Adding Dimension with Panelmax

Looking for a way to add some depth and dimension to your walls? Why not begin a love affair with one of our favorite locally-made interior design products, Panelmax. William Miller Design has been using this product in residential interior design projects in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells for several years.

This paneling is a sculpted MDF and can be painted, stained, or a 3-D laminate can be applied. The patterns that Panelmax has available are endless, and look great in so many ways. William Miller Design's most recent interior design project at a residence in The Reserve in Indian Wells, California featured Panelmax on the dining room ceiling. The set of ABC's show "Castle" features Panelmax on the walls (photo courtesy of ABC) also features Panelmax as well as local retailer Trina Turk.

Panelmax is crafted from 100% pre-consumer recycled hardwood fiber product and is considered eco-friendly.

Accessories Add Sparkle!

With money on our minds these days (and who isn’t thinking about cash?) one of the best ways to get a fresh look with out a large expenditure is by updating and adding accessories. Accessories can add personality, character and texture to any room.

Groupings of like items can provide dramatic visual impact and single accessories such as a large vase with an interesting finish, can sparkle as the focal point of any room. My favorites this season are from a company called Cyan Design whose design philosophy is
“beautiful things for beautiful lives.” Cyan Design offers unique sculptures in iron at attractive prices as well as glass containers and bowls that have dynamic fresh looks. Their glass pieces can be applied as shelf décor because of their sparkle and lightness.

Texture and warmth can be added easily with wonderful baskets from Palecek. This company offers unique shapes and textures as well as rich finishes that make them an extraordinary collection of basketry. One such grouping of these woven works of art can go a long way toward make a statement of textural interest that can enhance a table or shelf.

If making the most of your interior design budget is on your mind, Call us about our interior accessory packages with pricing from $850.00. Our Interior Design Office is located in Palm Desert. We provide interior design services to the desert communities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and Palm Springs.

Inside-Out Living!

As the summer months are upon us, thoughts turn to outdoor activities and the spaces to enjoy them.

Outdoor living areas are an essential part of today’s lifestyle, and indoor/outdoor living spaces with continuity is essential to a pleasing flow and design. This is especially so in the desert communities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage, where out relatively mild weather allows us to be outside more of the year. From Tuscan style to contemporary, outdoor spaces considered essential to harmonious living, dining, entertaining and relaxing. Expanding the overall livable square footage of a home is easily achieved if these outdoor spaces are considered and designed from the beginning of the design process.

The best interior design creates a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors is choice in materials. An interior designer will often select wall finishes, flooring, paint colors and fixtures that will carry from the interior space to the outdoor living areas. For example, repeating a granite or stone slab material that was chosen for the kitchen counter or interior wet bar, to the exterior fireplace surround creates continuity. Wall treatments such as Italian plaster, natural stone and faux finishes can also be used indoors as well as outdoors to further design continuity.

Today’s outdoor rooms are not your average backyard spaces. They are extensions of your interior living space that can be enhanced significantly by an interior designer. These spaces incorporate televisions, fireplaces, wet bars, and in some cases even outdoor kitchens. This integration of outdoor living rooms, kitchens, televisions and entertainment systems, bars and even outdoor showers; are essential components in creating a lifestyle experience to which most home owners aspire.

Comfortable seating is a must- and of course, a functional and relaxing dining area, which is just as important to plan for as the architecture. Choices in furnishings and colors to coordinate with the interior of the home will further a feeling of continuity, making the outdoor living space seem like an interior extension.

Thoughtful planning by your interior designer that incorporates architectural overhangs, heating, lighting and comfortable durable materials are the foundation of effective outdoor rooms.

Newly Completed Home at The Reserve, Indian Wells, California

This open plan contemporary home features a gated entry with intercom, enclosed open air courtyard with basalt stone fountain. The warm feel of ledge stone begins at the exterior entry and transitions through the full height glass window into the main living space, making a dramatic indoor/outdoor statement and transition of materials from exterior to interior. Organic elements and comfortable luxury set the tone for the interior of this jewel of the desert.

A dramatic dropped ceiling in the dining area defines the space with elegant bronze finish ceiling panels, accenting the copper leafed glass cabinet panels. A natural mesquite tree trunk serves as a base for the large glass top table, and a full-height window that overlooks the courtyard and fountain make this dining space spectacular.

Interior and exterior living areas seamlessly transition from inside to outside through full-height custom glass sliding doors that fully pocket into the walls architecturally; concealing any transition from indoor to outdoor. This flowing floor plan experience is further facilitated by the transition of travertine flooring in large scale 24” X 24” tiles from inside to the expansive outdoor areas, all the way to the edge of the outdoor living spaces and surrounding the custom fire ledges and pool and spa. The outdoor living area also features a built in TV, top of the line BBQ, dining area with seating for eight and comfy club style seating.

Artfully executed wall finishes are another outstanding feature of this home. A Italian plaster radius wall leads the eye to towards two luxurious guest suites, complete with custom bedding, Each guest suite is exquisitely detailed with custom stone countertops, backlit mirrors, under mounted oversized sinks and separate toilet rooms in each suite. Unique tile designs in the guest baths and plenty of closet space.

The Large Master suite opens onto the spacious stone patio featuring a large spa nestled into the desert landscape. Polished and waxed plaster accent walls are sprinkled with gold leafing and add accent the focal point of the large upholstered headboard wall. 16 foot ceilings clad with wood and a gallery wall that would rival the best of art galleries makes this room one of the most dramatic in the home. Metallic toned luxury fabrics, granite top custom nightstands and an elegant granite and stone fireplace complete this Master retreat.


