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Before & After: A stunning Palm Springs-style makeover

Take inspiration from the retro cool of this desert oasis.

Once a playground for the rich and famous, hip Palm Springs in the US is perfectly suited to our Aussie lifestyle. Its style is characterised by mid-century modern, low-slung, single-storey houses with flat or butterfly roofs and full glass walls with views to the garden and pool.

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A predominantly crisp white palette is the preferred choice, although a spot of vivid colour appears here and there. Clean lines dominate throughout. Outside, porticoes or canopied terraces provide relief from the sun and are an ode to alfresco entertaining.

Palm Springs makeover before
Before: Bland, boring and empty
Pergola in Palm Springs style
After: modernist-style resort living (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson) (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson)

Outdoor kitchen

Palm Springs makeover
(Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson) (Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson)
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Aim for laid-back, open-air alfresco spaces decorated with mid-century furniture. A barbecue is a must-have and so is an outdoor fridge for seamless entertaining. Placing them in close proximity keeps the cook in the party and meals served hot off the grill. 

The landscaping is as simple as a variety of cacti, with pebbles as mulch and randomly placed larger boulders.

Lighting

Palm Springs makeover
(Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson) (Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson)

Add ambiance to your night-time soirees with the flickering flames of candles. White minimalist lanterns with timber handles complement the space. 

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Relaxation zone

Palm Springs makeover
(Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson) (Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson)

An outdoor wicker easy chair tucked away in a corner is the ideal spot to take it easy. And it’s no accident that it’s within arm’s reach of the fridge!

Citrus centrepiece

Palm Springs makeover
(Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson) (Credit: Chris Jones, Brent Wilson)

Keep citrus fruits handy to add a refreshing zest to your meals and margaritas. Their bright colours make a great centrepiece, while the cane and timber bowls fit right in with the other elements of your decor.

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Get the project sheet

Download the step-by-step instructions to build this pergola

Breeze block outdoor bar
Add mid-century minimalist style by building a concrete block bar. (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson) (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson)

Crisp white with pops of contrasting colour are hallmarks of the Palm Springs style. Breeze-block screens are part of the Palm Springs look and here concrete blocks have been used to build a resort-style built-in bar with a merbau timber top in a corner of the pergola. Paint the wall aqua for a retro-style backdrop.

Get the project sheet

Download the step-by-step instructions to build this block bar

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Outdoor dining area under a pergola
Set up your entertainment zone with a barbecue, dining table and comfy chairs. (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson) (Credit: (Photography: Brent Wilson))

Structures with strong vertical and horizontal lines are signatures of the Palm Springs style. Soften the look with organic shapes, colours and plants. 

Breeze block bar with stools
High-back stools are the perfect choice for your corner bar. (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson) (Credit: Photography Brent Wilson)

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