Time Remaining to Enjoy a Modernist Masterpiece in California Desert - Bask in Paul Smith Textiles and Classic Aesthetics within the Next Three Months
A historic modernist masterpiece in Palm Desert, California, is now adorned entirely with upholstered mid-century furniture from Paul Smith. The Desert Wave House, designed by US architect Walter S. White in 1955, has been listed as a nationally significant artistic or historic place. Its iconic undulating roof and sleek 1950s design have long showcased impressive style.
This summer, the Desert Wave House takes center stage in the hospitality industry, showcasing its renovated interior against some of the best design hotels worldwide. The collaboration between Design Within Reach, Paul Smith, and Boutique Homes has transformed the property into an immersive design experience that serves as a time capsule with a stripey twist.
Guests can lounge on Saarinen's 1946 Womb Chair or enjoy breakfast in the 1950 Eames Moulded Plastic Side Chair, both reimagined with fabric from the Paul Smith + Maharam collection. Other historically significant pieces by Knoll and Herman Miller join original designs from Design Within Reach to furnish the home.
The glass architecture of the Desert Wave House provides a unique backdrop for the DWR Presents: The Paul Smith Collection. "The house is composed in large part of glass, and the windows act as a prism that draws your attention to how the light of the desert changes throughout the day," says Marc Blazer, CEO of Boutique Homes.
A thoughtful color palette, inspired by the cacti and desert landscape, brings the outer strength within the home. Teal, deep green, and burgundy accents complement the stepped plaid furnishings, adding texture to the smooth wooden interior.
For Omar Nobil, SVP and Creative Director of Design Within Reach, the combination of colors and patterns captures the joyful whimsy of their designer. "Like Sir Paul himself, the textiles that adorn the furniture in the home evoke joy and whimsy, but with a sharp sense of sophistication," he explains.
First commissioned as an artist's studio and private retreat for friends by Miles C Bates, the original owner and LA playboy, the Desert Wave House now welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the style and drama of California's desert modernism until August 31, 2025.
If you're seeking design hotels in the Palm Desert area that compete with the unique ambiance of the Desert Wave House, consider the Hotel Paseo, Autograph Collection, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Each offers a mix of luxury, modern design, and historical charm, though none may perfectly replicate the mid-century modern aesthetic of the Desert Wave House with Paul Smith furniture.
Interested parties can book their stay at the Desert Wave House or purchase pieces from the Design Within Reach's Paul Smith Collection to take the holiday home with them. The renaissance of mid-century masterpieces, such as the Desert Wave House, and the vintage motels revival, can be observed across American destinations. For more information, check out our recent dispatch on the vintage motels revival.
- The Desert Wave House, a nationally significant artistic place, is now a immersive design experience for outdoor living, featuring mid-century furniture from Paul Smith.
- The upholstered furniture in the Desert Wave House, including Saarinen's Womb Chair and Eames Moulded Plastic Side Chair, have been reimagined with fabrics from the Paul Smith + Maharam collection.
- The renovated interior of the Desert Wave House, a collaborative effort between Design Within Reach, Paul Smith, and Boutique Homes, showcases an intriguing blend of art, texture, and furniture.
- The unique glass architecture of the Desert Wave House serves as a prism that attracts attention to the changing light of the desert, creating a stunning backdrop for the DWR Presents: The Paul Smith Collection.
- The Desert Wave House, originally commissioned as an artist's studio and private retreat, now offers guests a glimpse into California's desert modernism, with a captivating color palette inspired by the cacti and desert landscape.
- The teal, deep green, and burgundy accents in the Desert Wave House complement the stepped plaid furnishings, adding a sense of texture to the smooth wooden interior.
- The Desert Wave House's combination of colors and patterns evoke joy and whimsy, embodying the same spirit as its designer, Sir Paul Smith.
- If you're looking for design hotels in the Palm Desert area that rival the unique ambiance of the Desert Wave House, consider options like Hotel Paseo, Autograph Collection, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
- Interested visitors can book a stay at the Desert Wave House or purchase pieces from the Design Within Reach's Paul Smith Collection to bring the mid-century modern aesthetic home.
- The renaissance of mid-century masterpieces, such as the Desert Wave House, and the vintage motels revival can be seen across American travel destinations, as fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, sports, travel, cars, and even NFL or NCAA football enthusiasts seek a taste of the golden age of mid-century design.