A unique surprise is the freestanding guest house tucked inside the courtyard which is perfect for guests that want a private retreat. A custom etched glass door sets the tone as you approach the guest house. The style here is ultra contemporary, which is reflected in the modern art choices, finishes and fabrics. A dry bar with coffee maker and custom bronze glazed tile add to the contemporary look. A linear fireplace enhanced by crushed glass and is encased in a split face travertine wall. Gold mica paper adds sparkle and drama; a very chic lacquered wood and upholstered headboard treatment, custom bedding and a fur throw complete the comfortable, luxurious look that is the signature of Miller Young Design.

Luxury Bath Suites

Today's luxury bath suites are being designed and built to be a source of luxury and relaxation. Potential home buyers prioritize luxury when shopping in today’s market. These superbly designed spaces provide a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation as well as a perfect setting to begin and end each day. Gone are the days of the utilitarian bathroom. Now, the spa environments created by architects and designers are what consumers want and need.

Luxury baths designed by Miller Young Design are added value for builders, developers, and homeowners serving as a major selling point for home developments at all price points. Bathrooms add more to a home's value than any other room— with luxurious master baths rating highest on home buyer wish lists.

The Spa like environment of these large bathrooms, focus on the shower experience often called “vertical spas.” These highly customized spaces
within the bath incorporate multiple showerheads, water diverters and sophisticated temperature control systems, as well as wall mounted body sprays such as Kohler’s New water round adjustable, multi directional body spray. The recessed installation method of this element provides a sleek and refined look.

Miller Young Design uses larger shower spaces often with frameless doors or no doors at all. Glass partitions allow more openness deflecting water from the shower. Oversized showerheads and the two-person shower is a trend in luxury bathrooms throughout Southern California.

For a total pampering experience, look to the relaxation and luxury of a spa, the soaking tub and air bath are the next big trend in luxury baths. Above floor soaking tubs such as Jasons Carrera Line provide a dramatic and functional look and many others are available in under mounted styles. The air bath provides a whirlpool experience with recalculating water jets that gently sooth and massage.

Miller Young Design favors the separation of private grooming space in luxury bath design as as well as multiple sinks. Today's well-done luxury suite bath has dramatic sink and faucet treatments. Above counter mounted sinks provide drama and functionality while adding to the look and feel of luxury.
Above counter mounted sinks provide functionality as well as unique drama adding to the “spa” environment. In wall faucets or tall standing column faucets work best with these dramatic sinks.


Another fixture that contributes to the luxury bath is the toilet – low-flow models are still the rule .In addition to improved operation, newer models also offer easier cleaning. Toto offers the wash let toilet which is an amazing automated system of comfort and hygiene. Men are requesting residential urinals as trends in bathroom layout are moving towards separate “toilet rooms” This separation is very desirable for privacy and luxury and two toilet rooms are essential in the best luxury Master suites. Separation of private grooming space is essential in luxury bath design as well as multiple sinks. Above counter mounted sinks provide functionality as well as unique drama adding to the “spa” environment. In wall faucets or tall standing column faucets work best with these dramatic sinks.

Overall trends towards pampering and self indulgence in today’s consumer drives the market towards more unique design in Master suite Baths. The spa like experience is what is desired by today’s interior design clients and home buyers. Uniqueness in design as well as special features will add value and panache to any project.

Build-In Benefits For Your Home!

Built-ins are more affordable than you think

When considering the alternatives for storage and use of audio-video equipment, custom built-in cabinetry may be more cost effective than the store-bought/ready-made alternatives. Today’s plasma screen monitors and multi channel speaker systems are often difficult to fit into armoires and standard “TV Units” available in retail stores.

Basic built-in units can start as low as $2,500.00 depending on size

and complexity. The options for finishes and styling details are endless. A custom built-in will add value to your home as well as create an integrated look for your home video and audio equipment. A built-in shelving unit can also create more storage and display space for collections, artwork, or books.

A customized built-in is tailored to the needs and size of the room. This can be particularly important in a main television viewing area of your home, where aesthetics and functionality are important.

At William Miller Design, we can create a built-in unit to suit your pocketbook. Call us in Palm Desert at 760-836-9199 to create a custom cabinet with an experienced Interior Designer.

Redo Remodel Re-evaluate

In today’s economic climate smart decisions about spending money on your home or office are essential to making your dollars go farther.
Remodeling, re- furnishing and re- arranging what you already have are
definite solutions to relocating !

Remodeling your existing home may be a great alternative to freshening up your living space as well as your personal outlook. It also can add dollar value to your home for re-sale and help you enjoy what you have. Instead of selling and re-locating, many homeowners today are looking to remodel as a solution to upgrading their surroundings. Selecting a great team of designer, architect, and contractor are essential to making this process run smoothly.

Refurnishing and redesigning existing rooms is also a more immediate and less costly solution to a complete remodel. With the holidays upon us there may be some easy fixes to existing problems and issues you have. Reupholstering existing furnishings is a great place to start upgrading and changing your living space.

Rearranging your space with the help of a qualified interior designer can also do wonders to make your space flow more functionally and create interest in your room. Working with major pieces that you already have and placing them in a different way is where an interior designer can help. Adding to existing furnishings or editing pieces that are tired or not necessary can also be done by bringing in the fresh eyes of a designer.

Accessories – the key to freshen up any interior and the least expensive way to bring new life to old tired spaces. Simply replacing art and accessories in rooms can change the look and style of a room without major changes or expense. In selecting accessories, decide on a basic theme and build from there. Let the style and type be dictated by what you like. Remember not to clutter the space but choose wisely, using a few important pieces will go much further than many smaller items.