MY MODERNISM WEEK DIARY: LIVING THE MODERNIST DREAM: FROM THE DINAH SHORE ESTATE TO SWANKY DESERT SOIRÉES

Modernism Week in Palm Springs is always an unmissable event, bringing together modernist design lovers, industry insiders, and vintage enthusiasts to celebrate mid-century architecture, design, and culture. This year, I had the pleasure of attending Mid-Century Mindset, an exclusive weekend of design hosted by Snyder Diamond, JennAir, Mr. Steam, and Graff, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of spectacular!

Checking Into Colony Palms Hotel & A Swanky First Night

I was greeted at check-in with a glass of champagne, setting the tone for the indulgent weekend ahead. My home base? A charming 1930s Spanish Colonial bungalow at the Colony Palms Hotel—a historic boutique retreat dripping in chic design and old Hollywood allure.

Originally established in 1936, the hotel was built by Al Wertheimer, a reputed mobster and member of the infamous Purple Gang. Once a notorious speakeasy and gambling den, it has since transformed into a haven of luxury and style, seamlessly blending its storied past with modern elegance. The vibe? Hollywood glam meets Palm Royale aesthetic—a seamless blend of tropical elegance and laid-back luxury, wrapped in just the right amount of intrigue and edge.

My room was an absolute dream, featuring a brass plaque on the door engraved simply with ‘Rachel’—a personal touch that made it feel extra special. Inside, it was beautifully decorated and included its own private patio with a soaking bathtub, perfect for unwinding in true Palm Springs style. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I found the ultimate surprise— the ultimate swag bag filled with goodies from Snyder Diamond, JennAir, Mr. Steam, and Graff—the cherry on top of an already spectacular stay.

After settling in and slipping into my favorite vintage frock, we kicked off the festivities with cocktails and appetizers at The Colony Club, setting the stage for a weekend drenched in style, design, and unforgettable moments.

Dinner followed at The Tropicale, a vibrant supper club that effortlessly channels the Palm Springs aesthetic—retro glam, neon accents, and a menu as bold as the crowd. It was the perfect place to mix, mingle, and connect with fellow designers before diving into an event-packed weekend of inspiration, design, and just the right amount of decadence.

Sourcing, Sightseeing & Stunning Mid-Century Homes

Saturday started bright and early as we headed to the Modernism Show, one of the highlights of the weekend. The show is a dream for vintage lovers and collectors, featuring iconic mid-century furniture, art, and decor from top dealers. Browsing through these treasures was both inspiring and educational—there’s nothing like seeing original mid-century pieces up close. Of course, in true me fashion, while I was on the hunt for home decor, I stumbled upon the mother of all vintage Vera Neumann scarf collections and some truly one-of-a-kind jewelry. Naturally, I had to bring a few pieces home!

Behind The Hedges

From there, we embarked on home tours, starting with The Gillman Residence. This home, like so many in Palm Springs, tells a story of modernist vision, timeless design, and the effortless indoor-outdoor living that defines desert modernism.

One of the ultimate highlights of the weekend? Stepping inside the legendary Dinah Shore Estate, a breathtaking Donald Wexler-designed masterpiece now owned by—wait for it—Leonardo DiCaprio (cue screaming fangirl moment!). This mid-century icon is the perfect fusion of Hollywood glamour and modernist perfection, boasting clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and impeccably curated interiors. Getting to experience this architectural gem firsthand? A total bucket-list moment!

An Evening of Cocktails & Glamour

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to the SIA (Save Iconic Architecture) Cocktail Party at Villa Golightly, the glamorous home of Kelly Golightly. The event was the epitome of Palm Springs chic—a dazzling affair filled with fabulous guests in equally fabulous frocks, stunning design moments, racks of vintage caftans, and some of the most celebrated designers in our industry. But let’s be real—my favorite space? Kelly’s Cloffice. A closet-meets-office dripping in style, where I may or may not have spent more time than anyone else (and I have zero regrets!).

But the night didn’t end there—we kept the energy going at an exclusive SIA Speakeasy, held at a surprise location. The intimate outdoor setting was the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with iconic design, history, and high style.

Vintage Hunting & Farewell to Palm Springs

Sunday morning, before leaving town, I made one last stop at the Palm Springs Vintage Market—a true treasure trove of unique finds. Whether you're searching for mid-century decor, fashion, or artwork, this market never disappoints. These are my people. Even the vintage market in Palm Springs is chic—stylish treasure hunters dressed in playful vintage ensembles, with women (and a few fashionable men) twirling vintage parasols in hand.

I’m so glad I carved out the time to go because I ran into longtime friends, sourced gorgeous textiles for an upcoming design project, and—of course—added even more vintage jewelry to my collection.

Signed, Sealed, and Stylish...

As I drove back to San Diego—sunroof open, warm wind swirling, Frank Sinatra crooning through the speakers—I couldn’t help but feel grateful. This weekend was pure magic. Palm Springs, with its stunning architecture and effortlessly cool crowd, never fails to inspire.

A huge thank you once again to our fabulous sponsors—Snyder Diamond, JennAir, Mr. Steam, and Graff—for making this weekend truly unforgettable. These brands don’t just do luxury—they define it: Snyder Diamond is the go-to destination for the most exquisite selection of high-end kitchen, bath, and outdoor living products; JennAir continues to push the boundaries of luxury appliances with bold design and cutting-edge performance; Mr. Steam elevates self-care with indulgent steam and wellness solutions that turn any home into a spa retreat; and Graff? Their stunning plumbing fixtures are the ultimate couture for your home.

They not only orchestrated an epic journey but also cultivated an environment where lasting relationships were forged with fellow interior designers and brand partners, making this weekend even more meaningful.

​Lastly, this weekend was truly inspiring, thanks to the incredible energy and vibes of my fellow design colleagues, none of whom I had met before. Each designer brought their unique perspective and personality, making the experience fun and unforgettable.

• Genevieve Trousdale – Interior Designer, Circa Genevieve | CircaGenevieve.com

• Julee Ireland – Interior Design Architect & Product Designer | JuleeIreland.com

• Karina Rizzo – Certified Interior Designer, Karamia Designs | KaramiaDesigns.com

• Pam Barthold – Owner & Principal Designer, Pazzam Interior Design | PazzamDesigns.com

• Summer Jensen – Principal Interior Designer, Hawk & Co. | HawkandCo.com

If this weekend taught me anything, it’s that iconic design never goes out of style—whether it’s mid-century treasures, vintage caftans, or a home that truly reflects you. If you’re ready to ditch the cookie-cutter look and create a space that’s as bold, colorful, and one-of-a-kind as a Palm Springs soirée, let’s chat!

Fill out the form on my Contact Page to set up a call and see if we’re a good fit.

Want more eye candy? Peruse my Featured Projects here.

Rachel Moriarty Interiors, a fearless force in design and the oh-so-stylish subsidiary of House of Moriarty Inc.