Palm Springs has long been a canvas for distinct design, but Fleur Noire takes the city’s creative spirit to new heights. Tucked away in a cluster of black-walled casitas, the boutique hotel is instantly recognizable for its vibrant, hand-painted floral murals that bloom across walls and courtyards. Step inside, and the experience continues—wallpapers, textures, and hues invite guests into an environment that feels both whimsical and deeply rooted in the desert.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Hand-painted floral murals

create vibrant courtyards

and unique immersive decor

Bold desert plants

and cacti balance

lush artful backdrops

Furniture selections from

West Elm, Article, CB2

blend comfort with style

Speakeasy champagne bar

hidden behind pink

doors offers unique entertaining

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For Chris Pardo, the interior designer behind the property, Fleur Noire was always about creating a contrast: the built environment against the natural landscape.

“We wanted to create a new oasis in the desert but contrast the built environment with the natural desertscape,” Pardo explains. “Teaming up with muralist Ouzi (Louise Jones) was essential to balance the cacti and desert landscape we planted with the colorful and soft aesthetic of the oversized floral art. The effect is a dynamic, encompassing environment that changes throughout the day with the balance of light and shadows. Floral murals and natural cacti pop equally against the black backdrop of the casita walls.”

The Vision

That balance—between vivid and soft, desert and bloom—is what gives Fleur Noire its magic. Pardo notes that the project was never about simply decorating a hotel. It was about immersion, about placing guests inside a story.

Playing with Color and Scale

Inside the casitas, the visual experience shifts. Softer tones and romantic patterns create a layered vibe that feels connected to, but distinct from, the striking courtyards.

“I had worked on prior projects utilizing Ellie Cashman’s moody wallpaper; it’s a surreal experience at any scale, but my concept was to immerse the guest in the experience fully,” Pardo says. “Elli was amazing to work with and was able to scale the designs to be consistent with Ouzi’s exterior murals. What you end up with is a continuous experience of being inside of art. On the exterior, the colors are brighter and more public, while inside the rooms, it is more muted, subtle, and romantic.”

The result is a cohesive rhythm: bold, bright florals outside and softer, moodier blooms within—each reinforcing the other.

Honoring Palm Springs’ Legacy

Palm Springs is steeped in architectural heritage, from Spanish revival to midcentury modern. Designing Fleur Noire meant engaging with that history while also pushing it forward.

“I was fortunate enough to both live and work in Palm Springs for a large period of my adult life,” Pardo says. “This really gave me a better understanding of Palm Springs’ history, pre-development (natural), early Spanish style, and mid-century modern architecture. While it is primarily known for the mid-century modern, it has always been influenced by nature and has developed over the years to embrace this, art, and design. Old Hollywood predated the Mid-Century movement, and the town was inundated with creatives. Fleur could be seen as a backdrop, a setting for guests’ vacation. I think that’s really what great design is, it’s there to be additive to the story of your life. “

That sense of design as backdrop—both cinematic and personal—anchors Fleur Noire within Palm Springs’ creative lineage.

Design Takeaways for Home

Boutique hotels like Fleur Noire resonate because they feel personal, filled with quirks that stand out. Pardo believes homeowners should embrace that same risk-taking spirit.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks. In general, we are all typically more likely to make ‘safe’ design decisions, but we love boutiques for their unique quirks,” he says. “I really recommend creating moments in your home that make you smile or do a double-take, even after living with it for years. This can be achieved by textures, colors, and patterns, or by unexpected pieces with a sense of humor.”

Even a single accent wall, a vibrant textile, or a playful object can spark that boutique-hotel feeling.

A Living Artwork

By merging desert botanicals with bold murals, playful interiors, and an understanding of local history, Chris Pardo has created a destination that feels cinematic yet intimate. For guests, it’s an unforgettable backdrop. For homeowners, it’s an inspiring reminder that risk-taking, texture, and art can transform a space into something more than shelter—it can become a story.