Famed designer Michelle Boudreau has rich memories of a particular house in Palm Springs. During her childhood, her grandmother would take her on holidays from Oklahoma to this city that is celebrated for its unique architecture. Visiting this city and its extraordinary structures played as a soothing escape for Boudreau and her grandmother.
According to Boudreau, who herself spent considerable time in the city, Palm Springs was not just a place to reconnect but also was a source of enjoyable times mainly because her grandmother was a significant fan of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
Interestingly, Elvis Presley has an intriguing connection with the city and a unique house therein known as the House of Tomorrow. Back in 1967, it was rumored that Elvis and Priscilla, his newly married bride, had originally planned to tie the knot in this House of Tomorrow. The house was a marvel of architecture, built on four circular structures, providing breathtaking views of the towering San Jacinto Mountains at the back and the Las Palmas neighborhood ahead. The views were adorned by curved windows, making the house seem as if it were a spaceship floating above the sand.
During that decade, the House of Tomorrow represented the glamorous and glittering lifestyle of the era. It attracted numerous partygoers who could party in a mesmerizing living room highlighted by a rock wall, large pool, and a backyard that added to its appeal. Boudreau humorously adds that this place has long been a destination for people who wanted to enjoy themselves.
The House of Tomorrow was a brainchild of the Alexander Construction Company. This father-son duo had built thousands of such homes in Palm Springs. Their radical boldness in midcentury aesthetics, curated by the renowned architect William Krisel in 1960, was what attracted Elvis Presley. However, when the news of their proposed wedding went public, the couple decided to get married in Las Vegas, saving this home to experience the initial days of their marital bliss. Precisely why, this address is also referred to as the Honeymoon Hideaway.
The current owners of the Honeymoon Hideaway, interestingly enough, also chose this house when they were newly married. Boudreau shares that the owners chose to settle in Palm Springs owing to their keen interest in midcentury architectural designs; thereby, finding the perfect house to commence their married lives. To further enhance the grandeur of the house, they incorporated custom features like terrazzo flooring and improved the aesthetics by including a custom-made aged brass chandelier, accent chairs and pillows, and decorative accessories. These changes encapsulated the attractive midcentury modern architecture and presented the house as an ideal choice for starting their new journey.
In summation, The House of Tomorrow in Palm Springs, stands as an embodiment of the mid-century modern architecture. It has not only been a reminiscent of old times but has also been a place where new beginnings were celebrated. This home represents a slice of history wrapped in the blanket of modernity and continues to allure with its charm. Whether as a getaway for Michelle Boudreau and her grandmother or as a honeymoon hideaway for newlyweds – this iconic Palm Springs home never fails to enchant its decedents with its unparalleled style and timeless elegance.
