Desert living, often to the surprise of those who are unfamiliar with it, can be an experience of refined, inspired style. And certainly, the distinctive homes and lifestyles offered by Rancho Mirage and other communities in the Coachella Valley continue to evolve in exciting ways. We asked two of the region's most prominent design professionals, Interior Designer Dann Foley of Dann Foley Design and Architect Jim McIntosh of McFadden/McIntosh Architects, for their perspectives on the ever-changing face of desert design.

In the intersecting realms of interior and exterior design, what's new in the desert?

DANN FOLEY: Like the times, style and design change no matter where you live, and the desert is no exception. The biggest change in desert style is the addition of vibrant color. Houses here no longer appear bland or washed out —they are alive with shades of terra cotta, cinnamon, ochre and fuchsia, among others. This represents a dynamic convergence of styles and trends.

JIM McINTOSH: A noticeable change in local home design is the popularity of living spaces that are more intimately scaled for day-to-day living. The design also needs to be "convertible" in its awareness of how different spaces within the home interrelate. Erasing the seams between indoor and outdoor living areas, for example, has become an important part of the program—allowing homeowners to take advantage of the nearly year-round temperate climate the desert offers.

What do you consider the biggest adjustment in the last five years?

JM: The most significant development is that the "conditioned spaces"—that is, the interior living areas that provide shelter—have become smaller while becoming more visually attached to the outdoor spaces, giving the home a greater feeling of openness.

DF: Although the style known as British West Indies is still popular indoors, there's a rising demand for more than just another bamboo-accented furniture piece or palm tree image. My clients here hail from all over the country, which means they have items of personal importance that must be incorporated into their desert homes. Lately I have been sourcing as many antique and painted furniture pieces for desert clients as I do for clients in other cities. People seem less concerned with adhering to a dictated regional style than with making sure their own personalities are reflected by their living space.

How does design accommodate, and mirror, the desert environment?

JM: Regardless of the different styles of architecture we see here, the environment must be addressed. Heat, direct sunlight and wind are big concerns that affect daily living. Building orientation, window design, roof design and the correct choice of building materials are critical and often have a big influence on the final design of the desert home.

DF: There are always regional characteristics that clients want to see in their homes. Sometimes it's in a material used in a floor or a wall finish, and sometimes it's in the home's general style. Yet more and more I find that the "global community" we live in has made truly regional design a thing of the past. People travel far and wide, and they are exposed to other cultures and styles regularly by the media. There's nothing out there that is totally new or truly unique anymore.

Realtors still use the internationally recognized name of the late interior designer Steve Chase to market properties that bear his creative stamp. How have you been influenced by his dominance in desert design?

JM: Steve Chase had an incredible talent. His influences are still felt in homes that have a more contemporary design concept. Much of our work recently has been going in a more traditional direction—driven by some of the private communities that have guidelines dictating a certain traditional architectural style. These communities have become very popular in the custom home market.

DF: From a decorating standpoint, I have great respect and admiration for Steve Chase's work—although it does reflect a different time. Clients are more sophisticated shoppers now. But the fact that the firm bearing his name still exists proves that his influence lives on. His style and success will always remain an integral part of the desert community's design history.