Our Next Showcase: The Dapper Du Bois

We are pleased to announce our next Showcase Home!

This one is sure to inspire

and is very close to our hearts...

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The Dapper Du Bois is the "new" home of our firm's

Creative Director, Keith Fortner.

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A Little Bit of History (Literally)

Keith's "new" home was built in 1976 and is a spacious 2700 square feet. It features 2 large bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, a large powder room, and a generous den. It was designed by famed Southern California architect Charles Du Bois.

The home is in the desirable Twin Palms neighborhood in south Palm Springs.

I sat down with Keith to talk about his move, the stress of undergoing a personal remodel, and his goals for the property.

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The Project Background

CK: Everyone loved your former home. It was actually a bit annoying. When potential clients call or email us, I always ask which projects in our portfolio speak to them. Your home was invariably very high on every list!

Above: Keiths' former living room. Take the full tour of his former condo here.

KF: Well, our clients tend to have good taste -- what else can I say? How is your ego doing? CK: I'll manage. But in all seriousness, I know that you, too, loved your last home. What made you decide to make a change? KF: A boozy brunch -- can I say that? My last home was perfect -- for me. As many people know, my partner currently lives in North Carolina. He will retire from his dentistry practice and move to Palm Springs within a few years, so we knew that something bigger was eventually going to be necessary.

One Sunday while he was visiting, after having brunch, we stumbled (well, not literally...) upon this property during an open house. It didn't take us long to realize it would be perfect for us.

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Editors' Note: These photos were taken after Keith moved in, but before the renovation started.

The Great Room

CK: Now this is a classic Charles Du Bois great room, complete with sunken bar. How soon can we have cocktails here?

KF: Not soon enough! The sunken bar is one of my favorite features, and one of the aspects of the home that is undergoing the most gentle update. Many of my favorite times in Palm Springs have been at the sunken bars of some of our wonderful clients, and I am excited to finally have my own.

CK: The vaulted living room is tremendous. But of course the big question is -- will the mirrors go or stay?

KF: Todd (my partner) and I have definitely been very much back-and-forth on that. It's a BIG question. I think we should make people come back for the Big Reveal to find out our decision. Wouldn't you agree?

CK: I totally agree.

KF: But I will give one hint, for our clients and fans that have followed us for a long time....

CK: Do tell...?

KF: The Christopher Kennedy Compound 2016. If you know, you know.

CK: *audible gasp

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The Kitchen

CK: The kitchen is perfect; don't change a thing. I know how much you just love to cook.

KF: Almost as much as you do. *eye roll

CK: It's a good thing that we both have other halves who know their way around a kitchen.

KF: We are good at designing kitchens. That counts for something.

CK: It sure does! Tell me about your plans for this space.

KF: I am working with Joseph DeCasperis from The High End Kitchen & Home and he has really brought my vision to life. You know that I like things neutral...

CK: You can say that again....

KF: You know I like things neutral.

CK: So how many shades of "neutral" will be in this new kitchen of yours?

KF: Three! We have selected three different cabinetry finishes to really bring the space to life. I figure one of them will always be in style! I joke a bit -- but really, I am hoping it's true. Light kitchen? Dark kitchen? The "trends" can be too much, even (or maybe especially) in our profession. So, I decided not to choose. Or, more accurately, I chose both.

CK: A smart plan. I like to think that our designs hold up well to the test of time.

KF: With Joseph's help, we are rethinking the layout of the space to really maximize both function and visual impact. We selected Bertazzoni for our appliances and Ceasarstone for our countertops, so naturally we will be highlighting both.

CK: Very nice!

KF: For sure. With Bertazzoni and Ceasarstone, I knew that we had the function and durability dialed in. That allowed me to really focus on the decorative elements.

I have some our favorite decorator "tricks" up my sleeve -- wallpaper on the ceiling, fabulous window treatments in the breakfast room, statement lighting, etc...

CK: Beige on beige on beige. I can't wait.

KF: Shut up.

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The Primary Suite

CK: This is a really generous primary bedroom. Wow. Two walk in closets!

KF: I plan to make one my shoe closet.

CK: That's my Keith. So, what is your vision for this space?

KF: Full-on, layered and luxe, Steve Chase 1980s glamor.

CK: You had me at Steve Chase.

Above: Keith's mock-up of his new bedroom design

KF: I know. I am working with Thibaut and Coraggio for the wallcoverings and fabrics throughout the house, and I have selected pieces from their new collections of textured naturals and contemporary patterns.

These new collections are something you don't necessarily expect from Thibaut. They are known for a more colorful and preppy East Coast vibe. I am hoping the overall look is likewise something that people don't necessarily expect from me... while simultaneously staying true to my personal aesthetic.

In the bedroom, I am using the same pattern for the wallcovering and the draperies, for that old-school classic decorating look. I have designed a custom upholstered bed inspired by Steve Chase, with thick "biscuit" tufting and a wall-to-wall headboard. It's in production now at one of favorite Los Angeles workrooms.

CK: Sounds anything but "beige and boring"!

KF: If you say that one more time, I'm quitting.

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Photography: Public 311 Design