Desert Modernism
The land of fantastic rooflines and sun-smart design gave way to a signature style of Mid Century Modern design.
By Rabekah Henderson and Jickie Torres
A WILLIAM KRISEL-DESIGNED HOUSE IN THE TWIN PALMS NEIGHBORHOOD OWNED BY PALM SPRINGS AUTHOR, REALTOR AND KRISEL EXPERT CHRIS MENRAD.
PHOTO BY DAN CHAVKIN.
THE FAÇADE OF THIS KRISEL HOME EXEMPLIFIES A FEW DESERT MODERNISM TRAITS, WITH ITS ATRIUM-STYLE ENTRY AND GLASS-FRONTED EXPANSE TOPPED BY MORE GLASS WITH THE CLERESTORY WINDOWS. PHOTO BY BRET GUM.
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
OPPOSITE: THIS VIEW OF THE SAME KRISEL HOUSE SHOWS ITS RARE EXTENDED BUTTERFLY ROOF. THE DESERT, WITH ITS VAST EXPANSE, EMBOLDENED THE MODERNIST ARCHITECTS OF THE AREA TO EXPERIMENT, EXPLORE AND INNOVATE.
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
AS A STYLE OF Mid Century Modern design, Desert Modernism takes key mid-century elements like sleek lines and open spaces a step further by giving them a Desert Modern twist. But this style isn’t found just anywhere: True to its name, Desert Modernism is found most frequently in the arid oasis of Palm Springs, California.