TL;DR – Ever wonder what lies beyond the breeze blocks and those iconic orange doors at The Parker Palm Springs Hotel? Macramé owls, a cozy fire pit, a knight in shining armor, just to name a few moments. This post takes you through its bold, bizarre, and totally iconic public spaces and shows you how to bring a little of that layered Palm Springs style home.
The Parker Palm Springs is one of the most talked‑about stays in town. Part boutique resort, part design playground, it’s a hotel where every corner feels Instagram‑ready yet utterly livable, from the iconic breezeblock to the bright, bold orange entry doors to the eclectic lounges and unexpected decorative moments that whisper (or scream) Adler’s design flair.
The Parker Palm Springs isn’t just a hotel, it’s a desert design destination. Perched in the heart of Palm Springs, this iconic property combines legendary mid‑century architecture with Jonathan Adler’s wildly creative interior aesthetic — a mix of color, texture, and humor that gives it a personality all its own.
Spoiler: it’s not just about midcentury modern. The Parker’s look blends eras, textures, and attitude… and yes, it’s wildly boho in the most grown-up, irreverent way.
In this review, I’m focusing on the hotel’s public spaces, the ones that design lovers obsess over — and how they express a layered, lived-in aesthetic that’s as Instagrammable as it is original.
If you’re drawn to boho interiors with a twist, you’ll want to keep reading. And as I’m a hotel designer, I’ll also show you how to steal the look (without stealing a lobby lamp, obviously).
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The Allure of Adler
Big-name interior designers are known for a signature style that defines their iconic look and feel. Jonathan Adler is one such designer who has become well-known in recent years.
Hearing his name always brings to mind bright pops of color and hip, mod accessories that make you do a double-take
You can’t help but smile when you walk into a space that rocks his style. There’s wit, kitsch, and clever touches charming every surface.
In my opinion, Adler’s work at the Parker Palm Springs is one of the best expressions of a Bohemian style done in a chic, quirky way.
Bohemian Decorating
Bohemian interior design is one of today’s hottest home decor trends. Often casually referred to as “Boho,” this relaxed, carefree style celebrates a free-spirited, independent vibe.
And FYI, “Bohemian” and “Boho” are descriptions for the same type of decorating style.
If you’re looking to learn more about Boho and other interior design styles, click here to become a Designer Insider – and get access to free professional interior design style advice!
And you can also take my interior design style quiz here to help you discover which look is best for your home.
The great thing about this look is that it’s very flexible, meaning there are many different ways you can morph this style to work with your unique personality. If you like bright colors, then you can go to town. Or, if you prefer a more neutral palette, you can head in that direction and infuse a plethora of interesting weaves and textures to bring in that Boho vibe.
Given the unique and quirky nature of the Bohemian aesthetic, it can be a bit tricky to master. Creating a chic Boho style requires breaking some conventional rules of design.
Love the Parker’s Boho vibe but not sure it’s your vibe?
You know what you like when you see it — but naming your style? Not so easy.
That’s where the Interior Design Style Journal comes in. It walks you through the decisions, vibes, and visuals to help you zero in on the right look for your space.
Because your home shouldn’t look like a Pinterest board. It should look like you.
Desert Oasis
The Parker Palm Springs was originally built back in the 1950s and has a classic mid-century charm. Celebrities would escape the bright lights of Los Angeles and come to this desert hideaway to rest and recharge.
Adler brought in his gift for glam and fun and modernized this historic structure by blending in a quirky Bohemian flair that makes this a memorable destination unlike any other.
Let’s take a tour and explore how Adler’s eclectic style and Boho decor are showcased within this desert getaway.
Making an Entrance
An undulating array of patterned bricks screen the entrance like a fortress wall. You can see how celebrities are drawn to this hideout as their desert escape from the flashbulbs of paparazzi.
The vivid orange double door foreshadows the unconventional decor that awaits within.
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A Knight in Shining Armor
An armored metal man flanks the entry and offers an unexpected welcome. His secondary role is guarding this quirky purple foot resting under a cascading glass-linked chandelier.
Clever wit is a great element to use in Bohemian decorating. And within this genre of design humor, Adler is a true master.
Adler is not only a great interior designer but also a gifted potter. I’m a huge fan of his whimsical style of ceramics. You can see a few of his additions installed in various moments within the space.
One of my favorite expressions is this series of all-white glowing palm tree light fixtures. They echo Adler’s favorite white-on-white ceramic style while giving a nod to the local flora.
These hang from the ceiling, giving the illusion that you’re walking under a canopy of palm leaves. I’m always a fan of a clever design nod to the great outdoors.
Bohemian Style
The Bohemian living room expresses the Boho style with an eclectic mix of furniture. Here you can see the classic Chesterfield sofa paired with some eccentric chairs with exaggerated metal backs.
A woven tapestry ripples across the wall, and paired fringed throw pillows complete the Bohemian look.
Hanging Out
If you prefer to sit on the perimeter away from the fray, these hanging chairs provide the perfect Instagram moment or allow you to slowly sway as you survey the crowd.
