Alohaus by the Pool: A Modern Outdoor Design Renovation

In 2018 Todd and Lezlie Wallin purchased this stunning Charles Du Bois home which had been updated in 2003 and fitted with that decade’s best interpretation of mid century style. But more than 10 years later, the Wallins were intent on revising the interior once again. This time they also tackled a modern outdoor design renovation, too. They aimed to restore a but more mid century spirit and entertaining fuction. To do so, they called upon designer, Lindsey Bennett, host and designer of HGTV’s Desert Flippers.

the backyard of a charles du bois home in palm springs with a long pool surrounded by teak pool chairs, circular sun shades and a bar top eating area — Lindsey renovated and expanded the pool as part of the whole-home project. She removed the flagstone rock and added 8-foot tanning shelves on each side of the spa, but not before lowering the spa to incorporate an infinity edge.

“We wanted to stay true to MCM character in everything attached to the house and amp up the resort vacation vibe everywhere else,” Lindsey says. “This Swiss Miss-style home naturally led to a Polynesian influence,” says Lindsey. “Our design plays on that. It encompasses a minimalist mid mod approach with a resort-tiki twist.”

modern outdoor design idea: colored breeze block accents this small seating nook that contains two Acapulco chairs and a small teak love seat — Solid blocks were replaced by iconic breeze blocks painted in a color-palette friendly coral.

Todd and Lezlie knew what they wanted the house to look like when they were done. They were looking for a relaxing space that effortlessly blended modern furniture with natural elements, tied together with a period-appropriate palette. They originally considered a brighter color scheme of poppy orange, blue and yellow—but it didn’t feel quite right. “It’s all inspired by my wife,” says Todd. “She wanted the house to have that relaxing vibe you get in Bali or Hawaii.” These colors carried out into the modern outdoor design as well.

An outdoor dining area with a mix of colorful shell chairs around a shiny topped table — The dynamic outdoor area has plenty of seating and entertaining spaces. Some spots like this dining room is also a ping pong table!

Inspired by the ping pong tables at the Arrive Hotel, Todd designed the outdoor dining table like a ping pong table, complete with custom-braided handles.

A Charles Du Bois home in Palm Springs. It's striking a-frame roofline contrasts starkly agains the san jacinto mountains. — The Alohaus “Swiss Miss” homes of Palm Springs, California—built by the Alexander Construction Company and designed by Charles Du Bois—are nearly as famous as the town itself.

Todd describes the exterior’s previous color as “battleship grey.” And of course, it got repainted as part of the makeover. “everything was the same color– the trim, stucco and fence–and i couldn’t wait to just paint it white! That along made a huge difference in the curb appeal,” he says. Of course, restoring the home’s exterior so that the A-frame roofline extends to the ground once more makes a huge difference as well.