Situated in the south end of Palm Springs lies the neighborhood of Twin Palms. The development received it name, for the pair of palms that were planted in the front yard of each home. It was the first of many neighborhoods developed by Los Angeles builders George and Robert Alexander starting in 1957. The neighborhood features mostly mid-century homes with soaring butterfly roofs designed by Palmer & Krisel.
One such home is the Menrad Residence. Here let’s take a tour.
Through the slatted door lies a small courtyard lined with cactus and succulents.
Upon entering the house a small foyer opens to views of the swimming on the left and bedroom wing to the to the right.
The guest bedrooms are charmingly mod with a highly personal and curated collection of furniture and art.


The master bedroom features its own patio with access to the backyard and pool.

The dining area and living room share a generous space with dramatically sloping ceilings.
A wall of roman-stacked brick showcases a vintage George Nelson electric clock.
A mid-century modern sofa is made even more mod with a collection vintage and retro pillows featuring patterns from the Swiss designer Verner Panton. An Eames surfboard coffee table holds a collection of architectural and design books.

Arne Jacobsen’s egg chair and swan chair have pride of place flanking the fireplace while a Warren Platner side table provides an extra surface for a cocktail.

Eero Saarinen’s marble tulip table and chairs provides deluxe dining in this thoroughly modern home. 

The kitchen is new, but pays homage to its mid century roots with perforated acrylic panels reminiscent of fiberglass panels of the 1950′s and Harry Bertoia’s wire counter stool. A collection of vintage cigarette lighters harken to another time.


The Menrad House is a playful example of carefully restored home that is up-to-date in every way. And at 90 it appears that the architect, William Krisel wholeheartedly agrees!
Awesome pics… LOVE THIS HOME! The light is amazing.
Thanks Patrick. It’s a special house.
Great post!! Love this house. Your pictures are wonderful! I especially love that you captured a picture of the architect William Krisel. Fantastic!
Thanks Brigitte. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it is wonderful that Mr. Krisel is able to receive the appreciation he deserves.
Great post!! I love this house and how sensitively it was restored. Your pictures are wonderful! I especially love that you captured a picture of the architect William Krisel. Fantastic!
What a great home, Kurt! Love the design classics exhibited and the cool illustrations as hanging art. Thanks for sharing! Igor xoxo
yes, this house is a text book example of classic mid-century modern design – from furniture to textiles to accessories.
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