A Midcentury Desert Home Is Reimagined as a Joy-Filled Escape for a Young Family

There’s no shortage of midcentury homes in Palm Desert, but this 1956 retreat—originally designed by modernist architect Walter S. White—stands out for its expressive renovation by Festa Radoni, founder and lead designer of Radoni Interiors. Working closely with Hill Construction and the project architect, Radoni transformed the 1,600-square-foot residence into a joyful weekend escape for a young family of four from La Jolla.

"The goal was to preserve the soul of the original Walter S. White design while breathing new life into the home for a modern family," explains Radoni. That meant honoring the clerestory windows, expressive ceilings, and richly textured fireplace while reimagining the interiors with a vibrant, contemporary twist that respects the home’s midcentury roots—from the bright turquoise front door to the boldly patterned Concrete Collaborative tiles in the now-called "Sunshine Bathroom."

In the living room—affectionately dubbed the "Sunset Lounge"—curved orange velvet seating is reminiscent of the palette of desert skies, while the original fireplace takes center stage. As a natural focal point of the living space, the entire furniture layout is designed to revolve around it. The fireplace is flanked by two credenzas with bright orange, red, and pink patterned fronts—another nod to the dramatic sunsets Palm Desert is known for and the home’s origins.