This Playful Palm Springs House Is Your Sign to Start Decorating with Loads of Color
There is nothing muted about the Pop Pad.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Tucked away in a historic section of Palm Springs is the Pop Pad, a three-bedroom, three-bath home. The owners were initially drawn to the area and the history behind the mid-century modern house. Designed and built by the iconic Palm Springs builder/architect duo of Alexander and Krisel in the late 1950s, the unique real estate opportunity had lots of potential but needed a major update.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Envisioning it as a vacation home for their family, their primary goal was amping up the colors. The entire family collaborated to make it a light and bright space with a “maximum fun quotient.” The result? A thoughtfully curated space that reflects the creativity and funkiness of Palm Springs, then and now.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
While there were plenty of new components—including small batch tiles from Mercury Mosaics in every bathroom and the kitchen—lots of the inspiration came from vintage family finds. Grandma’s bar cart, for instance, was painted her favorite color: Hot pink. And grandpa’s office chairs from 1963? The once-brown seats were transformed into turquoise conversation-starters.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
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The primary bedroom was inspired by the family’s citrus groves in Ventura County, which is why you’ll find a bold Fornasetti wallcovering on the accent wall. Plus, there’s a coordinating orange Smeg mini fridge to stow your favorite snacks and sips.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
The custom decor and furniture requires its own chapter in this color story. The pink corner desk, complete with an original vintage princess phone and poodle, was a replica from the 1950s. And to spotlight their favorite family members (five lovable pups, including their Frenchie, Buck Jr.), the owners commissioned paintings of each of them from artist Kerri Rosenthal. And don’t even get us started on the custom pink-on-white splatterware and acid green flatware from March SF. Arranged on the outdoor table with a view of the pool and the mountains beyond, it’s the ultimate alfresco dining setup.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
To round out the indoor dining space, the table features original green Bruno Rey dining chairs and a mid-century-inspired Poulsen PH5 pendant lamp.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
A retreat from your typical interior design aesthetics, nothing celebrates the past, present, and future of Palm Springs quite like this one-of-a-kind home. For those interested in experiencing the Pop Pad, it’s available for rent at MeredithLodging.com.
