PS…I love you

Remember the last time you fell in love? Really in love. It may have begun as a coup de foudre then developed over time into something deep and meaningful. Or perhaps it started as a not-quite-sure/slow-burn thing – but the love is now unshakeable.

For us, Palm Springs is a bit of both, since each of us first encountered the desert city at different times and under different circumstances. But over the past few years, as we’ve found ourselves spending more time there (for both work and play), it’s become a case of truly, madly, deeply.

Our most recent visit in April, during Palm Springs Modernism Week, was sheer delight from start to finish (yes, we even enjoyed traipsing the Uptown blocks of S. Palm Canyon Drive each evening in search of a restaurant table. Because we hadn’t booked ahead – doh. Outcome: we got lucky and ate very well. And, while waiting, gazing into the windows of Trina Turk was no great hardship).

The opportunity to tour some stunningly refurbished mid-century homes – and speak to both their designers and owners – was priceless. We realise that, although we had never been intentional about it, a lot of the work we do at Ulloo42 chimes perfectly with the Palm Springs vibe. Through our love of color, pattern and interesting proportions, we seem always to have been unconsciously channelling a similarly sunny mood and mid-century aesthetic.

We’re happy to have sold several pieces to clients in PS over the past couple of years – including some custom-made work – and have a new project in the pipeline (watch this space). We’re also excited to be returning for the Fall Edition of the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale in October, after the hiatus enforced on all of us by the YearofCovid. We will keep you posted with news of that nearer the time.

We also toured two magnificent new houses in Palm Springs’ new hillside development, Desert Palisades. Each designed by a leading contemporary architect – Sean Lockyer and the late Ray Kappe – they epitomise each architect’s style. Both are entirely different from the mid-century work that so defines the city – but  as a new definition of contemporary desert style, they are both spectacular and inspirational.

That last trip also coincided with Desert-X, a biennial exhibition of site-specific art installations by acclaimed international artists. Set in various locations around Coachella Valley, the works express ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other existential themes in direct response to the desert environment.  It runs until May 16, so you can still catch it if you’re quick. The work is beautiful, thought-provoking and we strongly recommend it.

PS – we love you and will be back to see you again soon…