How we achieved a laid-back Palm Springs vibe in our garden at Casita

A Californian resort city located in the Colarado Desert's Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is synonymous with Mid-Century Modern architecture, indoor-outdoor living and arid rock and succulent gardens, which are equal parts effortlessly cool and appropriate for the harsh desert landscape. Inspired by the clean lines, large windows and use of both modern and traditional building materials, Heidi Albertiri implemented many iconic Palm Springs elements when designing the exterior and landscaping for Stay Casita.

Breeze Blocks

Perhaps the most well-known design feature in Palm Springs landscaping is the trusty breeze block. Providing privacy and shade while still allowing natural light and airflow, breeze blocks are a multi-functional design choice. Heidi selected the Breeze Block Cube White from Earp Bros.

Pop of colour

Arguably the most versatile of exterior paint colours, white is fresh, clean and has the ability to transport you from the Californian desert to an island in Greece, and everywhere in between. White effortlessly maintains the Palm Springs aesthetic, however, it's the pop of colour with Tangelo Cream from Haymes Paint which was selected for the front door, roller door and gates at Stay Casita that really highlight that Palm Springs as THE inspiration outside.

Terracotta planters, cactus

Referencing both the desert which surrounds the city of Palm Springs and the Spanish influences dominant throughout California, terracotta and various types of cacti were selected for a low-maintenance garden perfect for a holiday rental, which also effortlessly ties into the mediterranean interior. Heidi sourced her terracotta planters and plants from Garden Life.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Thanks to our warm climate, nothing is more Australian than eating outside in summer. For entirely the same reason, indoor-outdoor living is as much a feature of life in Palm Springs as it is here. Stay Casita offers both an outdoor lounge area and an outdoor dining area that are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a meal on a balmy South Coast evening. Heidi selected an outdoor setting from In Artisan, rattan armchairs from Satara, a Beef Eater built-in BBQ, and, so the space can be used all year round, Bromic Heaters.

The thoughtfully and stunningly renovated property, Stay Casita is located at Vincentia on spectacular Jervis Bay. If you're looking to getaway and would love to enjoy the relaxed, Palm Springs-inspired gardens for yourself, you can book your stay here.

WORDS | Emma McCann