The Complete Guide To Designing Your Home For Max Curb Appeal

Huge glass walls throughout the house blur the line between indoors and out, making the whole place feel super connected to nature. It’s a fresh take on desert living — grounded in its surroundings and full of personality.

1. Lean Into Cozy Seating

It’s the kind of place that invites you to sink in, unwind, and soak up the desert calm. While Francesca paid homage to the spirit of Palm Springs, she intentionally steered away from the typical mid-century vibe, bringing something fresh and unexpected instead. “Drawing from my travels in France and Italy, I incorporated hues that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, ensuring the interiors resonate with the desert landscape while maintaining a timeless appeal," says Francesca.

The moment you step inside, it’s a stunning visual experience. Desert views are perfectly framed, while Francesca’s thoughtful use of color and sculptural furniture mirrors the rugged landscape and captures the magic of the desert light.

Here’s a peek at those spectacular indoor-outdoor views that give the home a serene, spa-like feel — and turn every window into a work of art.

2. Use An Earthy Palette

The color scheme was influenced by the natural surroundings of Palm Springs and Francesca's affinity for earthy, rich tones. And that velvet platform bed? The curved edges make it feel extra inviting—so much softer and cozier than sharp lines.

3. Maximize Views

This dreamy bathroom is beyond beautiful thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the desert in and an elegant design. "Floor-to-ceiling windows were left unadorned or dressed with minimal treatments to frame the natural beauty without obstruction," says Francesca.

Even the walk-in closet comes with a picture-perfect view of the desert — because why not?

4. Embrace Natural Stone

A bold marble sink adds just the right amount of edge to this neutral bathroom, keeping the design layered, luxe, and anything but boring.

5. Blend Textures

Francesca sourced a boulder from the surrounding land and transformed it into a custom coffee table, merging the connection between indoors and outdoors.

“Texture is my love language," says Francesca. "It’s how I bring emotion into a space without shouting. For this home, I layered everything: marble, smooth leather, raw woods with polished stone, sheer linen next to rich velvet. The palette might be neutral, but the materials are doing all the talking. That contrast keeps the eye engaged and creates a sense of quiet luxury that doesn’t try too hard," she adds.

That marble fireplace is also a work of art. The stunning desert landscape significantly influenced the layout and styling choices. “I positioned seating areas to maximize views of the outdoors, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.

The kitchen acts as a breezy bridge between the entry and the back of the house, creating a clean, open space that balances all the surrounding coziness.

Here’s the view from the dining area — and I’m obsessed with the textured pendant lights. They bring a soft, organic touch that beautifully balances the kitchen’s harder lines.

6. Mix In Vintage Pieces

Francesca mixed in a few vintage finds and unexpected accents to keep things fresh and dynamic, but her LA shop Somme really set the tone. “There’s something really special about designing pieces that already have a story and a soul behind them—and being able to place them in a home like this just adds another layer of intention. I wanted the furnishings to feel elevated but livable, with just the right amount of edge," says Francesca.

7. Go Bold With Art

For this home, Francesca worked closely with Creative Art Partners (CAP) to curate the perfect art collection that she says "felt intentional, emotional, and deeply tied to the spirit of the space."

“Our goal was to create a narrative through the art — each piece had to serve a purpose, whether it added a punch of color, an unexpected texture, or a provocative element that brought energy to a room. That said, because this is a staged home, we were thoughtful about how far we pushed certain pieces. There’s a fine line between bold and polarizing, so we curated selections that had impact without alienating potential buyers. CAP was an amazing partner in helping us strike that balance and tell a cohesive story throughout the home,” she said.

8. Balance A Cozy Minimalism

Striking the right balance between cozy and clean called for thoughtful layering and intentional decor choices. It’s all about avoiding clutter without letting the space feel cold or sterile.

"I focus on incorporating plush textiles, ambient lighting, and personal artifacts to add warmth, while maintaining an uncluttered environment by curating pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. This philosophy ensures the space feels inviting without visual overload," she says.

Here's the dreamy home in the middle of the desert, stunning view inside and out.

Here's how the home is lit at dusk, simply beautiful.

Palm Springs feels almost otherworldly — the perfect desert escape.

Scroll for the recipes!

• One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta
• Chicken & Waffle Kebabs

One-Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta

Serves 4-6

Here’s a quick, flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad — comforting yet refreshingly light! Made with seasoned chicken breast strips, Caesar dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, artichoke hearts, and a squeeze of lemon, this creamy, garlicky pasta is your new spring staple!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup caesar dressing, divided
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and fresh pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb linguine or any type of pasta
• 1/3 cup artichoke hearts, halved
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/4 cup toasted & salted breadcrumbs
• Parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup caesar salad dressing, Italian seasoning and chicken breast strips to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

3. With tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and place directly into pan. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, not moving or flipping until well browned. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉. Transfer grilled chicken to plate to rest while you make the pasta.

5. In the same pan, combine milk, remaining 1/4 cup caesar dressing and chicken broth and bring to a low simmer. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta fits in the pan.

6. Cook according to pasta package timed instructions. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking. Salt to taste.

7. When pasta is al dente, remove from heat and carefully stir in artichoke hearts and capers. Top with chicken and any juices collected, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and parsley. Serve with lemon slices and enjoy!

Chicken & Waffle Kebabs

Serves 4

This Chicken & Waffle dish is a fun, protein-packed twist that’s perfect for kids and crowds alike. Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Simply bake or air-fry, and you’ll have a crispy, golden treat ready in under 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Diced
• Avocado oil spray
• Mini waffles, or waffles cut in quarters
• Maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400ºF. (May also be baked in a 400ºF oven for 20 minutes on a greased sheet pan.)

2. In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add diced chicken breast and toss to coat.

3. Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil and add chicken in a single layer. Multiple batches may be necessary. Air fry chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉.

4. Assemble kebabs by alternating chicken bites and waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!

Enjoy more Perdue® Fresh Cutspre-cut chicken breast recipes!

• Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowls
• Zesty Chicken Skewers over Spring Salad
• Sheet-Pan Chicken Tacos with Spring Veggies

Is there going to be a Clueless 2?

Yes! Variety announced Peacock is developing the Clueless sequel series yesterday. We can already hear Cher saying "Whatever" to someone who's doing something annoying.

Which cast members will be in Clueless 2?

As of now, Alicia Silverstone's return as Cher Horowitz is the only cast information that's been publicized (via Variety). We'd love to see Paul Rudd return as Josh and Stacey Dash as Dionne Davenport!

What is Clueless 2 about? 

The plot's details are still TBA (to be announced), but Variety is convinced the Clueless sequel series will pick up after the events of the movie.

Who's producing and writing the script for Clueless 2? 

Writers Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage and Jordan Weiss are hard at work on the Clueless script. Alicia Silverstone is also an executive producer alongside Amy Heckerling, writer and director of the OG film, and producer Robert Lawrence (via Variety).

Knowing the names who made the iconic film what it is makes me feel relieved the series will be the one fans of the cult classic deserve!

My Favorite Clueless Scene

I was 100% convinced I'd be able to wear computer generated outfits which probably explains my love for the now defunct Polyvore. It was a collage sight that became home for those who loved creating virtual style mood boards and I like to think Cher Horowitz inspired it.