New Home in the Movie Colony

Minimalist white building with desert landscaping, including a cactus and yucca plant, against a clear blue sky.

On an unusual “flag” lot in the famous Movie Colony neighborhood of Palm Springs, architect Lane Williams and his wife Debra Williams have created their all new 1500 square foot home plus 800 square foot”casita”. The home is in a walled compound, marginally visible from the street, and accessible only by a long easement shared with three other homes.

The design draws inspiration from masters of mid-century modern design Albert Frey and Richard Neutra, but also takes cues from the romantic Spanish Colonial Revival homes that were Palm Springs icons in the 1920s and 1930s. Stucco walls are one foot thick with deeply recessed windows, and French doors open to the pool terrace. The casita, housing offices for Lane and Debra, has a flat roof covered with solar panels. See the feature story in Palm Springs Life for a more detailed description.

Modern house with glass doors, illuminated interior, outdoor patio, swimming pool, and palm trees at dusk.

Modern minimalist house exterior with white walls, illuminated entrance, gravel driveway, and desert landscaping including cacti, at dusk.

Modern house with glass doors, patio with seating, outdoor dining table, swimming pool, and palm trees at dusk.

Modern outdoor patio with wooden pergola, white walls, and potted green plants on a stone path.

Wooden slatted pergola casting shadows on a white wall against a clear blue sky.

Agave plants and boulders in gravel garden

Modern bathroom with gray countertop, wooden cabinets, sink with faucet, wall mirror, tissue box, towel hanging on a hook, and window view.

Modern backyard with swimming pool, patio furniture, lounge chairs, and outdoor dining area at a contemporary house.

Modern kitchen and dining area with dark cabinets, wooden table, wooden ceiling, and large windows opening to a patio with plants.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, black countertops, island, and a person standing. Large window with artwork, pendant lights, and contemporary furniture. Minimalist design with natural lighting.

Wooden slatted overhang casting shadows on a white wall against a clear blue sky.

Modern kitchen and dining area with gray cabinets, wooden ceiling, pendant lighting, and patio view.

Modern kitchen and dining area with wooden ceiling, sleek black cabinets, a long wooden dining table with chairs, fruit bowl, and pendant lighting, adjacent to a patio with outdoor seating and plants.

Modern house with patio, swimming pool, and outdoor seating area with people socializing.

Modern living room with yellow sectional sofa, decorative pillows, wood coffee table, abstract wall art, large window, ceiling fan, and wood ceiling.

Woman in swimming pool at modern house with palm trees, lounge chairs, and patio seating.

Modern swimming pool with blue water and a concrete edge featuring a waterfall cascade, surrounded by minimalist gray tiles.

Modern backyard with swimming pool, hot tub, and patio, surrounded by palm trees and a mountain view at sunset.

Modern living room with large windows, black leather chairs, a green sofa, ceiling fan, and outdoor view of a pool and garden.

Modern living room with a yellow sectional sofa, gray throw pillows, abstract wall art, ceiling fan, wooden light fixture, and a low coffee table on a gray rug.

Modern living room with large windows, black leather chair, yellow sofa, wooden ceiling, pendant light, and artwork on the wall.

Modern kitchen interior with dark cabinets, wooden elements, countertop with kitchenware, and a minimalist pendant light.

About

Lane Williams, AIA, has specialized in the design of custom homes for over 30 years. Lane’s Seattle office (www.lanewilliams.com) is now in the hands of his former employees. He serves as an advisor, while living and working full time in Palm Springs. His work has been recognized in 20 design awards from the American institute of Architects and Pacific Coast Builders Conference. He is a registered architect in California and Washington, and is nationally certified by NCARB, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.