A 1950s Rambling ranch house in the historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood receives a respectful update honoring its origins.
Southern California’s Old Las Palmas is a storied Palm Springs neighborhood. In the 1920s, Hollywood movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland and Cary Grant flocked to this area in droves, snapping up the Spanish Colonial and modernist homes that sit against the majestic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.
![original dining chair and tables designed by William Manker in restored Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Dining-Room-80x53.jpg)
Currently, Old Las Palmas’ offerings, from art galleries to tiki bars, along with its historic architecture, draw Mid Century Modern lovers. Estates in the area are enhanced and updated with careful consideration for their pasts.
Few designers do this better than Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper, founders and partners of H3K Home + Design. They, themselves, are huge fans of Old Las Palmas and Palm Springs.
![indoor planter inside restored 1950s Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Entryway-52x80.jpg)
![backyard pool in Old Las Palmas restored home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Exterior_Pool_2-80x53.jpg)
“We love that Palm Springs has a small-hometown feel but is also quite cosmopolitan in the way that its visitors and part-time residents are from all around the world,” Howard says. “One never gets bored with the scenery, weather and, of course, the architecture.”
A recent H3K Home + Design project in Old Las Palmas embodies this.
![original poured terrazzo fireplace and wood paneling in restored Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Living-Room_Fireplace-80x52.jpg)
![U-shaped sofa with retro fabric pattern in restored Old Las Palmas living room](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Living-Room_3-80x54.jpg)
“We were hired to restore a 1950s rambling ranch house and also create a new kitchen,” Kevin explains.
The clients wanted to be sensitive to the original design and features of the house, but they also wanted to adapt it their 21st-century lifestyle. H3K Home + Design was just the team with spirit and vision to tackle the renovation.
Perfect Partners for an Old Las Palmas Restoration
Howard and Kevin met in college and have been together ever since. After a few years pursuing various careers, they became active in home restorations and renovations in Santa Barbara, California.
![sliding glass doors for easy indoor-outdoor access in Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Bar_2-55x80.jpg)
In 2004, they purchased a home in Palm Springs and fell in love with the abundant examples of MCM architecture peppering the area. Shortly afterward, they purchased a rundown MCM property that needed a little “love.” They restored and resold it.
![green Bertoia-esque stools in 1950s Old Las Palmas restored kitchen](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Bar_1-53x80.jpg)
![original bar and barstools in Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Living-Room_2-80x52.jpg)
![restored kitchen in 1950s Old Las Palmas home with colorful geometric backsplash](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Kitchen-53x80.jpg)
“It was a success!” Howard says. “Soon, we began to work with clients who were in the process of renovating and restoring their homes.”
![bedroom with custom built headboard](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Master-Bedroom-80x52.jpg)
![blue accent wall and bedding in bedroom that opens out to backyard pool](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Casita-1_Bedroom-80x53.jpg)
![retro classic blue bathroom including powder blue sink](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Off-Kitchen-Bathroom-53x80.jpg)
![original green Formica countertop in Old Las Palmas guest bedroom](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Guest-Bedroom_3-53x80.jpg)
In 2017, Howard and Kevin opened their flagship Home Furnishings and Décor store in downtown Palm Springs, thereby adding their own “voice” to Palm Springs’ MCM style.
Kitchen Redesign
For this project, the home was like a family heirloom—passed down from one generation to the next. It was originally owned by the client’s grandfather, and it boasts a rich history. He had hired Edward Fickett to design it in 1952. It offers two bedrooms and three bathrooms in the main house and an additional three bedrooms and three bathrooms in two surrounding casitas.
![two yellow doors lead to the backyard of the Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Casita-1-and-2_Exterior_1-54x80.jpg)
The plan was to restore most of the house.
“We appreciate MCM architecture and design for its clean lines and enjoy the frequent use of organic materials paired with new synthetic or man-made products and architectural elements,” Kevin points out.
![two twin beds and pink floral wallpaper in Old Las Palmas restored home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Guest-Bedroom_1-80x53.jpg)
The home’s original features acted as a blueprint for the new plans and dictated a lot of the choices. An example of this is the fireplace in the living room, which is made of the original poured terrazzo surrounded by the original wood paneling.
![green accent wall in bedroom of restored Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Casita-3_2-80x53.jpg)
One of the biggest parts of the renovation was the kitchen. The original kitchen was large but sectioned off from the house. A new one was created to be open to the dining room and the pool and patio beyond, giving inviting glimpses of plants and water. The new dimensions allowed for the addition of a 60-inch-wide range and 60-inch-wide refrigerator, making the kitchen a chef’s dream. Stunning trapezoidal porcelain tiles in hues of green and white were used, along with walnut cabinets (walnut was often used in mid-century furniture and cabinetry).
It’s All in the Details
Another area that showcases H3K Home + Design’s vision and attention is one of the bathrooms, which the team ensured was sourced with historically accurate pieces. The bathroom is brand-new and is created out of space that existed near the back door and laundry area.
![retro pink sinks and Formica countertops in primary bathroom of restored Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Master-Bedroom_Bathroom-53x80.jpg)
![exterior front with brass lit address sign and blue door](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Front-Door_1-53x80.jpg)
“The bathroom doubles as a guest bathroom, as well as a pool bath, via an entrance to the outside,” Kevin notes. “Howard and I searched the Internet for an original Crane sink and faucet hardware.”
![exterior entryway to restored Old Las Palmas 1950s home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Master-Exterior_Front-Elevation-80x54.jpg)
They found one in a suburb of Chicago and had it personally delivered to Palm Springs via courier.
“Then, we sourced an original Crane sink basin stand and towel holder. It was brand-new in the box from the Early 1950s—a fun find!” Howard says. The authentic pieces are right at home.
![wide angle view of backyard pool and jacuzzi in Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Back-Elevation_Master-80x53.jpg)
![partially covered patio with view to interior of restored Old Las Palmas home](https://demo.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DCAP_Atomic-Ranch_777-Patencio_Exterior_Patio_Bedroom-80x54.jpg)
The residence, thanks to Howard and Kevin, is a wonderful addition to Old Las Palmas’ architectural canon and has all the amenities for modern life, along with all the old soul of a true MCM home.
To see more of H3K Home + Design’s work, visit Instagram: @h3kdesign. Check out more inspiration from their use of color in Palm Springs by reading How to Get The Colors of Palm Springs´ Doors.
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