The Bells + Whistles team renovated the interiors of the 1957 home built by Donald Wexler in Palm Springs, California. Studio founders Barbara Rourke and Jason St. John were called upon to create a space that would combine architecture, color, and expressive decor, but at the same time would be truly “homey”, since the owners have small children.
Built by the famous American architect Donald Wexler (1926 – 2015), this small house of 314 sq. m. is recognized as an architectural monument of modernism. The house is part of Thunderbird North, a neighborhood of 10 villas designed by mid-century modern masters Cody, Wexler and Harrison.
Bells + Whistles were tasked with changing the mood of the late 1950s complex with injections of vibrant color, hypnotic patterns, and a magical desert feel—while creating the quintessential Californian American Dream home.
The most interesting element is the impressive IG-perfect swimming pool, designed by Alex Proba. Alex painted the bottom of the pool as an homage to the work of David Hockney. According to Bells + Whistles, “bringing a new spirit to the iconic Wexler home was an interesting challenge.” Inside the home, bright spaces with predominantly white surfaces provide the backdrop for a thoughtful mix of vintage, new, and custom pieces.
A custom sofa from Modshop, upholstered in coral velvet, appears to float on a white shag rug. The dining room is just as attractive as the living room, featuring a massive dining table with pink chairs. The master bedroom is decorated in soothing neutral tones, complemented by a rug from Lulu & George.
