Mid-Century Desert Landscape - Bullhead City, AZ

This mid‑century‑inspired landscape design in Bullhead City, Arizona brings a Palm Springs sensibility to a compact backyard, blending clean geometry with a vibrant, low‑water plant palette. Centered around a new swimming pool, the design introduces dedicated spaces for lounging, gathering, and relaxing, accented by sculptural plantings, Cor‑ten steel planters, and subtle landscape lighting.

Our client wanted a landscape that leaned more mid‑century Palm Springs than true desert, and since we’ve designed extensively in both styles, this project was a natural fit. The first step was determining the ideal placement for the new swimming pool within the small backyard. Once the pool location was set, we designed the surrounding outdoor spaces, including a fire pit area, a dedicated zone for chaise lounge chairs, and an additional nook for a hammock.

The plant palette incorporates a few iconic desert elements—such as golden barrel cactus and ocotillo—but focuses primarily on flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and succulents to achieve a softer, more approachable mid‑century look. At either end of the pool, Cor‑ten steel raised planters showcase sculptural barrel cactus and red agave, adding bold focal points that complement the clean lines of the hardscape.

Low‑voltage landscape lighting highlights select plants and architectural features, enhancing the ambiance and extending the usability of the space into the evening.

This project came to us through Exactly Designs, a Michigan‑based interior design firm specializing in mid‑century projects. We’ve referred clients to them as well, making this a mutually rewarding collaboration.