Desert Modern Backyard in Palm Springs

Fit for both calm reflection and vibrant entertaining, this desert modern backyard in Palm Springs combines precise hardscapes with desert-friendly plants to create a stunning exterior.

With clean lines, lush desert plants and ample entertaining space, this exterior is worthy of the architectural pedigree of its house. Located in the stunning Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, California, this 1953 home was designed by William Krisel and built by the Alexander Construction Company.

raised planter and concrete pavers in modern desert backyard — Synthetic turf is used in the backyard, a low-maintenance and desert-friendly alternative to real grass. A Palo Verde tree can be seen to the left, while the central planter contains a spiky Ocotillo and Octopus agave.

Sarah McElroy, a retired graphic designer, was drawn to the home and its incredible outdoor spaces when she purchased it in 2007. “I really didn’t get an idea of how beautiful the home was until I walked into the interior courtyard in front of the home. The Palo Verde trees created a beautiful canopy over the walkway,” she says.

The previous owner had remodeled the interior and garden spaces about a year prior. To better suit her personal tastes, Sarah filled in some areas with additional succulents and agave plants, while removing a few trees.

Modern Garden Tour

The home’s exterior was featured in Modernism Week’s 10th annual Modern Garden Tour during February 2020, an event that showcases six to eight gardens in the area. “These gardens include excellent examples of low-water-use desert plants and other materials designed to create delightful outdoor spaces that take advantage of Palm Springs’ relationship to living both indoors and outdoors, along with its mountain vistas and jaw-dropping views,” states the event program.

desert modern backyard in Palm Springs with raised planter — Dividers of varying heights and contrasting colors visually break up the wall of hedges while adding depth.

Paul Ortega, landscape and outdoor living program captain for Modernism Week, organizes the tour and shares his favorite features of Sarah’s exterior: “The walled front garden has an intimate scale upon entering, much like a courtyard entrance with mature Desert Museum Palo Verdes that form a pleasing canopy overhead. Then the backyard has its own contrasting identity, with unexpected wide-open mountain views and a much different scale than the front.”

A Desert Modern Backyard Landscape Ready to Entertain

The layout of the pool area was already conducive to both peaceful repose and hosting guests, but the placement of sleek white furniture enhanced the space even more. “I arranged all the seating to flow with the yard and offer the best views of the mountains,” Sarah says. “I love to use the lounge chairs when I am relaxing. They face the barbecue area and the beautiful mountains and palm trees behind my property. When entertaining, I use the fireplace area and actually all the seating areas.”

rectangular concrete pavers and desert landscaping in Palm Springs backyard — Views from the guest bedrooms look out onto the pristine garden, while the San Jacinto Mountains create a perfect backdrop for the home.

With the rich green hues throughout the exterior spaces, Sarah chose neutral décor to surround the pool. “I thought white furniture looked best against the colors of the walls, plantings and mountains. I really wanted the environment to look clean and sleek, so I chose contemporary furniture,” she explains.

pool outdoor kitchen and desert landscaping in Palm Springs backyard — “Clearly the backyard is designed for large gatherings, containing the desirable elements to support that: pool and spa, ample firepit seating area, and a professional outdoor kitchen and bar,” notes Paul Ortega, Modernism Week’s landscape and outdoor living program captain. The luxurious saltwater pool even has a shallow tanning ledge—perfect for gatherings! “[The tanning ledge] is a great place to sit and socialize when it’s really hot outside,” homeowner Sarah McElroy says.

Since purchasing the home in 2007, Sarah has been enjoying the desert modern backyard, whether entertaining or quietly reflecting.“I feel a peaceful calm in my yard. It is very soothing.”

Concrete pads form a path, which helps to visually define the space and add balance to the large yard.

If you love modern landscaping, read on for Landscaping 101: The Mid Century Front Yard. To see some of Sarah’s neighbors in Vista Las Palmas, check out Modernist Makeover, Pt. 1: Living Among Sinatra and Elvis, A 1957 Charles Du Bois Sunrise Serenade and A Palm Springs Butterfly Home Gets a Fresh, Blue Refresh.

And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!