Inside a Mid Century Makeover Perched Above California’s Coachella Valley

Perched on a plateau above California’s Coachella Valley, this renovated mid century home, originally built in the 1960s, sits on a generous 1.3 acre property in Rancho Mirage, with the Santa Rosa Mountains rising dramatically behind it. Stuart Silk Architects, working alongside interior design firm Maison Inc., approached the renovation with a clear goal. Update the home without stripping away the relaxed optimism that defined Southern California modernism in its heyday.

A Desert Exterior Rooted in Mid Century Simplicity

From the outside, brick, stucco, painted steel, and expansive panes of glass come together in a composition that feels both sturdy and light. Poured concrete walkways guide visitors through the site, reinforcing the sense of calm order that mid century architecture does so well. The home remains centered on the property, accessed through a private courtyard that subtly separates everyday life from the vast desert beyond.

Terrazzo Floors Bring Warmth Indoors

Stepping inside, the renovation reveals its most unifying gesture underfoot. White terrazzo floors with amber accents stretch throughout the interior, reflecting light while subtly echoing the earth tones of the surrounding valley. The material choice feels period appropriate yet fresh, grounding the interiors in something tactile and timeless rather than overly sleek.

Glass Walls Open to Pergola Shaded Living

One of the home’s defining features is its relationship with the outdoors. Walls of floor to ceiling glass slide open to reveal outdoor seating areas sheltered by pergolas and steel trellises. These spaces soften the desert sun while encouraging an easy flow between inside and out, a hallmark of mid century living in Southern California.

A Secondary Living Room Designed for Relaxed Evenings

Back inside, a secondary living room introduces a more casual atmosphere. Anchored by a bar and an informal dining area, this space feels designed for evenings that stretch on without an agenda. It is a room meant for conversation, drinks, and slow meals, rather than formal entertaining.

A custom designed wood shelving unit wraps around the television, giving the living space a warm, architectural focal point. Floor to ceiling windows sit just beyond, framing uninterrupted views of the mountains and landscaped grounds.

A Kitchen That Embraces Soft Color

In the kitchen, pastel yellow wallpaper brings a gentle pop of color that feels playful without overpowering the space. It pairs effortlessly with the dining chairs, adding a note of personality that nods to the cheerful palette often seen in 1950s and 1960s interiors.

A Rear Yard Made for Open Air Living

Outside, the rear of the house opens onto a broad yard that feels like an extension of the interior. A manicured lawn stretches toward a swimming pool and spa, surrounded by multiple outdoor living zones. The flatness of the site allows the architecture and landscaping to unfold slowly.

Fire and Food at the Garden’s Edge

One outdoor living area incorporates a fireplace directly into the architecture, blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor experience. Nearby, a built in barbecue sits at the edge of the landscaped garden, reinforcing the home’s focus on gathering, cooking, and spending time outside.

A Home Office With a Framed View

Heading back inside, a dedicated home office offers a quieter retreat. A wall to wall desk provides ample workspace, while a large window precisely frames views of the surrounding trees. It’s a space designed for focus, made calmer by its connection to nature.

A Bedroom That Opens to the Garden

In the master bedroom, a wood clad wall with an integrated shelf creates a warm backdrop for the bed. A sliding glass door opens directly onto a private patio, allowing morning light and fresh air to become part of the daily routine.

Sculpture and Water Create a Private Retreat

The private patio itself is thoughtfully composed. A sculptural element and a water feature work together to create a calming atmosphere, transforming the outdoor space into a quiet garden rather than a simple extension of the bedroom.

A Bathroom That Reflects Light and Era

In the master bathroom, tall mirrors amplify the natural light pouring in from outside. Delicate sconces echo the mid century language of the rest of the house, blending function with subtle elegance.

This Rancho Mirage renovation captures the feeling of a home that could have existed decades ago while quietly accommodating the rhythms of modern life.

Photography by David Papazian | Architecture: Stuart Silk Architects – team: Stuart Silk, David Marchetti, Brittney Wilson-Davis | Interior Design: Maison Inc. | Structural Engineering: RA Structural Engineer | Landscape Architect: Anne Attinger | Contractor: West Coast Builders