In the kitchen—once dark and disconnected—walls were removed and a large opening created, allowing natural light to pour in from multiple angles. A new skylight and central island were added, creating a bright, open space perfect for cooking and entertaining.

Part of the Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, this mid-century modern home was built in 1965 by Ira Johnson, a protégé of renowned architect William F. Cody—famous for iconic Palm Springs landmarks like The Thunderbird, The Racquet Club, and The Tennis Club.

The new owners—a brother and sister living a short drive from the Coachella Valley—found Jen Samson Design and were drawn to the studio’s fresh take on mid-century interiors. The house was untouched, and walking in felt like stepping back in time. As the third owners, the clients embraced a vibrant, playful redesign rooted in the home’s 1960s legacy.

Sold fully furnished with vintage pieces from its original owner, golf enthusiast Jack Vickers, the house offered a treasure trove of mid-century finds. Many were revived for dramatic effect, though not everything could be saved—textiles were faded and worn from sun exposure.

The structure itself was exceptional, with curved, wood-planked ceilings, stone feature walls, and a tarnished copper fireplace later restored as a striking focal point. To accommodate new recessed lighting, a warm-toned wood ceiling was installed above the original.

We reconfigured the layout for all of the appliances, making it easy to move around the kitchen. Maintaining the ceilings’ very unique arched profile was important aesthetically, but we needed to add electrical for all ceiling lighting.

This was accomplished  by floating new wood over the existing tongue and groove ceiling, allowing for space for the electrical wiring in between, and then we stained the ceiling in a warm tone very similar to the original. From there, it was about adding personality and playfulness to the space .  The tile is a trio of bright green hues laid in a pattern that feels entirely mod and modern at the same time.

Coral and brass stools for a fun pop of color, and vintage accessories including peach cranes and mid century pottery came together to create a kitchen that is joy-filled and perfect for all of the the parties and family time that this house is meant for!

The obvious favorite moment of this kitchen for me is the tile.  The mix of the three green hues and the layout of the tile is so joyful!

This was the first home we had the pleasure of doing in the desert, and what an honor to be able to reinvent [one] in an iconic neighborhood. I adore the glamor of Slim Aarons’ images, and this home quite naturally oozes that aesthetic.

You can easily imagine Old Hollywood lounging poolside or sipping cocktails next to that gorgeous fireplace. We wanted to recreate that feeling, but at the same time make it a very fun and livable home.

Photos by Mellon Studio