1970s Dream: “Sackley Shagadelic” by Thomboy Properties

Making its debut during Modernism Week, this 1979 Stan Sackley-designed home has been completely renovated and redesigned by Thomboy Properties. This classic Sackley features strong horizontal and vertical lines varying ceiling heights, a dramatic fireplace, and retail doors that lead to an entry courtyard. In addition, it offers complete privacy from the street, with clerestories and walls of glass off the rear of the home that celebrate the majestic San Jacinto Mountains.

Jackie Thomas and DeeAnn McCoy of Thomboy Properties worked diligently to update and renovate this home, while maintaining the historic aesthetic that the architect had envisioned. And, as longtime supporters and partners of Thomboy Properties, Dunn-Edwards donated the paint to the project, highlighting a 1970s color palette to complement the home’s design and architecture.

We spoke to Thomas about the experience of renovating the property, the 1970s inspiration and what they look forward to next:

Please describe the home and the historical past and significance of the home and architect to Palm Springs:

The 1970s was a liberating era — socially and architecturally. It is no coincidence that this was also prime time in Sackley's career. Sackley (1937-2001) graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from USC in 1961 and worked primarily in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

In the 1970s, he purchased numerous lots and bundled the sale of land with the design of his signature homes. Today, you will find consistent trademarks of his modern design: strong horizontal and vertical lines, flat roofs, and retail doors that lead from entry courtyards to private front doors. This 1979 postmodern home is classic Stan Sackley — with its muscular features, including strong horizontal and vertical lines; varying ceiling heights; and a stunning, west-facing entry courtyard. Key interior design elements include an open floor plan, fluctuating ceiling heights, a soaring fireplace, a sunken bar and walls of glass. This home is another shining example of Sackley’s unique point of view, quality and craftsmanship. It represents an unparalleled sense of luxury and style that was ahead of its time.

And, of course, you can’t really do the ’70s without great wallpaper so we partnered with wallpaper designer Fliepaper to create custom wall coverings that were colorful, graphic and complemented the overall color palette. The result was a space that is reflective of the era — open, free and sexy.

Why did you choose the “shagadelic” ’70s style for the home and how this theme played through the various décor elements?

At the outset, in collaboration with Dunn-Edwards, we agreed that the design should be authentic and in tune with the 1970s vibe: fun, sexy, confident. Webegan with dark terrazzo-inspired floors that had an organic matte finish, then added a color palette that was representative of the ’70s but had a modern twist. A blend of chocolate, burnt orange and dandelion yellow — with a base of crisp white — helped complete this retro vibe.

How was the launch of the home?

The home made its debut during Modernism Week 2019. The architecture, with its crisp white and linear exterior presentation — in addition to the dark, rich and colorful interior and geometric shower tiles — created stunning dimensions and a soulful atmosphere.

The overall experience was further enhanced by an amazing kitchen, which pulls from the same rich palette. It features walnut cabinets, dark bronze hardware, Corian quartz countertops and porcelain tile backsplash with gradient desert tones, punctuated beautifully with modern, high-end JennAir appliances. The bathroom renovations continued the dark and sexy scheme with tonal grey tile, walnut cabinets and Brizo fixtures. Modernists and influences couldn’t get enough Instagram moments throughout the house.

Immediately following Modernism Week, the house was made available for sale and sold within 24 hours of the listing.

What are you working on next and when can we expect to see more projects from Thomboy?

The house transported us back to the free spirit, self-expression and pleasures of the 1970s. So, while Thomboy Properties is looking for another architecturally significant property to renovate and restore for Modernism Week 2020, summer beckons with golf, wine and travel adventures.

All photography by and with courtesy of James Butchart.