Few places on earth are as connected to a single design movement as Palm Springs is to mid century modern. Walk down almost any street and you'll see a whole city built around one architectural moment, still going strong decades later.
But what actually makes a home Palm Springs mid century modern specifically, and how is it different from mid century modern in general? In this guide, we go over the style's origins, the architects who defined it, where you can still see it today, and a few easy ways to bring that desert mid-mod look into your own home.
What Is Palm Springs Mid Century Modern Design?
Palm Springs mid century modern design is a regional take on the broader mid century modern movement. You'll recognize the foundational mid-mod style by horizontal lines, open floor plans, flat or gently sloped rooflines, and a link between indoor and outdoor space through features like floor-to-ceiling glass, sliding doors, and living rooms that open straight out onto a patio or deck.
Palm Springs took that same foundation and adapted it for the desert. Architects building there had to work around intense heat, bright sun, and a stark, mountainous environment, and those factors are what gives the local style its personality. You’ll see deep roof overhangs that carve out shade, breeze block screens that filter light and let air move through, and building materials like stone, glass, and steel.
How It Differs From Classic Mid Century Modern Design
Palm Springs mid-mod differs from classic mid century modern mainly in how it corresponds to its surroundings. Think of mid century modern as the umbrella term, and Palm Springs mid century modern, which is often called Desert Modernism, as one of its most well-known regional versions.
The core ideas of straight lines, open floor plans, and indoor-outdoor living stayed the same, but the details adapted to the desert climate and geography.
Why Palm Springs Became the Capital of Mid Century Modern
Palm Springs became the capital of mid century modern design because it had the perfect influx of money and celebrities, which meant steady demand for architect-designed homes. Many talented architects provided.
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William Krisel is known for his affordable, architecturally distinctive tract housing, including "House of Tomorrow" and much of the Twin Palms neighborhood.
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Albert Frey is another prominent architect of desert modernism. Even his own home, Frey House II, is built directly into a hillside boulder.
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Richard Neutra designed the Kaufmann House, which is one of the most photographed mid century homes in the world.
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Donald Wexler experimented with steel-framed houses designed to hold up in the desert climate. Only seven were built, but they are famous world-wide.
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E. Stewart Williams designed commercial buildings and homes, including the Frank Sinatra "Twin Palms" estate.
Where To See Mid Century Modern Homes in Palm Springs
You can see mid century modern homes by going on a self-guided tour, attending Modernism Week in mid-October, and taking walking tours with local tour guides. You can also head to the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center to escape the heat while still experiencing the city's architectural history.
These homes and neighborhoods make Palm Springs one of the most concentrated collections of mid century modern architecture in the country:
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Twin Palms Estates. Shows William Krisel's butterfly rooflines.
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Vista Las Palmas. Another Krisel neighborhood known for its rooflines and celebrity history.
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Racquet Club Estates. One of the earliest, and more understated, mid century tract developments in the city.
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Old Las Palmas. An older, more established neighborhood that mixes custom mid century estates with Spanish-style homes.
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Deepwell Estates. Known for spacious lots, mountain views, and its Hollywood history.
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Kaufmann House. This property is regularly considered one of the finest examples of desert modernism anywhere.
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House of Tomorrow. This build is recognized for its circular and tiered design.
Bring Desert Modernism Home
The Palm Springs variation of mid century modern is a style shaped entirely by its location, and that’s part of why it's held up so well, and why people still travel across the world just to see it in person.
And if you’re drawn to the desert-modern look but a trip isn't in the cards right now, you can still bring a bit of that Palm Springs feel home, just check out Mid Century Modern Gal for inspo.
