Everyone within a 50-mile radius talks about — and strives for — indoor-outdoor living. But this 1958 home that underwent a deep, top-to-bottom renovation by H3K Design takes it to an awesome extreme.
Beyond the zero-level fire pit that welcomes a bar to slide over the top when not in use and the new track lighting tucked into the original tongue-and-groove ceiling, the home’s designers employed an irresistible decorating approach.
Does that big blue rug in the living room remind you of anything? The mirror reflection of the backyard pool environment through a similar scheme indoors just charms. Designers Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper juxtaposed the exterior’s color palette and vacation vibe indoors, and the result is a true midcentury getaway.
TDesigners Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper of H3K Design in Palm Springs juxtaposed the exterior’s color palette and vacation vibe indoors.
“Our goal was to create a sexy house — one to really get the adrenaline rushing and have a visitor excited to explore,” Kemper says.
Out back, a quintessential turquoise pool with rounded edges is the centerpiece. By elongating the steps, the designers created a tanning shelf and sitting area, then added an umbrella hole on the top step — the perfect place for a splashy, vintage-style striped umbrella.
“We added the raised spa and water feature to create drama,” says Kemper. “The relaxing sound gives it an oasis feel.”
Indoors, walls of dual-pane glass let in light, while objets d’art reflect the poolside state of mind. “The living room ‘pool art’ piece immediately caught our eye,” Kemper says. “It exemplifies relaxation and sexiness — the ultimate Palm Springs aesthetic.”