto | Product photographs courtesy of the brands | Illustration by Samantha Hahn
