Palm springs oasis: designer redefines mid-century with bold color and artful layers
A New York couple’s passion for art and a desire for something beyond the typical 1960s aesthetic fueled a stunning transformation of their Palm Springs retreat.
Designer damon liss ditched beige for a vibrant, layered vision
Designer Damon Liss has crafted a remarkable reimagining of a 1967 Palm Springs home, moving far beyond a simple renovation. His clients, a New York-based art collector couple, sought a space brimming with personality and a departure from the expected mid-century American style. “They wanted something with a little more interest, a little more color, a little more playfulness,” Liss explained.
The project, housed in a 3,500-square-foot single-story residence with sweeping desert views, began with a ‘re-skinning’ rather than a full gut job. Liss and his team, led by Ligia Pinto’s architectural work, added modern bathrooms, a sleek kitchen, and refreshed the flooring – all while grounding the vibrant design in the surrounding landscape.
“The colors were just so special,” Pinto noted. “We wanted to bring that into the house.” The result is a bold palette of warm browns, dusty greens, and ochres, expertly captured through custom terrazzo poured directly onto the floors, creating a dynamic counterpoint to the clean, linear cabinetry.
But the true heart of the design lies in the carefully curated selection of artwork. The house became a showcase for pieces by artists like Tony Feher, Wyatt Kahn, and Mark Hagen, alongside sculptures and installations that reflect the couple's personal taste. “There isn't a single star of the show,” Liss emphasized. “It's all about composition.”
The entryway, for instance, features a bespoke concrete wall cast from cereal box and juice bottle molds, a playful nod to the classic Palm Springs breeze block screens. A striking stained-glass window by Sarah Cain, titled ‘Desert Sky,’ floods the den with shifting light, creating a dramatic focal point. Liss describes the room's evolution as “organic,” a result of the clients’ vision rather than a pre-determined plan.
The project wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a true collaboration. The clients arrived with a truckload of pieces, ranging from works by Leilah Babirye and Salomón Huerta to California desert artists Edie Fake and Jonathan Cross. Liss and his team worked closely with them to integrate these diverse artworks into the home’s new design, resulting in a truly unique and layered space. “It was probably the most open overall design experience I've been part of,” Liss admitted.
The final result is a sophisticated blend of European and American vintage furniture – Edward Wormley Janus sofas and Milo Baughman swivel chairs alongside striking pieces by Joseph André Motte and Bay Area ceramicist Woody de Othello – creating a conversation between the couple’s established collection and the fresh artistic additions. Ultimately, Liss’s work demonstrates that a home’s story isn’t just about its Architecture, but about the people who inhabit it and the art they choose to surround themselves with.