This special tour celebrates Palm Springs' legendary indoor-outdoor lifestyle with a curated tour of remarkable patios, pools, gardens, lanais and desert landscapes.

Step inside the pages of Midcentury Modern Design for Outdoor Living with Backyard Bliss: Outdoor Spaces Tour, a new Modernism Week experience celebrating Palm Springs' iconic indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

This inaugural self-guided tour offers guests a rare opportunity to explore a curated collection of properties featured in the new book by Dan Chavkin and Jeffrey Head, published by Gibbs Smith.

Rather than focusing on home interiors, Backyard Bliss celebrates the art of outdoor living through beautifully designed patios, pools, shaded lanais, fire pit gathering areas, open-air dining spaces, desert landscapes and select casitas.

Many featured properties reflect the influence of celebrated architects, including William Krisel, Hugh Kaptur, E. Stewart Williams, William F. Cody and Donald Wexler. Each stop showcases a distinctive interpretation of midcentury outdoor living, from preserved vintage environments to contemporary designs that embrace the desert climate.

The afternoon tour culminates at the historic Seven Lakes Community Pool #9, where guests from both the morning and afternoon sessions are invited to gather beginning at approximately 5:00 PM.

Guests attending the morning tour may visit Seven Lakes Community Pool #9 during their scheduled tour hours and are welcome to return for the special promotional drawing taking place at the conclusion of the afternoon session.

This special gathering will feature displays of vintage and contemporary outdoor furnishings, with anticipated participants including Modernway, CFR Patio, Boomerang, Brown Jordan and Design Within Reach.

Guests can explore the displays, purchase copies of Midcentury Modern Design for Outdoor Living, and meet Dan Chavkin and Jeffrey Head, who will be available to sign purchased books.

As an added highlight, Brown Jordan will sponsor a promotional drawing offering eligible ticketed guests the opportunity to win a Walter Lamb Outdoor Rocker Chair, valued at approximately $1,500.

The drawing is expected to take place during the closing festivities at Seven Lakes.

Promotional Drawing Information: The drawing will be sponsored and administered solely by Brown Jordan, independently of Modernism Week. Brown Jordan will be responsible for all official rules, eligibility requirements, entry procedures, winner selection, notification and prize fulfillment. Modernism Week will not administer the drawing or collect entries.

Exhibition participants and the promotional drawing are subject to final confirmation.

Photo Credits: Daniel Chavkin

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • 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 is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks not permitted
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Photography permitted at discretion of host
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Exterior views only
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week

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