Tucked against the San Jacinto Mountains in South Palm Springs, Soleil House is designer Trina Turk’s newest home project: a thoughtful renovation of a 1963 midcentury residence originally designed by architect Harold J. Bissner.
Bissner (1901–1988) began his career in Pasadena in the 1920s, first designing Spanish Revival estates before later embracing the clean lines and simplicity of California modernism. By the time this Palm Springs home was built in 1963, he had fully transitioned into a modernist approach, creating houses that reflected the relaxed lifestyle of the desert.
When Trina Turk took on the property, it had been neglected for years. Rather than replacing or dramatically altering Bissner’s work, the goal was to restore and refresh it; keeping what made it special while updating it for modern living.
The original layout remains intact. Its low horizontal lines, expansive windows, and comfortable scale reflect the midcentury style that defines Palm Springs architecture. An extended balcony offers sweeping views of the city below, strengthening the home’s connection to both the mountains and the valley. The renovation preserves these defining features while upgrading the house with modern systems and technology, ensuring it performs beautifully by today’s standards.
Trina has long been passionate about midcentury modern architecture and design. Over the years, she has explored it through travel, museum programs, architectural tours, and open houses across Southern California and beyond. That deep appreciation informs every decision at Soleil House.
Inside, she brings her signature use of color, texture, and pattern. The palette draws inspiration from the surrounding desert landscape and native plants, helping the home feel connected to its setting rather than separate from it. The renovation respects Bissner’s clean structural lines and straightforward modernism while introducing warmth and personality. Influences such as architect Albert Frey’s sensitivity to the environment and the luminous desert atmospheres associated with artist Agnes Pelton subtly echo throughout the interiors.
Soleil House is both a private residence and a celebration of midcentury design. It demonstrates how thoughtful stewardship can preserve architectural character while embracing contemporary life. At sunset, as desert light softens and the city begins to glow below, the balcony becomes a dramatic vantage point; a reminder of why Palm Springs modernism continues to endure.
