Decorating
Decorating: How to Inject a Little Palm Springs Glamour into Your Home
The shades, patterns and upbeat mood of California’s coolest holiday spot are perfect for a spring lift
In the 1960s, Palm Springs was the place for Hollywood icons to hang out, giving birth to a look as instantly recognisable as its stars. Think poolside turquoise, sunshine yellow, emerald green, punchy geometrics and midcentury furniture. It’s a look that translates well to different architectural styles, and you can add just a little or bask in a lot. So don your coolest shades, mix yourself a martini and sit back and enjoy…
Set up symmetry
If you don’t want to theme an entire room, create a balanced corner. Nothing says Palm Springs perfection like a Slim Aarons photograph and some simple symmetry. This pair of retro-flavour table lamps keep everything centred, while the wallpaper is an updated version of 1960s geometrics.
If you don’t want to theme an entire room, create a balanced corner. Nothing says Palm Springs perfection like a Slim Aarons photograph and some simple symmetry. This pair of retro-flavour table lamps keep everything centred, while the wallpaper is an updated version of 1960s geometrics.
Revel in one key colour
This is a diluted version of the look, but has its roots firmly in the Palm Springs aesthetic. The vibrant green walls are the big statement, with other hints of the style – pattern, palms and gloss –taking on minor roles. It’s a good example of how you don’t have to import a look wholesale, just pick what works for you.
Discover more ways to use green in a bedroom
This is a diluted version of the look, but has its roots firmly in the Palm Springs aesthetic. The vibrant green walls are the big statement, with other hints of the style – pattern, palms and gloss –taking on minor roles. It’s a good example of how you don’t have to import a look wholesale, just pick what works for you.
Discover more ways to use green in a bedroom
Combine yellow and blue
This scheme matches key shades of Palm Springs style, placing palest lemon yellow against a gentle turquoise. The geometry of the rug works because it’s generously large and the colour is repeated again in cushions, accessories and artworks.
This scheme matches key shades of Palm Springs style, placing palest lemon yellow against a gentle turquoise. The geometry of the rug works because it’s generously large and the colour is repeated again in cushions, accessories and artworks.
Zing against dark walls
Californian brights meet a more British charcoal grey in this living space. The mix works, letting emerald green and citrus tones pop out from the more sombre backdrop. The shots of green and amber inject vibrance without getting too faux tropical for a Victorian townhouse.
Discover why dark colours can work in any space
Californian brights meet a more British charcoal grey in this living space. The mix works, letting emerald green and citrus tones pop out from the more sombre backdrop. The shots of green and amber inject vibrance without getting too faux tropical for a Victorian townhouse.
Discover why dark colours can work in any space
Flash it on a splashback
These turquoise splashbacks, combined with ultra-glossy surfaces, add just a hint of Palm Springs glamour, with the hot orange pendants confirming that this owner likes a reminder of desert heat. A midcentury-style ceramic pot is all that’s needed to hint at this scheme’s style heritage.
These turquoise splashbacks, combined with ultra-glossy surfaces, add just a hint of Palm Springs glamour, with the hot orange pendants confirming that this owner likes a reminder of desert heat. A midcentury-style ceramic pot is all that’s needed to hint at this scheme’s style heritage.
Learn from geometry
Mediterranean blue gets some Palm Springs energy in a geometric tiled outside space that will feel bright all year round. It’s an inspired way to bring colour and wow to a small courtyard or garden – a few spring and summer blooms could add to the mood.
Mediterranean blue gets some Palm Springs energy in a geometric tiled outside space that will feel bright all year round. It’s an inspired way to bring colour and wow to a small courtyard or garden – a few spring and summer blooms could add to the mood.
Balance the layout
For all its innovative colours and forms, balance and order is a big part of Palm Springs style. Here, two sofas keep things orderly, with the colours and pattern and metallics doing the work of innovation. The more recent ikat trend mixes easily with edgier geometrics in this glamorous scheme.
For all its innovative colours and forms, balance and order is a big part of Palm Springs style. Here, two sofas keep things orderly, with the colours and pattern and metallics doing the work of innovation. The more recent ikat trend mixes easily with edgier geometrics in this glamorous scheme.
Pick a shimmering shade
Teal is an outstandingly sun-soaked shade that brings the breezy Palm Springs trend into central London. The designer of this bedroom has used it as the linchpin shade, expressed in full-on brightness and softer versions, including a silk-weave geometrical rug that unites the elements.
Teal is an outstandingly sun-soaked shade that brings the breezy Palm Springs trend into central London. The designer of this bedroom has used it as the linchpin shade, expressed in full-on brightness and softer versions, including a silk-weave geometrical rug that unites the elements.
Go for period details
The mellow yellow rug and gorgeous teal upholstery in this room are injections of Palm Springs style, but the really interesting elements are the glam mirror and glittering side table. Investing in one or two midcentury pieces gives a space a special, individual feel.
TELL US…
Would you like to take a trip to Palm Springs? Or have you already sampled its delights? Let us know in the Comments below.
The mellow yellow rug and gorgeous teal upholstery in this room are injections of Palm Springs style, but the really interesting elements are the glam mirror and glittering side table. Investing in one or two midcentury pieces gives a space a special, individual feel.
TELL US…
Would you like to take a trip to Palm Springs? Or have you already sampled its delights? Let us know in the Comments below.
In a real Palm Springs scheme, the bright Californian light would provide a dazzling, sun-bleached setting. Here, a white sofa and walls imitate that sharp whiteness rather nicely, lifted by turquoise piping and pastel cushions. The foliage and leaf-green rug keep the mood as fresh as Palm Springs style was first time around.