Midway through the hotel, you’ll encounter a sun-lit lounge. Its whitewashed brick wall is adorned with a bold, salvaged pharmacy sign over the fireplace. This installation is a genius boho move to repurpose a historical artifact into a feature statement piece of artwork.
The colorful little lanterns in the wall niche add pattern and splashes of vivid colors to become a focal point within the space.
The smorgasbord of pillows flanking the sofa beckons you to come plop yourself down and sit and stay awhile. And the mix of textures, embellishments and even the whimsical butterfly motif creates an eclectic, free-spirited vibe.
Boho Lounge
Walking to the far end of the hotel will lead you to a series of organic sculptural screens with an intriguingly playful peek-a-boo effect.
You can’t help but pause and sneak a peek to see if you can catch a glimpse of a celebrity or wannabe influencer.
Peering through this mod screen wall reveals a cozy circular fire pit. It’s the perfect spot for those chilly desert nights after the sun sets beyond the hills.
This lounge showcases Jonathan Adler’s eccentric and eclectic look at its best.
Bohemian Decorating Breakdown
Let’s break down how Adler creates this compelling Bohemian living space through his layering of textures, patterns, and colors.
He incorporates a varied assortment of furniture – from fully upholstered sofas to metal-framed lounge chairs. And those are contrasted with the more organic and natural forms in the screen walls. Using tension and unexpected contrast is a great way to create a Boho style.
He also adds a softness to the space through his use of plush area rugs and textured colorful throw pillows.
And his mixed metals are highlighted in the clustered teardrop coffee table and the brushed brass frames on the velvet chairs. That touch of glam adds refinement and a slight formality so all the eclectic finds don’t feel random and schlumpy.
Golden Hour
The golden color palette is expertly executed with the ochre channeled sofa that softly snakes around the room, mirroring the curves in the fire pit.
The flame-colored furry pillows bring in more texture and reinforce the warm glow of the fireplace. And the scalloped cocktail tables do double duty, bringing in a glam, organic touch to the overall furniture collection.
Plus, they make a perfect cocktail photo backdrop. #Cheers!
The range of colors coming through in the furniture, the throw pillows, and even the warm sheen of the brass lighting casts a lovely glow over the space – and also your complexion (win-win!).
Boho Macrame Art
Macrame is almost a must-do accessory when it comes to Bohemian decorating. And Adler did not leave us hanging.
But here, no basic planters would do. Instead, he gathered a flock of wise owls to oversee the crowd, keeping their watchful eyes on any shenanigans.
Mini Bar
Mini Bar is worth a visit and is hard to miss, located between two brass palm trees, centered within the lobby.
The plush turquoise velvet and nailhead-trimmed doors lead to a Deco den. And the channeled brushed brass barstools perfectly offset the marble in the bar.
The cocktails are on point. And a seat at the bar reveals even more of Adler’s design humor – coming through in the multi-faced pottery crowned with billowy white feathers.
Brunch Munch
Pro Tip:
Norma’s Doughnuts and the Chocolate Decadence French Toast are absolutely worth the calories. Do it!!
Capturing the Boho Look
There’s something to be said about surrounding yourself with a style that’s all about fun. Boho decorating celebrates an eclectic assortment of things you love.
As you can see from this tour of the Parker, it takes a lot of heart and skill to create a style that marches to its own beat and breaks conventional rules of decorating.
Jonathan Adler has done it here in a way that mixes up a bit of Boho, desert chic, Mid-Century Modern, and a touch of glam.
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Bring it Home
While Adler has a signature sense of quirk to his Boho chic expression, there are so many different ways you can bring the Boho look into your home in a form that fits your personality.
Bohemian Decorating Style Takeaways: How to bring the Desert Boho Style into your Home
Here are some key Bohemian decorating takeaways to help you bring this look into your home.
1. More is more.
Think of how you can bring in multiple layers of textiles into your space. Add an area rug. Then layer throws onto the sofa. And finish off with a series of accent throw pillows.
2. No blank wall space.
Your walls are your canvas and a perfect opportunity for an artistic expression!
3. Eclectic assortment.
You want your Boho style to look effortless, so it’s important to have a mix of things that don’t all match. That will keep your style feeling cool and casual.
4. Mix patterns.
Boho style is all about creating visual interest, and adding patterns is a great way to bring dimension to your space.
You can do this by bringing in bold graphics, colorful materials, and interesting woven textures through your accessories.
5. Get in touch with nature.
Natural materials have their own interesting organic patterns, and those can look Great and add a pop of vibrant color to a Boho space.
6. Add color.
If you’re feeling daring and want to infuse bright colors into your space, choose key moments to highlight.
Or if you opt for more neutral colors, be sure to bring in a range of tones – not just basic beige and white.
FAQ’s about the Parker Palm Springs Hotel
Is the Parker the Palm Springs hotel with the white cinder block entrance?
