In addition to daily lectures, presentations, films and exhibitions, a big treat of Modernism Week is the opportunity to tour mid-century homes that are not for sale… and the chance to talk with owners who have lovingly restored and renovated their homes keeping true to the mid-century modern style. The photos below are from homes in the Green Fairway neighborhood designed by Donald Wexler, one of the most celebrated Mid-Century Modern Palm Springs architects… and from Merito Manor in Old Palm Springs (the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs), designed by Barry Berkus, another 'brand name' in mid-century design.
Click to enlargeSome things to notice…
- Flat and accordion roof lines
- Tons of light
- High windows following rooflines
- Walls of windows, sliding glass doors
- Open, flowing living space
- Stylized metal range hoods and fireplaces
- Vintage Blenko glassware
- Color explosions inside and out
- Some current update trends
- Brushed brass hardware and plumbing fixtures
- Wallpaper framed for use as large-scale prints
- Marbelized farmhouse kitchen sinks
This year another treat was two new homes in Chino Canyon, perched at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. The one below is an Al Beadle design from the 1970s that was never built until now. It isn't finished yet… which gives a unique opportunity to see the actual structure of the building, built with steel beams and corten steel siding.
Read more about the "Beadle House" pictured above and the second new O'Donnell house pictured below, dubbed the "O2 House" for its use of natural ventilation and solar energy at …. Palm Springs’ newest modernist gem? A revived ‘70s Al Beadle design
The last house I will show you is this year's Christopher Kennedy Compound Showhouse. Full of ideas, it features the work of 22 different designers.
Some things I noted…
- Wallpaper everywhere, even in closets and covering light switch plates
- Patterned flooring and window shades
- Strong use of aqua… even in the barbecue grill
- Mix of colors everywhere
- Mix of hardware finishes, including polished/brushed chrome and polished/brushed brass in the same room
Read more about it at Traditional Home… The Christopher Kennedy Compound Showhouse
In addition to the homes, a highlight of this year's Modernism Week was the full, uncut version of the recent film about the architect Eero Saarinen, shown at a large screen theater. His son, who was director of photography and co-producer was present and responded to questions following the screening. The making of the film was a very personal journey for him. Beautifully filmed, it is worth seeing even on a small screen… see it at AMERICAN MASTERS…
Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results
HomesMSP Team - Sharlene, John, Angela – Twin Cities Mid-Century Modern Realtors
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