Modernism Week Has Me House Hunting, but While a New Home Isn't on the Cards for Me, Shopping the Look Is Easy

Bringing together the best of mid-century and desert modernism, Palm Springs décor is inherently cool, and totally timeless

mid-century style living room surrounded by various modern décor products
The Palm Springs aesthetic incorporates elements from mid-century design and desert modernist décor.
(Image credit: Center Image: Matt Kisiday for Kockum Design. Various products throughout article.)

Picturing Palm Springs décor likely brings to mind earthy tones and furniture silhouettes with a slightly retro lean. And that's not surprising considering it's an aesthetic that combines the best of mid-century design — it's organic shapes, clean lines, and warm wood tones — with the relaxed simplicity and inherent coolness of desert modernism.

Colloquially known as Hollywood's playground, Palm Springs is certainly a popular vacation spot, but its rich architectural history has made it somewhat of a design mecca, too. While you can take tours of some of the best examples of mid-century modern homes year-round, come October and February, Palm Springs hosts Modernism Week — a festival celebrating the iconic architectural style, attracting designers, artists, and enthusiasts alike.

And while for most of us, owning one of these homes will have to remain on our wish list, owning their signature style is way more achievable. Below, I've found nine pieces of Palm Springs décor that capture the functional beauty and 'funky' style of this seriously cool aesthetic.

Love this aesthetic? Do you know all about mid-century modern homes? Or the revival in Palm Springs-style motels around the world? Here's some further reading for you.

Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin is a New York-based Style Editor for Livingetc who is keen on all aspects of personal style. From a young age, she was drawn to the design world, whether that was taking sewing classes in her hometown, or flipping through the pages of her mother’s interior design magazines. She spent hours on end watching HGTV home improvement and design programs, often sharing her opinions as if the TV could hear her.

After graduating from Villanova University with a BA in Communication and Spanish Language Studies, Devin moved to Paris, France to pursue her Master’s Degree in Fashion Studies at Parsons. It was here she refined her love for style in every sense of the word. While there to study fashion, living in Paris allowed Devin to fall in love with interior style. She grew fond of the city’s mix of both classic and contemporary designs that felt intentional and personal.

After moving back to the United States, Devin worked at Tom Ford and later Cosmopolitan Magazine. She loves sharing design choices with her readers, from explaining how to incorporate trends into interior spaces to sourcing the best products for your home. Devin believes style should be inclusive, exciting, and at its core, fun