In Palm Springs, a renovation to meld midcentury, modern, light and art

The front of the Palmer & Krisel-designed home looks much as it did when it was built in 1959.

The addition of clerestory windows on the westward facing side of the house offer eye-catching views of the San Jacinto Mountains from the living room, shown here, master bedroom and bath. A colorful Danish glass pendant in the dining room by Holmegaard reflects the vibrant colors of the surrounding artwork.

An oil painting by Silver Lake artist Aaron Smith hangs on the fireplace in the living room.

The enclosed kitchen was demolished in favor of a new open space that merges seamlessly with the dining and living rooms and outdoors. Shiell chose quartz countertops, walnut cabinets and Modwalls ceramic tile in a bright orange vintage hue to give the room a timeless modern quality.

At left: “The Condemned,” by Charlotta Westergren. Center: “The Boxer” oil on canvas by Brooklyn-based artist Jason Yarmosky.

For Robert Shiell, who grew up in a triplex in Westwood, the austere lines of the midcentury home were magical. So was the view of the San Jacinto Mountains. “The idea of having a big backyard with a view is what cinched it for me,” Shiell says.

In the entryway, works by Raul Coronel, left, and Charlotta Westergren, right.

Furnishings are a mix of custom pieces by Los Angeles designer Brandon Morrison, vintage pieces from Etsy and desert vintage stores, Modernica and Room and Board.

A midcentury style sleeper sofa from Room and Board transforms the den into a guest room when necessary.

A mix of vintage glass objects are displayed on shelves by Kai Christensen from JP Denmark in Cathedral City.

A painting by Japanese anime artist Yosuke Ueno.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Modern upgrades include smooth polished concrete floors. To preserve the home’s midcentury origins, Shiell kept the slim sliding closet doors in the master bedroom, walls of glass and tongue-and-groove ceilings.

The guest bedroom features Marimekko bedding, colorful vintage lamps from desert thrift stores and a Haiku ceiling fan from Big Ass Fans.

In the master bedroom, a clerestory window was installed to add light and offer views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The bed is custom made by Los Angeles designer Brandon Morrison. Shiell found the vintage desk on Etsy.

In the master bathroom, a door was added to allow access to the outdoor shower.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A rough concrete shower, inspired by the architect Donald Wexler.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Outdoors, Shiell added a Jacuzzi, firepit, built-in barbecue and shower. Landscape designer Hudson Hale of Water Wise Landscape added drought- tolerant plantings to highlight the simplicity of the home’s architecture.

The concrete surrounding the pool was demolished and coping and three steps in the shallow end were added.