Volume 14: February
P.S. I love you
For the love of Mid-Century Design
Why do I love it? I think my appreciation is related to my love of cars, or maybe my love of television - that doesn’t mean I’m a couch potato, but I do love a good Netflix binge (The Queen's Gambit, anyone?).
Palm Springs, a desert oasis, is the perfect place to get your mid-century modern (MCM) design inspiration and fix. Especially popular in the 1950s, it was a place for the Hollywood elite to escape for privacy while gathering in their unique homes or lounging on the back patio. Architects were commissioned to build cutting-edge designs for high-end clientele. Modern construction techniques of the time can be found in Palm Springs’ hotels and civic buildings, too, with metal and lots of glass which made for easy indoor/outdoor living.
Historic Dr. Franz Alexander house. Note the slight curve in the ceiling beams and fireplace.
Poolside at Limon, an all steel MCM boutique hotel.
A delightful way to see how this all became so cool is to visit Palm Springs during Modernism Week. I have gone to it a couple of times and was there again last week to not only soak up the sunshine but participate in the jam-packed schedule of house tours, lectures, and parties celebrating MCM architecture. The tours showcase renovations, preservation projects as well as new construction in the mid-century spirit. All have something beautiful to share in keeping the easy design character of the post-World War II era. Modernism Week happens in February, with a “Fall Preview” weekend in October, both of which are great times to visit Southern California.
Clockwise from top left: (1) A patio at the Polynesian themed Royal Hawaiian Estates condo community; (2) Renovation of the Dr. Franz Alexander house kitchen with walnut cabinetry featuring JennAir appliances; (3) A guest room at the Limon hotel featuring bright colors and a corrugated metal ceiling; (4) Stone and metal fireplace at the Dr. Franz Alexander house
Last week was, no question, a wonderful escape from the dreary weather we've been having in Seattle. It also fed my love for color and MCM design leaving me inspired to bring pieces of these concepts to my clients.
See you next month!
Volume 3: March
In the spring of 2003, I was living in sunny California and working for a fantastic interior designer who has since become like family. While working for her, we completed four successful showhouse rooms in Pasadena which led to quite a bit of media exposure for her firm.
It’s Our Birthday!
In the spring of 2003, I was living in sunny California and working for a fantastic interior designer who has since become like family. While working for her, we completed four successful showhouse rooms in Pasadena which led to quite a bit of media exposure for her firm.
The next year, as showhouse season was approaching, a couple of my friends who also worked as interior designers encouraged me to apply as an independent designer. I felt like I was cheating on my boss/friend/mentor by applying to do the showhouse in Los Angeles on my own and I don't recall the details. Somewhere along the line I got the call, and my design concept was accepted.
Kirk Riley Design was born in 2004
Showhouses receive excellent media exposure and my project was no exception. I was so fortunate to have that first project featured in print and television. The next few years were a hustle and included a relocation to Seattle where we still are today.
Kirk Riley Design first Design Showcase circa 2004. Yes, we used film that had to be developed from original negatives. No digital here!
As a small business owner, there's often not much separation between personal life and work life. The line can be blurred heavily when you're working so closely with clients and in their homes. Every day I love what I do and still can’t believe I get to call it work. My business relies heavily on the talents and skills of other local craftspeople. Together, we strive to support and work alongside other small and local businesses. 💋
Thank you for your continued support of our female lead business.
Vendor Spotlight
Specializing in vintage home design, we've learned over the years that the kitchen is often the room that needs the most updates. Kitchens are high functioning spaces with built-in features. This means big money and a lot of high-ticket decisions must be made. Since being in Seattle, I have chosen to work with Albert Lee Appliance for my client and personal design projects. Appliances are expensive, and ideally, they feel and work in a way that is comforting to you at the start and end your day.