Visual Acoustics

Painting by Tiko Kerr, Twin Palms Pool 2011

Interior by RBI Rancho Mirage, 2011

Modernism Week is an exciting celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs, California.  This design aesthetic originated in the 1940's, 50's + 60's and was typified by clean simple lines which came to define desert modernism.

Modernism Week is filled with a variety of events including architectural tours, films, lectures, an architectural symposium, educational events, and chic parties...... all hosted in cool mid-century homes and boutique hotels.  It's happening February 16-26.  Get the Modernism Week  App for your iPhone, + I'll see you there.

Mural by John Henry, Palm Springs 2011

Palm Springs has such a strong site specific design vernacular, it continues to inspire + evoke a creative response.


Some favourite Palm Springs vintage furniture + accessory sources:

.  Boulevard

.  Christopher Anthony

.  Buy Design

.  Porter + Plunk

.  Hedge

.  Studio One 11

Windows On The World

Warren Platner, limited production chair, for Steelcase 1970s

I was in New York last week, it's a trip I make a least once a year to get a fix of pure urbanity.  This year marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic destruction of the World Trade towers, and had me thinking of that time before, NYC (and the world) was forever changed.  Like those halcyon days when Waren Platner's mastery created the iconic Windows on the World restaurant (occupying the entire 107th floor of the north tower).  HIs breakout (1977) design  is forever recorded in my visual memory. The attention to detail was all encompassing, every element had intent and was part of the whole.  Like the towers, it had a tremendous effect on my sense (and the possibilities) of built environments.  

Windows is likely the most know of Platner's interior design projects, and his sensuous series of seating and tables for Knoll, the most celebrated.  We were very fortunate to find one of his (out of production) chairs for Steelcase to incorporate in a Palm Springs residence. The chair (pictured above) is rakishly handsome, and epitomizes many hallmarks of his work.  Boldly modern, yet reminiscent of a beauty we had already known. 

Warren Platner for Knoll 1966

In mermory of life, love and beauty lost.

American artist Robert Indiana's, LOVE 1966 

Who's Who

Designing this resort home was much more ad-libbed than scripted. The style direction from the outset was to be retro inspired, but fresh and modern in it's manifestation.  We sourced all of the vintage furniture + artifacts in California.  Finding the majority of them in Palm Springs, and filling in the gaps, on 1stdibs.  With new fabrics and some refreshing of finishes everything looks like it just came off the showroom floor.    

There are so many wonderful pieces, each with their own provenance: Living room, wall sculpture and floor lamp by Curtis Jere. Credenza by Karl Springer.  Lounge chairs by Milo Baughman + Warren Platner. Dining room, vintage table from Brueton, with chairs by Milo Baughman, vintage Murano glass collection on lucite/glass shelving unit.  Den, chest by Steve Chase, antique Balinese day bed, vintage white Italian ceramics. 

Master bath, wall sculpture by Curtis Jere.  Master bedroom, pony chaise by Le Corbusier, side table Charles Hollis Jones, vintage lucite desk with Mies Brno chair, bedside tables by Brian Cox, vintage lucite chandelier (unknown).  All snapshots taken during our June install, the custom rug and outstanding bits, will all be in place for the fall season.

Deep Roots

When I was studying interior design in the late 1970s, one of the most influential designers of the time was Ward Bennett.  His pared down furniture and interiors relied on strength of form, and the intrinsic beauty of materials.  He presented a view of minimalism that was comfortable and luxurious.  I've always naturally gravitated to his work, as much now as I did over 30 years ago.  We used his Sled chair (1963) in this dressing area for it's quiet honest elegance.  Just classic, no twist.

Scissor Chair 1980s

 A number of his furniture pieces remain in production, and are manufactured by Geiger International. 

Ever Green

A client of ours recently purchased a home in Palm Springs and asked us to undertake design of the interiors.  What's unusual about this project is that we decided to source most of the furniture from the, (not so secret) wealth of vintage furniture in the region.  Our design direction is a glamorous 70's / 80's vibe and a little bit Hollywood.  As designers we are accustomed to planning well in advance, ordering furniture and installing a preconceived vision.  For this home the design process has been much more organic, and a great rush! Finding remarkable pieces, by notable designers like, Milo Baughman, Warren Platner and Steven Chase  to name a few.  We've also found wonderful high quality items by top furniture and accessory manufacturers of the time.  One unseen benefit of shopping the secondary furniture market is the green aspect, reuse and shop local. Assembled above are a few of our finds.  The house will be complete for the fall season.  Special thanks go out to our wonderful client, who has inspired us and the decor. 

Survival Of The Fittest

As designers we are faced daily with the proposition of selecting furniture, from a seemingly endless offering.  Accessible technologies have facilitated the rapid 'concept to market' proliferation of new product,  feeding our design hungry culture.  Only time will tell if these 'current' designs have visual and functional endurance.  A chair that has maintained it's position via natural selection, is Eero Saarinen's executive chair.  Getting full marks in both comfort and beauty, as much today as when it was introduced in 1957.  We paired these enduring sculptural chairs with a bronze based artisan table, in this light filled breakfast room. 

Saarinen executive chair 1957

Modern Traditions

The question of style often comes up when speaking about our work. I usually say we work in a contemporary manner.  This is really only partly true.  Although we design for contemporary lifestyles, almost everything we create has an archetype in the history of interiors.  For me the study of design chronicles is a constant  resource for every facet of our work in, advancing the anatomy of living environments. History imparts knowledge and gives permission to move the profession of design forward to a more relevant expression of our time and place.

Parzinger console tables 1940

Most of the design inspiration for this room can be attributed to period styles, yet the conclusion is a modern representation.  Two exceptional Tommi Parzinger console tables (for Charak) flank the fireplace, designed in the 1940s, their elegant simplified form is in perfect alliance with the balance of these historically influenced furnishings. In making this transitional room we considered the past to better visualize the present.  Art work Rimi Yang.