Our First Season in Palm Desert: A Journey of Design, Leisure, and New Connections
This season marked our inaugural adventure in Palm Desert following a much-anticipated remodel of our home, La Maisonnette, and it was nothing short of spectacular. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant desert lifestyle, spending many weekends and two extended stays of ten days each.
Leisure Highlights:
Don: Tennis, pickleball, and golf were his go-to activities, enjoying the perfect blend of sport and sunshine.
Anne: Looking forward to diving into the action next season!
Culinary Delights:
Palm Desert is a paradise for food lovers, and we discovered some fantastic dining spots:
Castelli's: This old-school Italian gem (complete with tuxedo-clad waiters) offers a fun and lively night out with its delightful atmosphere and delicious food.
Eddie V's and Shorebird: Perfect for exquisite dinners, these restaurants never failed to impress us with their delectable dishes.
Jillian's: The courtyard setting made for a romantic dinner spot, ideal for those special evenings.
Porta Via: An upscale lunch or brunch here was always a treat, with its elegant ambiance and tasty menu.
Design Events and Collaborations:
Our season was not just about leisure; it was also about fostering connections within the design community. We hosted several events for designers and the design industry:
Collaborations with Middleby: Sit-down dinners and cocktail parties allowed us to build both business relationships and friendships with many of our guests.
Special Guests: We were thrilled to host Thomas Lavin and Jab for a daytime showing in the fall.
Palm Springs Modernism Tour: Our home was featured, and Middleby provided delicious treats at the reception at the beautifully redone Marrakesh Country Club House by Thomas Scheerer.
Saving Iconic Architecture Party: We had a fun night with friends at the Frank Sinatra Home, celebrating iconic architecture.
Inspirational Talks and Tours:
Patrick Dragonette and Anne Rowe: They gave a wonderful talk at our clubhouse about Billy Haines and his remarkable life and career. Learning about his design at Sunnylands has been incredibly inspiring.
Sunnylands Tours: We enjoyed several great trips to Sunnylands with friends, touring the home and gardens, and savoring lunch at the café.
Team Design Retreat:
Recently, our team gathered for a design retreat, spending several days brainstorming, planning, and drawing inspiration from the beautiful desert surroundings.
Looking Ahead
This season in Palm Desert has been an incredible journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration. We can’t wait to explore even more next year and continue our adventures in this beautiful desert oasis.
Stay tuned for more updates as we delve into new design projects and uncover more of Palm Desert’s hidden gems!
