This House Is the Ultimate Getaway

The first thing Michael Thackeray and Sameer Gopulay did after they got the keys to their Palm Springs, California, home: “We grabbed chairs left by the previous owner and put them in a big circle by the living room,” says Michael. “It’s where guests immediately gravitated, so we knew we were onto something.” A pal jokingly dubbed it “the circle of love,” and the name stuck. When the couple decided to renovate their 2,500-square-foot home, built in 1958, they upgraded the special space — and everything else — with the help of designer Michelle Boudreau. Original tongue and groove ceilings were patched and repaired, and sleek terrazzo floors poured. Then they layered in funky midcentury modern pieces and the couple’s vintage treasures. Michelle even incorporated the circle theme. Says Sameer, “Everyone feels comfortable and relaxed here.” Says Michael, “Every hour is happy hour!”

Stone salvaged from a remodel brought the exterior back to its midcentury glory. The coral front door (Cultured Rose by Dunn-Edwards) makes it even more welcoming.

It’s where everyone gathers for movie night. Airy textures that let in light, like wood screens (designed by Michelle) and a cane-front console from Burke Decor, give good chill. Michael snagged the Platner chairs at an estate sale; green velvet mohair refreshed them — because you can never have enough let’s-kick-back seating. The 1950s floor lamp hails from Michael’s grandmother’s basement in Nebraska.

Yep, it’s the circle of love. Custom velvet chairs from Joybird that can seat two are a great fit for a more-is-merrier policy. “We made sure our moms liked the fabric, since it’s their favorite spot,” says Sameer. A circular (what else?!) table with a perforated brass base from Tom Dixon holds court on a jute rug by Annie Selke’s Dash & Albert. Glass doors make indoor-outdoor entertaining a breeze.