Casa Amigo: Desert Retreat in Palm Springs by Studio BV

The area is known for its Hollywood associations, previously home to stars like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope, and architects including Donald Wexler.

The mid-20th century house sits softly on its plot and features a flat roof, large windows framed in a dark material, and pale stucco-clad walls.

Vohs kept these elements intact while otherwise putting her own spin on the interiors, as well as making landscaping and amenity improvements across the yard.

“Living outside is more important than the interior of the home in the desert,” said Vohs. “The living spaces that anchor the front and back yard become areas for dining and relaxation while immersing oneself in the garden.”

Silent from the inside, the home “melts away” when viewed from the yard, due to its low stature and neutral exterior tones.

Previously owned by landscape architects, the property came with some mature plantings, to which Vohs added a range of seating areas, an outdoor kitchen, a renovated pool, and small-scale artwork.

“Vohs is focused on the sustainability of the home as well, adding new appliances, plumbing fixtures, pool systems, solar panels and a full battery backup for the home,” said Studio BV.

“The residence is off the grid using the power created by day to support the home at night.”

Inside is a mix of salvaged architectural pieces and custom furniture, combined in a maximalist style that Vohs employed in a range of colorful materials and patterns.

The majority of rooms feature terrazzo flooring, with speckled designs suited to each space.

The entryway is decorated in black and white, incorporating the vintage floor tiles as a design element.

Vohs describes the lounge space as “grounded and layered with a moody mix of materials to compliment the desert view”, featuring a wooden screen, low modernist furniture, and fluffy upholstery.

In the dining room, a glass top is placed on a sculptural blue base with mirrored sides, while a more intimate breakfast nook is decorated with a mustard banquette and a striped awning above.

A 1960s Italian travertine table sits below a geometric light fixture by Doug Newton in the primary bedroom, and artwork throughout the home includes pieces by Christi Furnas, Craig McInnis and Kristin Atwell James.

The kitchen showcases a mid-century Mint Viking Oven at its center, while a custom martini bar with a blue lacquered finish was added to the living area – “perfect in Palm Springs to fall in love and relax”, according to Vohs.

The home “personifies Vohs’ point of view: fun, joyous and always a dash of the unexpected … important elements in creating a place of restoration,” the designer said.