Mid-Century Modern Delights

It was time for a thoroughly modern morning in Palm Springs as Modernism Week continued under picture perfect blue desert skies. No stuffy lectures here, as participants gathered outside to join a bike tour through a couple of the swankiest neighborhoods in town.

Hot Purple Energy, a solar energy company headed up by a couple of rock and roll hipster-type guys, set up the free bike tour. Nate and David are seen a lot around town with their mobile solar "trash can" bringing free power to events. 

There's no question these guys are in business to make a buck, but they tend to give a lot away too. When I asked how much the t-shirts were stacked in a pile at the registration table, I got a smirk in response. As if! "They're free," said Nate, one of the co-owners. "It's not all about money." Alrighty then, point taken!

So off we went, some of us in our free t-shirts, led by Nate and David, peddling through the quiet back streets in the areas of Smoketree Village, Murray Canyon Drive, Canyon Estates, Twin Palms, and Sagebrush. 

The neighborhoods are filled with delightful examples of mid century modern designs showcasing elegantly simple architecture with low pitched and arched roofs, floor to ceiling glass windows, many brightly colored doors adding a splash of color to the exterior clean lines and earth tones, and perfectly sculptured lawns and trees with every potted plant a statement in itself. 

I also saw one particular home with drought friendly landscaping of colored rocks forming mosaic like designs. Clever and beautiful! 

              

I was bringing up the rear, so I missed out on any of Nate or David's knowledge of the area, but I'm pretty sure we saw a Richard Neutra house, and probably a couple Donald Wexler's.                                                                                               About halfway through the ride, we got off our bikes for an exterior tour of a fabulous example of a renovated home evoking true mid century modern design.                                                                                                                                             Aside from the de rigeur clean architectural lines, the home is exquisitely decorated with every single item a piece that adds to the modern motif.                      

The only thing missing were martinis and Frank Sinatra.                                                                     

Adding to the chic charm of the modest compound, was one of the cutest casitas I've ever seen.  

The bike tour was a great way to tour the neighborhoods, and really feel the essence of the design. Of course, now I'm going to have to go back in my car - to get all the photos I didn't stop to take for fear of losing the group. There's something to be said for being at the head of the pack.