How Colours and Materials Were Used to Restore This 1966 Palm Springs Home to Its Mid-Century Charm
A thoughtful blend of original elements and contemporary updates brings new life to this desert house.
Originally designed by architect Stan Sackley, this 1966 mid-century home in Palm Springs has been thoughtfully revitalised by Jessica Hansen from Tandem Design.
The owners’ brief was precise: modernise the space while honouring its original character. The kitchen, a true focal point, was reimagined with its iconic mid-century blue, now refined to a more contemporary hue. This subtle shift set the tone for the entire project.
Original elements, such as the wood paneling, bubble glass panels, and a built-in desk, were carefully preserved and reinterpreted through a modern lens. The home’s timeless appeal is evident both inside and out, where a sculptural fountain and the interplay of horizontal and vertical lines on the facade leave no doubt to the viewer: this house is restored to its mid-century origins.
(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)
In 2020, a mid-century gem in Palm Springs—a 1966 home designed by architect Stan Sackley—was transformed into a contemporary yet nostalgic space, thanks to the expertise of Tandem Design’s Jessica Hansen.
The home’s original features, paired with its desert charm, provided a strong foundation for a renovation that honoured its retro roots while introducing modern design elements.
A Bold, Blue Beginning
The kitchen became the heart of the renovation. Originally painted in a bold, cartoonish blue, the decision was made to embrace this striking colour but in a more refined way. A custom stain was chosen to pay homage to the original palette, giving the space a nostalgic yet fresh feel. While there was consideration to paint the ceiling in the same colour, the focus remained on the cabinetry and walls, creating a balanced atmosphere that exudes mid-century flair.
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