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A Desert Home Blossoms
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This Palm Springs home, built in 1968, had all the great bones of mid-20th century classic architecture.

While most renovations on homes of this period focus on restoring them to their previous splendor, this owner decided to go a completely different way, creating a feeling of smooth modernism with unexpected warmth. Innovative lighting, a blend of contemporary furniture with Asian antiques, and the use of the owner's international art collection all lend this beautiful home an unique and personal grace.
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Mature cacti and succulents were added to the existing palm trees to help draw the visitor's eye to the horizontal thrust of the building. Low voltage directional fixtures by BK Lighting were installed to bring out the sculptural quality of the plantings and to draw visitors to the translucent glass gate.



A close up of the front yard shows the various desert specimens. Color corrected "daylight blue" filters were used in the BK lighting fixtures to create a whiter light to enhance the color of the plantings.
A series of recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures create pools of light leading up to the front door. Additional recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures highlight the four African figures that greet guests as they enter.



In the backyard, which faces a spectacular ridge of mountains, is a modern red metal sculpture that sits atop a low water feature. Exterior adjustable low voltage fixtures By BK Lighting illuminate the sculpture and the fountain, while additional ground mounted adjustable low voltage fixtures highlight the palm trees beyond.
The massive living room uses a series of recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures to create inviting islands of illumination within the large space. Off to the right can be seen a part of the cantilever that runs underneath some of the clerestory windows. Low voltage linear indirect fixtures were mounted on top to add the much need ambient illumination for this space.



On the opposite side of the room is a massive fireplace wall that divides the living room and the dining room areas. Recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures illuminate the Japanese screen and the raku vessels in the niches above the piano on the left. Adding linear indirect fixtures mounted on top of the room divider create additional ambient light.
A close-up shot of the room divider shows different art above the fireplace. The owner likes to rotate his art collection to keep the space looking fresh. The tall opaque sconces act as stylized torches that help enhance the vertical feel of the room.



At the end of the main hallway is a striking piece of art glass. A single recessed adjustable low voltage fixture creates a second image of the piece on the wall behind.
The dining room is filled with the color of the twilight sky, while an Ingo Maurer paper pendant floats above the table. In the left hand corner is a caste glass sculpture illuminated from below. Off to the right a framing projector creates the image of a palm frond from which the glass sculpture was inspired.



A glimpse of the dining room can be seen from the opening, which leads to the kitchen. Recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures offer illumination for the African figure and the large abstract painting by Chuck Cleeton
The master bath has a serene Japanese feel filled with muted warm colors. Two pairs of "Stripes 1" wall sconces by Boyd Lighting provide excellent task light at the two sinks. A single recessed adjustable low voltage fixture illuminates the large raku vessel on the counter. Outside low voltage BK accent lights cast painterly shadows on the frosted glass surround of the walk-in shower.



This powder room packs a lot of drama into a compact space. A pair of textured glass sconces flanks the sink while recessed adjustable low voltage fixtures punch up the stone basin and the Macintosh inspired chair.