Laurie Berger
2019 MODERNISM WEEK FIRST LOOK
The return of Green Gables
text+photos by Laurie Berger
It was love at first sight for Kevin Kemper and partner Howard Hawkes when they first set eyes on Green Gables, with its iconic clerestory windows, a gabled roof and dramatic walls of glass. Little did the couple know that it would take 13 years to restore the 1957 Palmer-Krisel to its mid-century roots.
Now a 4-bedroom, 3-bath property with new casita (underway at the time of this writing), the co-owners of H3K Design are finally moving back into their green dream, with its vintage yellow kitchen, rock fireplace and bedroom atrium. Shag pillows, starburst lamps and pop art dot the home—there’s even a “Dot Series” print of Jackie O by Hank Hudson greeting visitors in the entryway.
Kemper, the great grandson of a renowned architect, got his start renovating Victorian homes in Santa Barbara with partner Hawkes. The duo’s first H3K project in the Racquet Club Estates was one of the highest priced Alexanders ever sold in the neighborhood. They now handle 5-6 renovations at a time throughout Palm Springs.
Coachella Magazine sat down with Kemper at Green Gables, to learn more about the renovation.
Many of these mid-century homes had fallen into disrepair. How do upgrade a home while maintaining the original architect’s design?
Kevin Kemper: If you’re buying an Alexander, a Wexler, or a Krisel, you’re paying a premium. So, it’s important to preserve the architecture and vibe of the house. That’s our focus. But we must also adapt homes to today’s lifestyles.
What condition was the house when you bought it in 2005?
KK: We knew it needed a lot of love. It was very dark and painted with reds and browns that covered up many of the mid-century details. We put new windows in the back of the living room, repainted and remodeled the wet bar during the first renovation that year.
Renovation work went on for years. It finally came to fruition this year, with a redone kitchen and bathrooms. Now, it’s our dream house.
How faithful were you to Bill Krisel’s original footprint and design?
KK: Krisel visited the house during the 2011 Alexander Weekend (a celebration of the Palm Springs homes built by that construction company).
He talked a lot about how Twin Palms developed, and how all the homes had internal atriums. Since this house didn’t have one, we were inspired to put an atrium in the master bedroom and shower area.
What are some of the house’s iconic elements?
KK: The high gable roofline with clerestory windows (windows above normal ceiling height that add light and airflow). They run the length of the house providing 360-degree views. They’re one of the reasons we fell in love with it.
There are also walls of glass—very mid-century modern, very indoor-outdoor living, and very popular at the time. The whole south side is original but we added glass in the back of the living room.
The fireplace with its huge rocks is massive for the size of the house, but it really works and flows well.
What else are you planning to do with the house?
KK: We’re building a one bedroom, one bath casita and a wet bar; that construction should be done by 2019 Modernism Week in February.
Casitas seem to be a popular addition these days. Is that kosher among mid-century preservationists?
KK: A lot of people want the extra square footage. At 1,600 square feet, this is a good size house. But if you have a big family or are using it as a vacation home, you’ll want room for guests too. (The house now measures 2,100 square feet.)
You’ve added lots of colorful “mod” elements. How would you characterize the decor?
KK: Our decor tends to be a mix of mid-century—either reproductions or authentic vintage furniture. We throw in some contemporary elements because mid-century modern and contemporary are brothers and sisters and really work well together.
I love the kitchen’s in-wall coffee maker. It’s a perfect example of adding modern technology that complements a mid-century sensibility.
KK: We love that Jennair coffeemaker, too. Coffee is the one of the most important food groups, so built-in coffee makers are a must.
I heard that the bathroom walls are made of Corian. What is that and why was it used?
KK: Corian is a brand of ultra-tough solid surface material used in kitchens and bathrooms It’s easy to clean and maintain. I’m excited to use it on other projects, too.
The bathrooms in these renovated homes are big. Is that a trend?
KK: Bathrooms were very small in the original mid-century footprint. Today, people want more room, for a better living experience. For this house, we bumped out a wall and added three linear feet to the master bathroom.
Kitchens have gotten larger, too. They’re now “great rooms” that open up to living rooms.
What’s the best way to incorporate mid-century elements in your home?
KK: Mid-century furniture is now considered classic and can be mixed with contemporary. It’s not as challenging as people think. We’ve been blending it with Spanish design and calling it Mod-terranean.
Are you seeing an interest in retro design among millennials?
KK: Yes, particularly in Palm Springs. We’re one of the top five destinations for millennials, so there’s new exposure and appreciation. There’s also an optimism in mid-century architecture that a lot of people are looking for. They want that experience.
Is there a specific type of mid-century style millennials are drawn to?
KK: They like the original pieces, an Eames lounge chair or Saarinen tulip chair for example. As designers, we always want to try something new and different. But we realized that the original pieces are what people really love and what they come to Palm Springs for.
How many mid-century modern houses have you renovated?
KK: We’ve probably done 40 or 50 houses over the years and have five or six jobs going on at any given time. We take them down to the studs and refurbish completely— with new mechanics, new finishes, the whole nine yards.
What’s your next big project?
KK: We’re redoing the Elvis Presley house in Little Tuscany. This is not the House of Tomorrow (aka the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, where he and Priscilla lived for a few years). It’s a Spanish-style home (known as Graceland West) that he owned.
One of our clients purchased it. We’re planning a full renovation with a Mod-terranean look. There will be little hints of Elvis, but not Las Vegas kitschy. You’ll definitely know its Elvis’s house.
When will it be completed?
KK: We’re starting this month, so I’m hoping by the end of 2019, either for Fall Preview or 2020 Modernism Week.
Your store H3K is like a little mid-century museum. What was the intention behind it?
KK: We built little houses within the showroom to create an experience. There’s the Pillow Talk room, Mod Dog room, and a vending machine called Tourist Trap. We created little moments so people can explore and spend time there.
What: Green Gables
Where: 1040 S. La Verne Way
When: February 15-17, 2019
Price: $30 (check)
More Information: modernismweek.com/