Discover This Mid-Century Gem: Now an Innovative Boutique Rental Experience!

Located in Palm Desert, the iconic Miles C. Bates “Wave House” is renowned for its distinctive, flowing roof and modernist design. Now, it has been revitalized as a vibrant, functional space due to an innovative collaboration between Design Within Reach (DWR) and the vacation rental service Boutique.

The DWR x Boutique Rental Home is far from your typical vacation property. It offers visitors a unique blend of architecture, furniture, and fashion, creating a deeply engaging and personal experience. This venture marks DWR’s first foray into the world of experiential rental homes, bringing contemporary design into an accessible, real-world context.

Built in 1955 by architect Walter S. White, the Wave House is a prime example of organic modernism. Its undulating roof, inspired by the nearby San Jacinto Mountains, distinguishes it from other mid-century structures in the Coachella Valley. Originally serving as both a home and a creative studio for artist Miles C. Bates, the building soon became a popular retreat for the cultural icons of that time.

Following an extensive renovation by Stayner Architects, the house was reopened in 2020, once again securing its status as a significant Palm Desert landmark. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a historical site by the city. With its latest transformation, it embarks on a new chapter, inviting guests into a thoughtfully curated space that seamlessly integrates elements of a home, gallery, and showroom.

This project also coincides with the introduction of DWR Presents: The Paul Smith Collection, which beautifully merges iconic modern furniture with the playful and sophisticated textile designs of famed British designer Paul Smith, in partnership with Maharam. This special collection features limited-edition reimaginings of mid-century classics like Eames Molded Plastic Chairs and Saarinen Womb Chairs, all adorned with vibrant, pattern-rich fabrics that showcase Paul Smith’s unique flair for design.

The home’s decor, featuring bold plaids, textured stripes, and lively polka dots, embodies Paul Smith’s hallmark style, reflecting both the historical legacy and the contemporary evolution of the house. This melding of design periods fosters a creative dialogue centered around craftsmanship, quality, and narrative.

“We aimed to craft more than just a space; we wanted to forge a comprehensive experience,” explains Omar Nobil, Senior Vice President Creative Director at DWR. “The Wave House’s bold architecture and expressive shapes provide the ideal backdrop for a collection that celebrates the surprising harmony of color, texture, and design heritage.”

By partnering with Boutique, a company known for its portfolio of design-focused properties worldwide, DWR ensures that their vision extends beyond mere aesthetics. Guests become active participants in a fully designed environment, where every room, furniture piece, and decorative element is selected for its beauty and significance.

For Boutique, which boasts over 1,500 architecturally noteworthy properties globally, this collaboration is a natural progression of their commitment to enhancing travel experiences through exceptional design. “We believe that your accommodations should be as inspiring as your destination,” states Marc Blazer, CEO and Co-Founder of Boutique. “This partnership with DWR enables us to offer a space where travelers can engage with creativity on a more profound level.”

The interior of the Wave House exemplifies the perfect balance between comfort and artistic curation. Outdoors, the sleek furniture complements the natural, sculptural forms of the desert surroundings. Indoors, bedrooms are adorned with soft, multi-textured fabrics, providing a sensory delight that matches visual appeal. Every aspect, from object placement to color integration, reflects the collective ethos of the brands involved.

This initiative marks a shift in how brands like DWR engage with consumers, moving beyond traditional retail interactions to allow design enthusiasts to live with and fully appreciate the designs in a day-to-day context. It’s about making modern design genuinely accessible.

Whether you are a fan of architecture, a design professional, or just a traveler in search of inspiration, this unique destination offers a window into the potential of contemporary living, deeply rooted in history yet reimagined through creativity.

Bookings for the DWR x Boutique rental are now open until August 31, 2025, and all furnishings featured in the space are available for purchase at dwr.com.

Photography courtesy of DWR.