ModernisM week 2022 featured home ::MAISON BLEUE MODERNE
Maison Bleue Moderne, a 1958 William Krisel-designed Alexander Company midcentury modern home, was recently reimagined by interior designer Michelle Boudreau. With all the designer appointed details it was one of many homes open for tours during Modernism Week 2022. The last time I attended Modernism Week in 2020, I also visited a William Krisel home, but Maison Bleue Moderne was quite different. It took the spirit of the existing midcentury modern architecture and incorporated modern amenities and modern designer-appointed details…and the color blue.
The home, located in the Vista Las Palmas section of Palm Springs, encompasses 2400 square feet of interior space. However, in true midcentury modern style, the boundary between the indoors and out are blurred with bedroom and bath spaces that lead to protected outdoor spaces and windows throughout the home. The interior living spaces open up to the exterior spaces, allowing for seamless living and entertaining both indoors and out.
THE FRONT ENTRANCE
Behind the bright aqua doors is a compound – an indoor/outdoor sanctuary, protected from the outside world.
Floor to ceiling glass flank either side of the bright set of painted aqua doors. Beyond the front doors is a home that pays homage to the color blue. Multiple shades of vibrant blue grace the home, accented with shades of peach, blush, and natural walnut slat walls.
THE LIVING ROOM
The living room of this midcentury modern home is a beauty. 40 feet of windows allow those seated in the living, dining room, and kitchen an almost unobstructed view of the mountains to the west. Single globe pendants are scattered around the room and suspended from above. Situated in between the expansive wall of floor to ceiling windows is the fireplace, which also acts as the focal point when walking through the front door.
A pair of clear acrylic bubble chairs are suspended from the ceiling and are a fun, whimsical addition.
THE DINING ROOM
The expansive living room opens up to the dining room on the opposite end. The eye is pulled from the ceiling’s apex, down to the top of the wall and down the vertical run of walnut slats and to a sideboard made of a series of bright blue hued door fronts.
THE FAMILY ROOM
The family room is situated at the end of the long foyer and faces the front of the house. It is cozy and casual with bold design details. First, unique, diagonally seamed cushions adorn the seating. Second, a blush-colored ottoman acts as a coffee table. Third, the TV is accented by vertical walnut slats – a design detail that runs throughout the home. In true midcentury modern fashion, a sputnik pendants is suspended from above.
KITCHEN
The finishes in the kitchen are a mix of walnut, matte navy door fronts, white, and brass accents. A quartz waterfall edge island features a matte navy panel with decorative 3-dimensional brass detailing, and the mix of finishes and details create an eclectic, inviting, and modern space.
A wall that presumably previously divided the kitchen and dining room was opened up and replaced with full depth base cabinetry below and a black metal frame on top that allows a glass shelf to appear as though it is suspended from above. It visually defines each room without creating a visual barrier. As a result, the opened up wall allows those in the kitchen to also enjoy the view of the backyard and the mountains in the distance.
FRONT GUEST BEDROOM
The front guest bedroom is bathed in white and loads of natural light. The ensuite bath echoes the bold midcentury modern vibe in the rest of the house.
I especially love how just a little bit of walnut detail changes the entire look in the bathroom. It frames the floating vanity and brings just the right amount of warmth to the space.
REAR GUEST BEDROOM
The rear guest bedroom also has bold blue but is a bit edgier with accents of black replacing the warmer walnut wood.
The bathroom features a matte black vanity, vessel mount sink, wall mount plumbing and a dramatic black toilet. Of equal importance is the bold blue and white patterned tile which, together with the other round elements in the space, makes a statement.
PRIMARY BEDROOM AND BATHROOM
The concept of escalating values of blue that is seen on the dining room sideboard is continued on the channel tufted headboard in the primary suite. This together with the linear focus of the beams and boards that run down the ceiling bring the eye down to the bed. On either side of the bed are 3-dimensional wood slats. Unlike the walnut seen throughout the living areas, these slats are painted white and channels of the upholstered headboard blend right in.
Walnut is reintroduced in the primary bathroom, with the vanity and a walnut slat divider that disguises the toilet. Collectively, the combination of dimensional white and blue tile and warm brass tones and natural light make for an inviting bathroom.
LAUNDRY
The laundry is simple but echoes the same midcentury modern vibe seen in the rest of the home. In addition, the patterned tile gives the room enough visual interest and doesn’t overpower the space as some patterned tiles tend to do.
The Backyard and Pool
The large of expanse of almost floor to ceiling windows in the rear of the home open up to the backyard and pool area, which is an entertainer’s paradise.
As you can see, Palm Springs Modernism Week 2022 was chock full of inspiration, as it is every year, and I definitely recommend making the trip if you are a fan of the midcentury modern home and/or architecture. Maison Bleue Moderne was only one of a few of the featured midcentury modern homes for Modernism Week 2022. The sensitivity to the existing architecture, the use of bold color, texture and pattern along with an eclectic mix of materials make this midcentury modern home a real gem. It was such a treat to tour in person!
