Palm Springs Modern: Where It All Comes Together
Step inside two stunning desert homes reimagined by renowned designers during Modernism Week 2026 in Palm Springs
For over two decades, Modernism Week has been Palm Springs' premiere celebration of mid-century modern (MCM) design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture. As the Major sponsor of the 2026 event and the exclusive kitchen and bath sponsor for the twelfth consecutive year, Ferguson Home stands as the destination of choice for homeowners, designers, and builders seeking to bring their modern visions to life. This year's event, taking place February 12-22, 2026, features hundreds of events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, nightly parties, and more.
As the ultimate resource for appliances, plumbing, and lighting fixtures, Ferguson Home partners with industry leaders to showcase the finest in modern design. Grand sponsors Brizo and Monogram join Diamond sponsors James Martin Vanities and Kichler in outfitting this year's featured homes with cutting-edge appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting that honor mid-century aesthetics while embracing contemporary innovation. Whether you're planning a complete renovation or seeking statement pieces, Ferguson Home has everything needed to bring any project to completion.
Soleil House: A California Icon Reimagined
Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains with sweeping views across the valley toward Indian Canyons, this 1963 residence designed by Harold J. Bissner, Sr. has been transformed into a stunning expression of modern California living. Designer and fashion icon Trina Turk has brought her signature colorful, contemporary aesthetic to this mid-century gem, naming it Soleil House, a tribute to her love of the sun motif.
"The house also has great bones with characteristics associated with a classic midcentury Palm Springs home: walls of glass, a swimming pool, and most importantly—a real connection between indoor and outdoor space. It was a complete mess, but there was exciting potential for a sophisticated refresh showcasing my love for textiles, color, texture and pattern."
- Trina Turk, Designer, Soleil House
A Vision Rooted in History
The house remained in its original family until Turk purchased it, and during the renovation, the original architectural plans were discovered, revealing Bissner's vision and guiding the thoughtful restoration. The designer maintained the original footprint, appreciating the intimate scale of Palm Springs homes from the 1950's and 1960's. Spanish-style roof tiles added later were removed to restore the original roofline, and original exterior light fixtures are being recreated by J. Knox Designs.
Drawing inspiration from Albert Frey's color palette—yellows, aqua and turquoise blues, soft sage greens, and pink-tinged concrete blocks—Turk crafted a sophisticated color story for the home. Honed terrazzo tile with large chunks, natural oak cabinetry, and tongue-and-groove ceilings create a light, bright atmosphere that honors the home's heritage.
Modern Kitchen Innovation
One of the biggest design challenges was reimagining how spaces function for today's lifestyles. The original kitchen was a small, windowless galley with a skylight that could be closed off behind louvered doors—perfect for 1963, but incompatible with how we gather now. By incorporating space from a former en-suite bathroom, the kitchen now features a large picture window facing the sculptural rocks of the mountain behind the house.
The kitchen showcases Monogram appliances in stainless steel with brass accents, beautifully tying together the aluminum frame windows with brass faucets and hardware from Brizo, and a stunning brass range hood. Modern conveniences including an in-drawer microwave and versatile kitchen faucet provide today's functionality while maintaining the clean, pared-down aesthetic essential to authentic MCM design.
Design Details
A dramatic conversation pit was added to the living room, taking advantage of the sweeping view—more dramatic when seated lower. A wall was removed to open up the entire expanse of the view across the front of the house, and the patio roofline was shortened so the overhang doesn't feel as heavy, allowing more sky to be visible.
The renovation also revealed hidden treasures: a stone staircase that had been buried by mountain runoff over the years was unearthed, and a large rock from the mountainside built into the foundation is now a celebrated feature of the lower-level space. Kichler lighting throughout the home offers modern interpretations of mid-century design.
The Marquee at Twin Palms: Quintessential Palm Springs
This quintessential Palm Springs vacation home, designed by Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper of H3K Home + Design, captures the essence of desert living with tall tongue-and-groove ceilings, walls of glass facing the pool, and breathtaking vistas of the San Jacinto mountains. Existing decorative concrete block throughout the property provided the perfect inspiration to continue the clean lines and architectural style of the original home.
"We were drawn to the property for its quintessential Palm Springs Vacation Home vibe. Tall tongue and groove ceilings, walls of glass facing the pool and vistas of the San Jacinto mountains are some of the great features we are excited to be working with."
- Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper, H3K Home + Design
Reimagining the Floor Plan
The biggest design challenge was reconfiguring the space to include a proper dining area. Originally adjacent to the kitchen and undersized for more than six guests, the dining space needed a complete rethink. By enlarging the kitchen and harvesting space from an adjacent bedroom through an opening that had previously been a sliding room divider, the designers created an elegant dining area that accommodates eight guests comfortably.
Kitchen and Entertainment
The decision to open up the kitchen transformed the entire living experience. A large central island now serves as both a functional workspace and gathering place for entertaining. The expanded layout allows natural light to flow in from two sides, creating a more balanced feel throughout the main living areas.
The kitchen features a mix of woods and vintage-inspired hardware that adds warmth to the space. State-of-the-art Monogram appliances provide exceptional cooking flexibility, while Brizo fixtures in elegant finishes anchor the design. A charming bar area adjacent to the kitchen island provides the perfect punctuation to the entertaining zone. James Martin Vanities and Kichler lighting complete the sophisticated aesthetic throughout the home.
Honoring MCM Heritage
The designers approached this project as their interpretation of the MCM look rather than a strict period restoration. Their advice to homeowners considering similar projects: think about how you want the house to feel when it's finished. You can use modern design elements—like contemporary kitchen cabinets—while incorporating materials popular in the '50s and '60s. Creating an MCM vibe doesn't have to happen all at once; vintage or vintage-inspired furnishings, light fixtures, or hardware knobs can gradually create that authentic mid-century atmosphere.
Start Your Design Journey
Experience these remarkable homes and more during Modernism Week 2026, February 12-22. Ready to start your own design journey? Visit a Ferguson Home showroom near you or explore our complete collection online at fergusonhome.mom. As your premier destination for appliances, plumbing, lighting, and more—where it all comes together—we're here to help bring your vision to life.