Nestled in Palm Springs’ ICONIC Thunderbird neighborhood, this home tells the story of two distinct design styles married in perfect harmony. Clean, modern architecture is balanced by mid-century-inspired interiors, adding vibrancy and a sense of uplifting nostalgia to the residence. The result is a brilliant interplay of classic and contemporary, clean and colorful, making the house a timeless work of art that effortlessly embodies the clients’ personalities.
The project was spearheaded by Joelle Nesen, principal designer of the Portland-based interior design firm, Maison Inc. “This client came from a Portland project; we had such a great working relationship, ” Nesen says. “When they bought this property, we were the first choice to do the interiors and interior architecture in partnership with Silk Cavessa Marchetti.”
As you walk through the front doors, an abundance of light fills the space, making it feel open and expansive. A steel wall divider, evocative of a classic Mid-Century Modern rectangular pattern, leads the eye to the living room, where a custom curved sofa in pale-blue upholstery anchors the space. A silk-and-wool rug is woven in a yellow hue, giving the room a subtle warmth, while the side chairs, upholstered in a Jim Thompson print, nod to the vintage aesthetic the wife prefers.
“The husband and wife had a different vision of what they wanted the home to look like. The husband wanted something clean, cold and crisp while the wife really wanted a chic, old-school Palm Springs interior,” Nesen explains. “Our job was to marry the architecture to embrace a Mid-Century Modern interior.”
This sentiment is especially captured in the kitchen. Sleek kitchen cabinetry, a large waterfall stone island and a modern range reflect the husband’s preference for a contemporary, minimalist style, while striking yellow-patterned tiles and green dining chairs make a bold, modernist statement. “It was so fun to work with someone who embraces such great colors and really lets us go for it,” Nesen says.
Brick walls within the home give it a brutalist edge, while colorful artworks tie it back to the femininity and delicacy of the interiors. “We curated almost all the art for the home,” Nesen points out.
The den pays a playful nod to Palm Springs modernism with cheetah carpeting. Neutral and earth-toned pillows and decor, paired with a wood ceiling and a built-in wood desk, provide warmth, while blue accents add a touch of masculinity. The brutalist vintage coffee table draws attention to its intricate carvings, encouraging the eye to linger on the subtle details.
“I love all the factors about it [the space],” Nesen recalls. “It feels like a space you want to hang out in. It’s such a cozy room. We found this Whitney Nye art piece, and I immediately thought that it needed to go above the sofa.”
The house was designed to be visually beautiful and livable for the clients and their two children. “Our goal was to make the home comfortable, where you could [get dirty] without having to think about it, but also still look elegant and beautiful. The wife really wanted to make sure that it felt like easy living for the whole family, a place where kids can run around and adults can have martinis in the living room,” the designer remarks.
Nesen attributes the project’s success to the “well-oiled” professional team of the designer and architect and the owners’ confidence in their design expertise. “I think partnering with clients that trusted us and had a clear vision between the two of them played a big role,” Nesen says. “The wife had great inspiration, and she gave us a lot of runway to explore. They weren’t scared of anything, which was really great. It allowed us to do some of our best work.”
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