House Tour: A Modern Oasis with Mid-Century Flair
Take a slice of Hollywood from this California Desert abode weaving rich history into a modern context.
There's nothing dry about this mindfully-designed oasis perched in the California Desert. At its best, this home in Rancho Mirage channels the spirit of its surroundings, embodying both the warm light and succulent landscape.
This storied desert, however, has lived a double life. What was once a star- studded hotbed hosting Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack for martini lunches and social clubs is now host to stunning homes, including this inviting weekend Pied-à-terre. Thanks to its architectural grandeur and stunning landscape, this Rancho Mirage home is more than just a weekend getaway; it's an ode to the iconic mid-century designs that defined the desert aesthetic of the 1900s Hollywood.
Known for its cluster of resorts, golf courses, famed country clubs and star-studded residents, Rancho Mirage is the perfect place to unwind and lose track of time, surrounded by the serene beauty of the arid, tranquil landscape. ‘Rancho Mirage has been the escape of choice since the 1920s and 1930s. This oasis is a living, breathing tribute to an era of glamour and elegance. Did you know one of the founders of Rancho Mirage was also behind The Wizard of Oz?’ says interior designer Harrison Soll, who brought the nostalgic, yet modern atmosphere to life.
Built in 1937 and renovated in 2023, the reimagining of this home epitomises mid- century modern design, situating the living room at the heart of the home. The interior was renewed to encapsulate the nostalgia of the 70s—with a modern twist. Capturing the essence of this era and bringing it to the modern age through carefully curated designs is tricky. Channelling the revolution and boundary-breaking aesthetic of the decade is one way to do it.
But curating a space that invitingly melts you into the desert? That’s how Harrison Soll did it. ‘I wanted to create a sexy, 70s atmosphere with subtle juxtapositions of small pops of colour: greens, oranges, yellows. This was inspired by the clients’ love of vibrant colours and the home's lush green surroundings,’ says Soll.
The iconic style lends itself to an injection of bold colours, found textile patterns and eclectic furnishings. Throughout the home’s communal spaces, layers of brass frame the supple leather of vintage furniture, while sharp dessert cacti along the exterior juxtapose the home’s psychedelic motifs. Framing the outdoor fire pit, connoisseurs of African design will instantly recognise the set of hand-beaded Yoruba Chairs, adding the right amount of floral to an otherwise torrid landscape.
Characterised by its clean lines, geometric shapes and open floor plans, dimensionality is key to the home's overall retro flair. Complete with low-slung buildings, flat roofs, kidney-shaped pools and lush palm-strewn landscapes, the home epitomises decades of California cool from the inside out.
Text by Kimberly Schoeman
Photography by Pablo Enriquez