Two hands are better than one on any ranch. The same can be said for this revitalized 1960s ranch home, a collaboration between designers Michael Ostrow of Grace Home Furnishings and Julie Exley of Trellis Interiors and the Pink Cactus vintage shop in Palm Springs.
Exley relocated from San Francisco two years ago, acclimating to the desert by choosing the least urban place in town. Her neighbor at Smoke Tree Ranch had a friend in Portland who needed decorating help (and more) for their Borrego Springs vacation home. Exley’s affinity for Western aesthetics perfectly aligned with its surroundings.
The homeowners welcomed bright ideas for their sun-soaked getaway with a backyard pool and views of the de Anza Desert Club golf course. “I love Michael and Roger of Grace Home,” Exley says. “They have such good custom furniture. Everything is made in California. And they’re fast; I knew the turnaround time would be quick. Most of all, it’s a pleasure working with them.”
Exley describes the house as “exceptionally well-built,” requiring minimal structural renovation. Updating the electrical and plumbing systems ensured safe functionality. Her design collaboration with Ostrow is an honest roundup of custom furniture from Grace Home Furnishings, hand-picked vintage, and a lively palette of paints and wallpapers to accentuate the charm of the original features. The result captures the essence of the early California desert with a hint of nostalgic kitsch, while providing its owners a cheerful Western ranch-inspired escape.
