Arthur Elrod 2: A Subtle Opulence

The master bedroom closets at 350 Via Loma still house a few wildly representative pieces of 1960s clothing.



They surround a central set of transparent drawers that are illuminated from the inside.



The morning's lecturer, University of Arizona professor Peter Wolf, is quoted on the Palm Springs Art Museum website: “Few designers have transformed American interiors to the extent Arthur Elrod did."



"With his uncanny ability to combine luxurious furnishings and informal lifestyles, Elrod created his own decidedly glamorous—and distinctly American—version of modernism. And one that has stood the test of time. The Hollywood Regency look so popular today, an eclectic mix of the highly decorative tempered with the sobriety of modernism, is something Elrod mastered in the 1950s."



"Upholstered pieces were plush despite their crisp lines, with fabrics ranging from muted desert hues to Jack Lenor Larsen’s bright psychedelics. Highly polished lacquers were used for case goods and, in some instances, for wall treatments and architectural elements. And Elrod designed it all, including the floating cabinetry and pierced room dividers that would remain among his signature touches.”



My favorite parts of the interior design were actually the exteriors.



The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is seamless...



...and the pool area looked beyond fabulous.