Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour: Wall to Wall—A Steve Chase Revival in Rancho Palmeras

Tucked into the Rancho Palmeras Estates neighborhood of Indian Wells, this home has worn two design legacies (the great Steve Chase is one) in its lifetime—and is about to reveal a third.

Tucked into the Rancho Palmeras Estates neighborhood of Indian Wells, this home has worn two great design legacies in its lifetime—and is about to reveal a third.

The home was custom-designed around 1960 by architect and interior designer Walter Dunivant, and is locally known to have been built for a Radio City Rockette. In 1983, new owners brought in Steve Chase—one of the defining creative voices of luxury desert design—who reimagined the interiors around what would become his signature philosophy: nature, light, and material truth. Natural stone, wood, granite, and leather dominated.

Today, that legacy is being restored and reinterpreted by Michael Norpell of Michael Norpell Wall To Wall. Rather than recreating the past literally, Norpell's approach preserves the essence of Chase's original interiors while refining them for contemporary desert living—restoring existing built-ins and architectural detailing wherever possible, and layering in a palette drawn from the surrounding landscape: cream, warm brown, black, soft gold and muted green. He's reviving Chase's lighting language, which was never an afterthought; Chase treated illumination as architecture, using warmth and intensity to guide the eye through a room. Vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces sit alongside refined Modern furnishings, creating interiors that feel collected rather than decorated—the glamour of 1980s desert luxury without the nostalgia.

Your session includes:

  • A guided tour through the fully restored interiors, from Dunivant's original 1960 architecture to Chase's 1983 design language.
  • A conversation hosted by Atomic Ranch editor Jickie Torres with designer Michael Norpell on restoring the spirit of a Steve Chase interior for a new generation.
  • A close look at the materials, lighting, and furnishing decisions behind the restoration—what was preserved, what was reinterpreted, and why.
  • An open Q&A for your own restoration and design questions.
  • A complimentary copy of Atomic Ranch magazine to take home.

Whether you're a devotee of Steve Chase's work, a student of desert design history, or simply curious what it takes to restore a home this significant without losing its soul, this is an afternoon built for you.

Atomic Ranch

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Michael Norpell Wall to Wall

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person All ages
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • Are food and drinks permitted?Food and drink No outside food or drinks
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking & standing activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks discouraged
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Personal/non-commercial photography permitted
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor and outdoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Interior/exterior tour
The organizer of this event is: Atomic Ranch

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