Palm Springs Style Via Michael S. Smith: From Modern to Eccentric

I’ve never been to Palm Springs, however it is on my national travel bucket list.  The desert town has a history of glamour linked to the 50’s and 60’s when a lot of the Hollywood stars owned vacation homes that makes it irresistible.  I love to look at the pictures of Palm Springs with its Palm trees and open landscape.  Interior Designer Michael S. Smith has a ranch there and has recently helped two friends to revamp their 1960 mid-century Modern home into a modernized Palm Spring Style residence.  The house is situated In Coachella Valley, the same area where the popular Coachella festival happens every year.  Michael S. Smith told Milieu that the house is situated high up, allowing a great view of the landscape… I think that would make up for the loud days during the festival.  “Because anything can be defined as ‘a style’, I developed the interiors in the context of what living in a desert means.” Michael.  Smith avoided the traditional look that defines some mid-century design and rather made a home comfortable and inviting with beautiful abstract work and Picasso porcelain that can be seen throughout the house.  The first two images were taken by me of Milieu Magazine spread, where the house is featured for the Spring issue.  If you didn’t know about this new magazine you should check it out.  In the current issue you’ll find a very insightful interview with the amazing and uber talented Philippe Starck.

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith blue and white rugh via belle vivir

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith living room via belle vivir blog

Below, pictures of Smith’s own 1970’s ranch in Palm Springs as featured in AD last year.  Besides the open plan of the Interior Architecture Rancho Mirage feels inviting and cozy.  The use of upholstered furniture, area rugs and neutral tones has a lot to do with the overall feeling of warm.


Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith canopy bed via belle vivir blog

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith canopy bed with a view belle vivir blog

Lovely canopy bed with an even more lovely view.

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith living room via belle vivir blog

Love the masculinity in this room.

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith fireplace via belle vivir

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith bathroom via belle vivir

Palm Springs Style via Michael S. Smith living room with travertine walls belle vivir