Neutra's 'Grace Miller' House

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Oct 21, 2024

The Grace Miller House in Palm Springs is casual cool. Lesser known than Neutra’s Kaufmann House, this Palm Springs home is understated and well, graceful.

Grace Lewis Miller, was an enigmatic entrepreneur, known for bringing the European Mensendieck exercise method to Palm Springs. She commissioned architect Richard Neutra to design a custom home and studio in the city. The resulting stucco-clad structure reflects the unique partnership between Miller and Neutra, with thoughtful details tailored to her specific needs and lifestyle.

The home's design incorporates a reflecting pool outside, visible through a glass corner, which casts a play of light onto the white ceiling. Similarly, an onyx makeup table is strategically placed to receive optimal northern light. Miller's desire for a sense of lightness and openness led Neutra to raise the ceilings by six inches. For her studio, Neutra created large, nearly floor-to-ceiling glass lights to provide ample illumination for exercise. The bedroom's cabinetry was designed to accommodate Miller's personal belongings, including her prized hats and sweaters.

Once a secluded property surrounded by brush, the site is now situated in a more developed urban area. The house experienced years of neglect as a rental property, but a recent owner has undertaken restoration efforts to bring it back to a better state.