Palm Springs style is all about effortless glam, retro charm, and bold design—especially when it comes to outdoor living. One of the easiest ways to channel that mid-century modern cabana vibe? Stylish planters with sculptural silhouettes, playful textures, and vibrant greenery.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve that chic look. With a few simple materials and creative touches, you can DIY your own mid-century outdoor planters that feel straight out of a vintage resort catalog.

Here are 3 easy DIY planter ideas to help you bring that Palm Springs magic to your patio, poolside, or balcony!

**The following blog post contains affiliate links. When you click and purchase, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.

Planter 1: DIY Pedestal Planter from Two Bowls

Inspired by: Iconic mid-century tulip and pedestal planters
Perfect for: Snake plants, succulents, or trailing vines

Supplies:

2 plastic or melamine bowls (one smaller than the other)
Strong outdoor adhesive (like E6000 or Gorilla Glue)
Spray paint (matte black, white, or poppy orange)
Sandpaper (optional, for prep)
Plant + potting soil

Instructions:

Choose your bowls: Flip one bowl upside down (this is your base), and place the other on top (right-side-up). Make sure they create a sturdy “pedestal” shape.
Sand the surface: Lightly sand the contact points to help the glue bond better.
Glue the pieces together: Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the base and center the top bowl over it. Let dry 24 hours.
Spray paint: Once dry, coat the entire planter in your color of choice. Use two light coats for even coverage.
Add your plant: Fill the top with potting soil and your favorite greenery!

Planter 2: Concrete Block Planter with Wood Legs

Inspired by: Minimalist mid-century geometry and raw textures
Perfect for: Cacti, succulents, or sculptural tropicals

Supplies:

1 hollow concrete block (check garden or hardware stores)
4 wooden furniture legs (mid-century style, angled if possible)
Strong construction adhesive or screws (depending on leg type)
Spray paint or concrete sealant (optional)
Soil + drought-tolerant plants

Instructions:

Prep the block: Clean any dust and seal the surface if desired.
Attach legs: Either screw in the furniture legs (if they have mounting hardware) or use heavy-duty adhesive to secure them to the bottom corners of the block.
Paint or leave raw: For a more Palm Springs vibe, paint the block a crisp white or sunny pastel.
Plant: Fill with gravel (for drainage), soil, and drought-friendly greenery like aloe, echeveria, or cactus.

Planter 3: Upcycled Metal Bucket into Mod Colorblock Planter

Inspired by: Bold color and playful mid-century shapes
Perfect for: Colorful flowers, herbs, or tropical foliage

Supplies:

1 metal or galvanized bucket (thrift store find or dollar store)
Painter’s tape
Two complementary outdoor spray paint colors (e.g., coral + blush, mint + gold)
Drill (for drainage holes)
Soil + plants

Instructions:

Drill drainage holes: Flip the bucket over and drill 3–5 small holes in the bottom.
Tape off a colorblock pattern: Use painter’s tape to divide the planter diagonally or in large blocks.
Spray paint: Apply one color at a time, letting the first dry completely before painting the second section.
Remove tape carefully: Once dry, remove the tape and touch up any areas if needed.
Plant it up: Fill with soil and add a cheerful combo of greenery and blooms.

Final Tips for a Palm Springs Cabana Feel

Use bold, solid colors—coral, turquoise, white, mustard, or black.
Group planters in clusters of varying heights to mimic a resort-style layout.
Add gold or brass accents with trays, plant markers, or legs for a little retro glam.
Use drought-tolerant plants like succulents, palms, and cacti for a true desert-chic look.

Ready to bring some retro sunshine to your outdoor space? These DIY planters are budget-friendly, totally unique, and full of that carefree Palm Springs cabana charm.

Because nothing says “summer glam” like a perfectly styled planter on your poolside patio.