E. Stewart Williams’ Understated Palm Springs Modernism

Regular readers will know that we often publish home in Palm Springs, today it’s the turn of another master of Palm Springs modernism, E. Stewart Williams. The house in question is situated in Rancho Mirage.

Williams worked with his father and brother in the amusingly-named Williams, Williams, & Williams firm. The firm made its name producing Frank Sinatra’s house, convincing the singer to accept a modernist design over the Georgian style he originally asked for. The slightly less militant approach they pursued with Sinatra set the mould for their subsequent designs.

The Kenaston House is a good instance of this approach. Whereas all the mid-century hallmarks are there, there is a rich warmth to the design. In this regard, perhaps the distinguishing feature is the prevalence of walnut panelled walls, finished, polished in light brown.

The most striking of these is in the bedroom with panels at various protrusions so as to create a wonderful textured finish. Either way, this is an immaculate example of the Palm Springs modernism.

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Rancho Mirage E. Stewart Williams

Photos by Ketchum Photography

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