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Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise
Paying homage to the seminal mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs, this luxurious book showcases historic jet-set homes designed by legendary talents such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Paul Williams, as well as private residences by today’s leading tastemakers.
Since Gary Cooper built one of the first modernist houses in Palm Springs in the 1930s, this desert oasis has entranced Hollywood. A mecca for the international jet set that lured Frank Sinatra, Walter Annenberg, and others, Palm Springs came into its own architecturally as a haven for visionary modernists such as Richard Neutra, who were practicing the International Style in Los Angeles. The architectural legacy remains unsurpassed for its originality and influence, and recently many of the city’s modernist residential treasures have been restored.
In original new photography, Palm Springs captures the allure of this famed modernist destination. The book profiles outstanding examples such as the Annenberg Estate, the Ford House, and the Kaufmann House, shown in their splendor, as well as today’s restorations by top interior designers such as Martyn Lawrence Bullard and fashion designer Trina Turk. A resource section provides modernist furnishing stores and other points of interest.
Since Gary Cooper built one of the first modernist houses in Palm Springs in the 1930s, this desert oasis has entranced Hollywood. A mecca for the international jet set that lured Frank Sinatra, Walter Annenberg, and others, Palm Springs came into its own architecturally as a haven for visionary modernists such as Richard Neutra, who were practicing the International Style in Los Angeles. The architectural legacy remains unsurpassed for its originality and influence, and recently many of the city’s modernist residential treasures have been restored.
In original new photography, Palm Springs captures the allure of this famed modernist destination. The book profiles outstanding examples such as the Annenberg Estate, the Ford House, and the Kaufmann House, shown in their splendor, as well as today’s restorations by top interior designers such as Martyn Lawrence Bullard and fashion designer Trina Turk. A resource section provides modernist furnishing stores and other points of interest.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 20, 2023
An overview of a handful of the mid century homes located in Palm Springs. Nice cross-section of styles represented. Text is somewhat cursory so if you are craving a detailed study of architectural styles or particular architects you’ll need to go elsewhere. Incidentally, there is as much or fractionally more focus on interiors versus external structures. A nice coffee table book not just in appearance but also in scope (not necessarily a bad thing as this is undoubtedly the author’s intent).
Physically speaking, the book is a beautiful production as to be expected from Rizzoli.
Physically speaking, the book is a beautiful production as to be expected from Rizzoli.
November 2, 2022
Photos are beautiful.
Would have liked the interiors to be less obviously styled. (One book is used 3 times in 3 different views/rooms of the same house.) Two family dogs help to give two homes a less sterile atmosphere.
Some difficult descriptions:
A dumbwaiter that cannot be seen in the photo. Perhaps it is well hidden? Why not add a second photo with the dumbwaiter open? But let the reader know where it is so it doesn't appear mislabeled.
"An extra layer of magic" If it has to be written, it probably means that the photos aren't expressing it.
Too many mentions of the couches of Vladimir Kagan, making it feel like a sales catalog. (There is a book binding, easily readable with his name, the title, upright, and facing the camera.)
But, the reader is there for the photos.
And they are beautiful.
Would have liked the interiors to be less obviously styled. (One book is used 3 times in 3 different views/rooms of the same house.) Two family dogs help to give two homes a less sterile atmosphere.
Some difficult descriptions:
A dumbwaiter that cannot be seen in the photo. Perhaps it is well hidden? Why not add a second photo with the dumbwaiter open? But let the reader know where it is so it doesn't appear mislabeled.
"An extra layer of magic" If it has to be written, it probably means that the photos aren't expressing it.
Too many mentions of the couches of Vladimir Kagan, making it feel like a sales catalog. (There is a book binding, easily readable with his name, the title, upright, and facing the camera.)
But, the reader is there for the photos.
And they are beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews