Photos: Peek Inside 5 Gorgeous Desert Homes

Question: What do you get when some of Western Canada’s top designers take on projects in the desert?

Answer: Some serious design envy.

At least that’s how we feel looking at these Palm Springs and Phoenix homes from the WL archives. Keep on scrolling to see how James McIntrye, Stephanie Brown and others have transformed five outdated vacation properties into beautiful oases.

Not-So-Mellow Yellow

If we could only use one word to describe designer Michell Freedland’s Palm Springs rancher, it would be “cheerful.” Pops of yellow can be found across the 11,000-square-foot property—from the dining room, living room and primary suite to the pool deck. Tour this eclectic California vacation home.

Moroccan Marvel

WL editors Neal McLennan and Amanda Ross spent two years looking for a new vacation home in Palm Springs—and ultimately couldn’t pass up this 1945 Spanish Colonial, even though it meant taking on a challenging renovation. With the help of a couple relatives (who just so happen to be architects), they transformed a decades-old hacienda into a modern retreat.

See the rest of this 2,700-square-foot getaway, and then keep on reading to find out why they immediately put it on the market.

House Swap

While their newly renovated house (above) was being photographed for a Western Living feature, Neal and Amanda set out for a leisurely drive… and stumbled upon an open house sign for a property that, coincidentally, also appeared on the cover of this magazine. And it didn’t take long for them to agree that it was nicer than the one they had just finished.

“It was an exceptionally awkward start to a love affair,” Neal recalls. “Before the photos for the story were even finished, we had sold the subject of the article.” Find out how they struck the deal—and finally settled in.

Passion Project

It’s hard to believe that this Arizona home was once filled with plush peach carpeting, dated oak cabinets and ivy wallpaper. Designer James McIntyre gave it a completely different vibe—one with Moroccan, Indian and Tom Ford influences.

Take the living room, for instance. It features a life-sized portrait of Lady Gaga, a sumptuous black velvet loveseat by Joseph Hoffmann and a rug from Christian Astuguevieille. Check out this rich, moody desert oasis.

Light Touch

Before taking on this renovation, designer Stephanie Brown had never been to Palm Springs. Perhaps that’s why she was able to create a space that channels the mid-century ethos—but not too much. “The goal was to embrace the lines and forms of mid-century design, while leaning into a neutral and calming colour palette,” she says. Explore this Coachella Valley home.