Design Within Reach has partnered with legendary British designer Paul Smith to breathe new life into the iconic Miles C. Bates Wave House in Palm Desert. Originally built in 1955 by architect Walter S. White, the house—famed for its distinctive wave-like roof inspired by the surrounding mountains—has been meticulously restored and reimagined as part of DWR Presents: The Paul Smith Collection.
Blending mid-century modern architecture with Paul Smith’s playful sensibility, the interiors showcase a curated mix of classic pieces from Herman Miller and Knoll. Many of these have been reupholstered in Paul Smith furniture textiles, developed in collaboration with Maharam and inspired by the colors and textures of the desert. From striped loungers to boldly patterned sofas and graphic bed linens, every detail reflects Smith’s signature approach to design: elegant, irreverent, and deeply rooted in place.
Natural materials such as brick, wood, and glass remain central to the house’s identity, offering a warm counterpoint to the collection’s vibrant palette. According to Omar Nobil, creative director at Design Within Reach, the Wave House was a natural choice for the collaboration, embodying both architectural innovation and visual storytelling.
Timed to coincide with Modernism Week in nearby Palm Springs, the project also marks the opening of a new Design Within Reach store dedicated to the collection. Guests can not only experience the space as a vacation rental but also shop the furnishings directly, blurring the lines between home, showroom, and artistic expression.
Photography courtesy of DESIGN WITHIN REACH