Design + Images: Danielle Nagel
Built by mid-century architect William Krisel, this bold Palm Springs home designed by Danielle Nagel of Dazey LA amps up its retro roots with vibrant handmade floor tiles in orange and white. The best part? The Dazey Desert House is available to rent on AirBnB.
Meet Danielle!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your business?
I am a creative who loves to do it all from graphic design, fashion design, fine art, photography, and now interior design. I started my art clothing line Dazey LA in 2016 after years of doing apparel graphics for many corporate companies.
I wanted to make clothing that stood for something and positive messaging/art that backed causes and conversations I believed in. Dazey uses our platform and clothing to bring up important conversation and empower the people who wear it! This past year I also launched my interior design and home goods business Dazey Den. I refuse to limit my passions and like to purse multiple creative outlets! The one unifying aspect in all my design work is a love for color, art, and vintage inspiration.
Tile Shown: 3x12 tiles in Koi and Milky Way
How did you hear about Fireclay Tile?
I first spotted Fireclay on social media when I realized all my favorite interior photos and designer were using them! I immediately followed and became hooked.
Why do you love tile?
As a lover of color and maximalist design, tile is the most beautiful way to make a high-impact floor.In all my design work I want every detail to be wow-worthy, and tile is the perfect flooring to do just that!
Can you tell me about the desert house? What is it used for? Is there any story behind it and the project that you want to share?
The desert house is such a special spot that we’ve owned for a little over two years now. We were originally trying to buy in LA and kept being burned with high prices and bidding wars. We took a little time off from looking and magically stumbled upon the cutest home I had ever seen while at Modernism Week in Palm Springs.
That’s when we decided to make our “first home” a “second home.” The Mid Century Masterpiece already had amazing bones, but we really brought it to life with bold colors, patterns, and funky furniture. We use it as both our vacation home and primarily as an airbnb rental.We love being able to share my design work and special spot with so many guests who really appreciate it!
How would you describe the aesthetic of the house?
It’s Midcentury to the max, but done in a new and unexpected way. There are nods to 60s and 70s design but much a much more current and brave approach to colors, design elements, and artwork.
Tile Shown: 3x12 tiles in Koi and Milky Way
As an artist myself the space is very artistically focused. There is a beautiful wallpapered wall that is filled with my late grandmothers original paintings, she has always been one of my biggest inspirations. I really wanted to make every wall and corner special and unique.
Can you tell me a bit about your design process? Do you approach choices differently knowing the space will be rented out + used for photos shoots?
In almost all my interior design projects, wether it’s for myself or clients, I design with content creation in mind. Since I own an online clothing company with a large social media following, I know how important engaging and fun photos can be.
I’ve rented out all my properties for shoots from my DTLA office, second home, to current LA apartment. It’s a great way to generate additional income and renters really respond to my colorful design aesthetic that stands out in a world with too many white walls!
How did you come up with your color scheme and design?
The house came with a bright orange door, which is just SO Palm Springs. I loved the door and entryway as-is so decided to play off of that.
I also tend to design the colors of my spaces to match whatever scheme my clothing line is at that time to make for wildly monochromatic images!
What made you decide to update the flooring?
When we got the house it has this weird painted concrete floor. It was as if the previous owners were trying to convince you that it was polished concrete but instead it was this weird matte blueish gray paint. We had dreamed up many ideas for the floors over the years, but when I found Fireclay I knew what we needed to do! The tile lends itself to the space and now the Dazey Desert House has the floors she always deserved!
Tile Shown: 3x12 tiles in Koi and Milky Way
Why did you choose the colors Koi and Milky Way?
I loved these colors because they were both bold but could be also dressed down to look more neutral if we ever decided to change up the space. To me this house should always be orange, but you never know, as I designer I am constantly changing and evolving. Koi was wonderful because while it has the orange tone there’s also something easy and mellow about it.
How about the pattern?
I’m so into the checker trend right now! But I also know checker print is a classic design choice so it can be timeless.We really cemented those floors in so they aren’t going anywhere any time soon and checker just felt perfect!
How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges? Did you work with a tile installer or contractor?
We worked with a contractor but Phillip and I also did a lot of the work alongside him. It was a massive project for sure, but SO worth it in the end.They turned out even more amazing than we imagined!
What Fireclay products are you dying to use in future projects?
We love the Arable hand painted tiles! We are dying to add an outdoor shower at the desert house and have that be such a stunning backdrop for it.The design is so playful but also mature and grounded.
Tile Shown: Arable in Warm Motif
Inspired by this colorful home? Order color samples online now. Need some help? Simply call, chat or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.