Inside Palm Springs Modernism Week: A Designer’s Dream Journey Through Mid-Century Magic

Let me share some pinch-me moments... One of my favorite parts of Palm Springs was spending time with Christopher Kennedy. Not only am I a huge fan, but I also consider him a dear friend. He graciously hosted an amazing event for BRIZO & Ferguson during Modernism Week, with special guest fashion designer Jason Wu. Touring his home was like savoring a spoonful of divine dessert – every moment was decadent. I remember when he purchased it and spoke about the remodel; seeing the transformation truly showcased the talent and vision that he and his husband, David, had for their home. We also had the VIP experience of seeing more of Christopher's design wheelhouse, from the Canopy Wine Bar to an upcoming remodel with amazing bones, plus a completed new build across the street with lovely homeowners. This home was modern, fresh, and focused on texture and comfortable luxury. Christopher is truly one of the most talented designers – I highly encourage you to purchase his book and follow his work.

Next, we visited Sackley Grace Home, owned by the lovely proprietors of Grace Home Furnishings in Palm Springs. I had the privilege of speaking with Michael about some of the unique pieces in the house. The home is thoughtfully layered with antiques juxtaposed against modern pieces, adding interest and design flair while telling Roger and Michael's story. Some of my favorite pieces include the prayer figures and a circular piece featuring a Renaissance lady's fan from France, cut and mounted on acrylic within a frame. This was a wedding gift from a friend whose French family history spans hundreds of years. I love stories like this – I too have amazing pieces that tell our story. It's how you place and honor things in your home that makes all the difference.

Then came Adam West's home. KAPOW! Yes, you heard that right – the original Batman's house! Walking up to the huge glass front door with the Batman logo was thrilling. You could feel the energy of being in a home once owned by a man who was such a big part of our childhood television experience. The designer did an amazing job selecting Schumacher fabrics for the headboards, furniture, and window treatments. The main living area featured a black sunken bar – a strong statement nodding to the man in black himself. The monochromatic color scheme celebrated pattern mixing and unique forms through varying textures.

Michelle crafted beautiful details throughout, including our next stop: the House of Tomorrow, an architectural masterpiece. Every line and detail was thoughtfully considered, creating a dialogue between engineering and architecture that everyone could feel in the movement of the space. Great design simply exists – it doesn't need convincing or explanation; it creates spaces that flow and invite experience. One of the most exciting historical facts about the House of Tomorrow is that it served as a one-year wedding present/honeymoon retreat for Elvis and Priscilla. Their bedroom offered the best views, with the room's shape allowing them to watch the sun rise over the Chocolate Mountains in the distance and set on the nearby peaks. It also provided Elvis a strategic advantage – he could spot paparazzi out front and slip out the back when needed.

Between house tours, we packed in as much as possible. The Modernism Opening Night Party was a blast, held in an airplane hangar decorated with bright colors and filled with fabulous costumes, vintage-style clothes, dresses, and houses for hats. A band played 50s & 60s music while everyone sang along to Beatles and Elvis classics. It felt like stepping into a different time – exactly what Palm Springs is known for: fun, parties, bright colors mixed with desert hues, and enjoying each other's company under the sunshine. It was an amazing trip, and I can't wait to go back and do it all again!