Yes — that striking white breeze-block wall is exactly what you’re thinking of. It’s one of the most iconic entrances in Palm Springs design history. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the Parker’s façade is instantly recognizable: a massive geometric wall of decorative concrete block that creates a sense of mystery, glamour, and mid-century cool before you even walk through the doors.
Whether you’ve seen it in fashion shoots, design blogs, or every Palm Springs Pinterest board ever — that’s the Parker. It’s not just a hotel entrance, it’s a full-on architectural moment.
What’s the history of the Parker Palm Springs Hotel?
Originally opened in 1959 as a Holiday Inn, the property was later purchased by Gene Autry (yes, the singing cowboy) and turned into a private estate and occasional studio hotel for his baseball team, the California Angels. After a few iterations—including a short-lived stint as Merv Griffin’s Resort Hotel and Givenchy Spa—the Parker was reborn in its current form in 2004. That’s when designer Jonathan Adler was brought in to transform the space into the maximalist desert fantasy we now know and love. Think retro glam meets eccentric opulence, with no beige in sight.
Who designed the Parker Palm Springs Hotel?
The interiors of The Parker were designed by Jonathan Adler, the famed potter-turned-designer known for his bold use of color, irreverent style, and knack for mixing mid-century glam with playful surrealism. Adler made his name with ceramics and cheeky home décor before expanding into full-scale interior design—and The Parker is arguably his most iconic project. He transformed the once-muted resort into a visual feast: velvet sunken lounges, sculptural oddities, Moroccan poufs, and that infamous “Drugs” sign glowing above the fireplace. It’s maximalism with a wink. Design that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still knows how to make a scene.
What are the best spots for photos in the Parker Palm Springs Hotel?
The Parker is basically a design playground, and every corner is ready for its close-up. Whether you’re there for the architecture, the interiors, or the sheer visual oddity of it all, here are the can’t-miss photo ops:
- The breeze cinder block entrance wall — iconic, especially with bougainvillea in bloom.
- The lemonade stand tucked in the garden — whimsical, unexpected, very “Wes Anderson gets thirsty” aesthetic.
- The knight statues at the entry — surreal, theatrical, and always photogenic.
- The indoor fire pit and velvet sunken lounge — moody, dramatic, and vibey.
- The “Drugs” sign above the stone fireplace — a Jonathan Adler classic.
What other types of decorating styles are popular in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is known for its bold, era-blending design — but it’s not just one look. Across the city, you’ll find a mix of distinct aesthetic styles that shape the hotels, restaurants, and spaces that give the city its visual punch. You can check out my Palm Springs Aesthetic Travel Guide to see some of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Some of the most iconic Palm Springs decorating styles include:
- Desert Modernism — clean lines, low-slung furniture, organic materials (The Parker, Workshop)
- Palm Springs Chic — soft pastels, glam accents, poolside elegance (The Pink Cabana, Norma’s)
- Mid-century Retro — bright color, playful curves, motel-core (The Saguaro)
- Desert Boho — layered textures, Moroccan influence, relaxed luxury (Sands Hotel)
What’s Your Best Palm Springs Interior Design Style?
If you’re loving the Parker but not sure if it’s your aesthetic — you’re not alone.
Palm Springs style isn’t one look — it’s a full timeline of design eras, each with its own vibe, mood, and signature details. Some are sleek and architectural. Others are playful, textured, even a little weird (in a good way).
Want to figure out which one fits you best?
🛋️ 👉 Start here with my guide to the Palm Springs Interior Design Eras — it breaks down the five major styles, how to spot them, and how to use them in your home.
Craving those Palm Springs Colors? Here’s Where It Gets Fun
Once you’ve got a feel for your Palm Springs era, it’s time to dial in the colors — because this aesthetic speaks fluent color theory, and it doesn’t whisper.
Maybe you’re drawn to sun-faded ochres, terracotta, and cactus green. Or maybe it’s all about poolside pastels and a pop of flamingo pink. Palm Springs interiors use color with intention — sometimes bold, sometimes subtle, always with a wink.
So if you’ve ever saved a photo of a mint green door, tiled shower, or goldenrod barstool, you’re going to want this:
👉 Palm Springs Interior Design Color Palettes
It breaks down the most iconic color combos by era and style. So whether you’re remodeling or just mood-boarding your next vibe shift, you’ll have a palette that actually works.
Because if you’re going to commit to a vibe, your color palette should back you up.
The First Step Every Stylish Home Needs
Are you loving this look and want to create your own signature aesthetic in your home?
The Interior Design Starter Kit is your first step to creating a space that feels like you. Inside, you’ll set yourself up for success:
→ Define your vision
→ Audit your space
→ Discover your true style
This is the guide you didn’t know you needed — until now.
Want to discover more iconic spots in Palm Springs?
From Hotel Crush to Home Vibe
If The Parker sparked something, a feeling, a style crush, an “I need more of this” moment; follow it.
Dive into the Palm Springs design eras, explore the color palettes, and get clear on what makes your version of desert chic work.
It’s not about copying a hotel. It’s about building a look that feels just as iconic in your world.
Here are some links to help you take the next step:
