When it comes to the architecture of Palm Springs, California, the architects who most contributed to the city’s acclaim as a midcentury modern architecture destination are William Krisel, Don Palmer, Richard Harrison, and Donald Wexler. They designed about 2,220 homes between 1957 and 1966 throughout the Coachella Valley in partnership with the Alexander Construction Company. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs quickly became one of Southern California’s top destinations for Hollywood stars looking to buy a midcentury modern home.
Common features are a single-story layout; an open kitchen, living room and dining area; three-quarter walls to divide rooms; a lack of trim or molding; and usage of patterned brick and concrete block for the interior walls. Also on the property: in-ground pools and breeze-block walls. Crafted from post-and-beam construction steel atop a concrete slab, the homes feature exposed roof planks, whether a flat roof or a center- or side-vaulted version. Some even flaunt a butterfly-style roof.
Often included on local architecture tours, many of these modernist homes are actually available for short-term rentals through Airbnb. They don’t hold back on the furnishings and design that define the 20th-century era of desert modernism, letting visitors capture a piece of peak American architecture.
With Palm Springs Modernism Week just around the corner (this year’s dates are February 15–24), get a glimpse at Palm Springs area’s signature architectural style and see what drew stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis and Priscilla Presley (whose honeymoon house, House of Tomorrow, was designed by Palmer and Krisel in 1960) to the area. There’s no better time to shine a spotlight on the uniquely designed vacation homes this desert city has to offer. Happy renting.
Included on Modernism Week tours in 2017, 2019, and 2023 and one of the marquee examples of midcentury architecture in the Palm Springs area, this three-bedroom, two-bath home popped up in partnership with West Elm circa 2017. To match the refreshed interior, West Elm furnishings and lighting in perfect pitch with the home’s 1958 completion date—such as olive green plush chairs in the living room and Huron outdoor lounge chairs with matching ottomans—were added. Among the alfresco areas hugging the pool and its waterfall spa are three outdoor showers, fire features, a pavilion (with a wet bar and electric heaters), an outdoor tub, and a bocce ball court.
Featuring a kitchen updated with Viking appliances, this two-bedroom, two-bath home—built in 1962—has two gas fireplaces: one in the living room (flaunting gorgeous fieldstone) and another in the media room. An atomic chandelier hovers above the dining area. In the backyard are a saltwater pool, hot tub, BBQ area, fire pit and ample space for outdoor dining.
Yellow-and-white striped umbrellas, yellow chaises, and fire pits with surrounding seating all add vibrancy to the backyard pool area of this three-bedroom, two-bath home designed by Krisel. Inside, a dining table can seat six people. Smart design choices with wallpaper and art, plus kitchen cabinetry and bathroom-tile updates, keep this home snug in the middle of the last century.
Featured on a tour during 2023’s Modernism Week, the three-bedroom, two-bath restored home designed by Palmer and Krisel is stocked with vintage furnishings. In each bedroom are Casper mattresses and Brooklinen sheets. Off the primary bedroom is a private courtyard. A saltwater pool, jacuzzi spa, bocce-ball court, fire pit, and BBQ grill are perfect for a group and the indoor dining table can accommodate up to 10.
Marked by a dusty-blue door and concrete breeze-block wall, this three-bedroom, two-bath home designed by Palmer and Krisel boasts a Bosch-outfitted kitchen, floating fireplace and—in the bedrooms—600-thread-count sheets and Casper mattresses. An adorable 1971 Shasta camper is parked near the pool, fire pit, and hammock tree swing.
With pops of bright orange throughout the home’s façade, including the concrete breeze-block wall, front door and exterior outline of the fireplace, this three-bedroom, two-bath home also features a kidney-shaped swimming pool in the yard.
A covered outdoor pavilion, BBQ grill, mini golf and turquoise- and lime-green striped umbrellas near the pool firmly plant this four-bedroom, three-bath home near the time it was built. Inside it’s just as sweet, with period-specific wallpaper and furnishings honoring the era and Palmer and Krisel’s design.
Anchoring the backyard is a saltwater pool, outdoor kitchen and fire pit, while the interior of this three-bedroom, three-bath home beyond its bright yellow door is light and bright and airy. Furnishings carry designer status, sourced from Stephen Kenn and MiroHaus.
Whether it’s Gucci’s Tiger Face Print wallpaper or neon-hued geometrics, each room’s wallpaper resembles a gallery all its own. Also, a framed Slim Aarons-esque photo hangs in one bath of this three-bedroom, two-bath home designed by Krisel and is another inclusion on last year’s Modernish tour. Surrounding the pool are a cabana, fire pit, BBQ, giant Jenga and dining area.
Contrasting with its whitewashed interior are bursts of bright yellow, also depicted on striped poolside umbrellas at this three-bedroom, two-bath home dubbed Citrus Oasis that was built in 1959. A fire pit, outdoor dining space and BBQ are also outside and one bedroom has a desk in case one is on a work-cation, while the kitchen has been upgraded with stainless-steel appliances and a natural quartzite breakfast bar.
