Madison Desert Club

Kovac Design Studio

Short description

Located in La Quinta’s fabled Madison Club, this desert vacation home was designed for a client who enjoys entertaining and an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Inspired by the concept of a boutique hotel, the aim was to prioritize the client's needs while paying homage to the "Golden Hollywood” age of nearby Palm Springs through thoughtful, inviting interiors.

Upon arriving at the residence, one is greeted by a still dark water element that seems to rise from the ground, water shimmering down its sides. Above, an oculus graces the home’s signature roof canopy, which connects the main living space to six surrounding casitas via open-air hallways.

Walking across the steps that bisect the water element, one enters the main living space and is immediately welcomed by a dramatic view of the surrounding mountains. The back of the house is composed of nearly frameless motorized glass doors that frame the landscape and retract away when the pool or views beckon. Outside, Gloster sectionals, a fire pit, William Haines Malibu Chairs, and a bespoke Cremo Delicato marble dining table surrounded by vintage Mogens Koch Folding Chairs complete the outdoor living area.

Inside, the kitchen, great room, bar, and lounge are entirely open to one another, creating an inviting space for entertaining whether for parties of two or two hundred. A Tufty Time sectional by B&B Italia, Platner Easy Chairs by Knoll, and custom Armadillo rug furnish the great room and provide luxurious comfort to all guests, their understated glamour a nod to nearby Palm Springs. Tucked behind is a bar and lounge area where custom lighting dims to candlelight levels and four vintage Pierre Paulin Groovy Chairs invite intimate conversation. Metal architectural drapery surrounds the lounge and bar, its rings catching grazes of light that mimic the shadows of the canopy outside, providing additional privacy whenever drawn. However, what truly makes this space outstanding is the suspended theater above the bar that boasts a motorized wall that doubles as a movie screen. When closed, the theater is a perfectly enclosed screening room that includes D'Urso Swivel Chairs by Knoll so one can rotate to socialize and take in the film from any position. With the motorized wall open, this space transforms into the perfect place for live musical performances, open to the entire home and able to be enjoyed by all.

Downstairs, a wellness spa and gym open to a sun-filled private garden. Just down the hall an entertainment room with six custom built-in bunkbeds and a sectional upholstered in Maharam velvet provide additional space where guests can retreat, with a smaller garden terrace just outside.

Each casita surrounding the main volume includes a private patio and fire pit enclosed by a wood-clad wall that can retract to connect to the neighboring casita for convenient socializing. Each also includes its own bath with indoor/outdoor shower, mini fridge, and bar so guests can enjoy a drink without going to the main space whenever a private escape is wanted.

There is no better place for an escape from the stresses of daily life - this home is an oasis in the desert.