Modernism Week - Palm Springs

March 23, 2012

Modernism Week - Palm Springs

A few weeks ago, Myrlene and Mary Frances were fortunate to be able to catch the last weekend of Modernism Week in Palm Springs.

“Modernism Week is an exciting 11-day celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs, California. This design aesthetic originated in the 1940s, 50s, 60s 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, fun parties in cool mid-century modern homes and boutique hotels.” From www.modernismweek.com

We were able to take the Double Decker Bus Architectural Tour which was a 3 hour bus tour of the exteriors of the local Palm Springs architecture. We saw examples of such architects as: Donald Wexler, John Lautner, Richard Neutra, William F. Cody, Arthur Elrod, Albert Frey and many more. The day was bright and sunny, so, needless to say, our cameras and phones got quite a workout. One of our favourites is the Kauffman Desert House. The house was built in 1946 by architect Richard Neutra. The owners carefully restored the house and the restoration by Marmol Radziner & Associates was critically lauded. Below are some pictures we took. It was hard to pick only 6 as there is so much great architecture.

We also went to the Prefab Showcase. “Prefab Showcase highlights the very latest in affordable prefab housing, along with solar technology and an expo tent where visitors can explore the latest ideas in eco-friendly trends, while maintaining the highest standards in sophisticated design aesthetics.” They had a beautiful Prefab house that was small but just the right size. We learned when we took the tour through the house that the same company who did that house will be doing a Prefab Project coming to Toronto soon. We are looking forward to that.

Palm Springs is home to some of the best mid-century modern design stores. The stores specialize in mod, retro and upscale vintage. Mid-century modern enthusiasts will love wandering through these stores and discovering some amazing finds.

Listed below are links to some of the great places we visited while in Palm Springs. Hope to see you there next year.

The link to Modernism Week: www.modernismweek.com

Links and Contact Info:

Just Fabulous

www.bjustfabulous.com

Modern Way

www.psmodernway.com

Just Modern

www.justmoderndecor.com

M Modern

www.mmodern.com

Shag

www.shagthestore.com

Atomic Living Design

www.atomiclivingdesign.com

Just Modern

www.justmoderndecor.com

Matthew Ehrmann

www.mpeart.com

Socal Vintage Trailer

www.socalvintagetrailer.com/

Party Lab

www.shoppartylab.com