By Kit Kilroy 19.09.2022

Palm Springs-Style Home Décor Tips Locals Know but You Don’t

7 tips to help you achieve the coastal retro interior design style of your dreams.

Palm Springs is a bit of an oxymoron when it comes to design. It’s laid back, yet refined. Natural but chic. Desert-inspired, but always with a huge crystal-blue pool outside.

But – like anything in life – it’s the contradictions that make this style so enviable. Despite the effort that goes into creating the mid-century aesthetic that Palm Springs has become synonymous with, it nevertheless feels effortless – even natural.

So how can you emulate that yourself? Let these Palm Springs-style home décor tips lead the way.

1. Play up the desert vibes

Palm Springs is famously a desert locale, so don’t be afraid to play up this element in your decor. Opt for desert-inspired tones like Pink Clay and Terracotta, and add a cactus or two to round out the look. Even a small, potted succulent can work wonders.

2. When in doubt, choose white

To keep things fuss-free, Palm Springs's interior design often leans on a mostly-white palette with pops of color here and there. Try to keep the majority of your furniture and walls white, using color as a fun accent rather than the main focus.

3. Pops of colour

The retro vibe of Palm Springs is anything but boring. Despite the mostly-white interiors (and exteriors) that these retro resort homes are known for, pops of colour punctuate the living spaces for added flair. Try using fun elements such as books or glassware to amp up the colour.

4. Take it outside

Backyard living is a signature of Palm Springs homes, so making your outdoor space somewhere you want to hang out is essential. Bring the vibe outside by incorporating similar styles and colors that echo the interior design for a cohesive feel. If you have a fireplace or pool for friends to gather, even better!

Add a bit of Palm Springs flair to your home.

5. Lean in to retro

Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern design style, so don’t be afraid of old-school elements in your home. If you have any features that feel a bit dated, play them up. In this instance, they work to your advantage. Retro appliances, wood paneling, and linoleum tiles can all look cool when thoughtfully juxtaposed with modern furnishings.

6. Shape matters

When it comes to furniture, choose funky silhouettes to shake things up. Whether that looks like an unconventional couch shape, asymmetrical coffee table, or retro chair, these quirky touches will work wonders in emulating the coastal casualness of Palm Springs.

7. It's all in the details

Don’t have any retro features to rely on? Never fear. Achieving a mid-century modern vibe can be as easy as selecting the right home accessories. Think low, '70s-inspired lamps, lucite tables, and mirrors with unique silhouettes for maximum impact.

With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be channelling California cool in no time at all. Coachella at yours this year?