Cambridge Renovation

studiohw | Heather Weiss

photos by Eric Roth

Little John Residence

KMSalter Design

Cameron St. Photography

Highland Park Mid Century Remodel

Jennifer Garner Interiors

Photography: Michael Hunter

Mid century Modern Pond Cottage

Hammer Architects

Mid-Century Raised Ranch Remodel

The Artisans Group, Inc.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Bob Foran

R. Brad Knipstein

Aspen Alps Condominiums U105

Menendez Architects PC

The wide sliding barn door allows the living room and den to be part of the same space or separated for privacy when the den is used for overflow sleeping or television room. Varying materials, window shade pockets and other treatments add interest and depth to the low ceilings.

Mandeville

Lewis / Schoeplein architects

Marisa Vitale Photography

Midcentury Modern Flip

User

How do you flip a blank canvas into a Home? Make it as personable as you can. I follow my own path when it comes to creativity. As a designer, you recognize many trends, but my passion is my only drive. What is Home? Its where children come home from school. It's also where people have their gatherings, a place most people use as a sanctuary after a long day. For me, a home is a place meant to be shared. It's somewhere to bring people together. Home is about sharing, yet it's also an outlet, and I design it so that my clients can feel they could be anywhere when they are at Home. Those quiet corners where you can rest and reflect are essential even for a few minutes; The texture of wood, the plants, and the small touches like the rolled-up towels help set the mood. It's no accident that you forget where you are when you step into a Master-bathroom – that's the art of escape! There's no need to compromise your desires; it may appeal to your head as much as your heart.

Lac de l'Ecluse Remodel

Jen Robinson Design

San Salvador - Mid Century Modern

Kitchens by Good Guys

At our San Salvador project, we did a complete kitchen remodel, redesigned the fireplace in the living room and installed all new porcelain wood-looking tile throughout. Before the kitchen was outdated, very dark and closed in with a soffit lid and old wood cabinetry. The fireplace wall was original to the home and needed to be redesigned to match the new modern style. We continued the porcelain tile from an earlier phase to go into the newly remodeled areas. We completely removed the lid above the kitchen, creating a much more open and inviting space. Then we opened up the pantry wall that previously closed in the kitchen, allowing a new view and creating a modern bar area. The young family wanted to brighten up the space with modern selections, finishes and accessories. Our clients selected white textured laminate cabinetry for the kitchen with marble-looking quartz countertops and waterfall edges for the island with mid-century modern barstools. For the backsplash, our clients decided to do something more personalized by adding white marble porcelain tile, installed in a herringbone pattern. In the living room, for the new fireplace design we moved the TV above the firebox for better viewing and brought it all the way up to the ceiling. We added a neutral stone-looking porcelain tile and floating shelves on each side to complete the modern style of the home. Our clients did a great job furnishing and decorating their house, it almost felt like it was staged which we always appreciate and love.

Trio Lane Abode

KM Design Co.

Montecito Mid-Century Craftsman

Giffin & Crane General Contractors, Inc.

Jim Bartsch

Wales House

Flavin Architects

Flavin Architects was chosen for the renovation due to their expertise with Mid-Century-Modern and specifically Henry Hoover renovations. Respect for the integrity of the original home while accommodating a modern family’s needs is key. Practical updates like roof insulation, new roofing, and radiant floor heat were combined with sleek finishes and modern conveniences. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Renewing a Dutch Colonial in Ditmas Park

vonDALWIG

Jason & Katie's Modest Mid-Century

Arciform

Photo Art Portraits

Modern meets Midcentury

Patina Design Inc.

Mid Century Living Room

Great Room

User

Great room with linear gas fireplace with floor to ceiling tile surround and hardwood flooring. Large sliding glass door opens to the rear deck.

Midcentury Living Room Design Photos with a Tile Fireplace Surround

A living room, often referred to as a lounge room in Australia and New Zealand, is the hub of the home. If you only have one living room in the house, it’s likely to serve multiple purposes: be it a place to watch TV, play games, spend quality time with family or hang out with friends. If you have the luxury of two living areas, one is usually a formal living room or lounge room, reserved for reading, relaxing and entertaining. A successful midcentury living room design is inviting, has enough seating for the whole clan – a comfortable couch is a must – and encourages conversation. Browse photos on Houzz for living room layouts, furniture and decor, and strike up a conversation with the interior designers or architects of your favourite picks. For even more midcentury living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which midcentury living room layouts will work best for you?

Every living area will have design challenges. A long, narrow lounge room, for example, risks looking like a hallway if furniture is lined up against the walls. Instead, opt for small furniture items, like a cosy two-seater couch, and create various focal points throughout the space. In square living rooms, a symmetrical layout encourages a formal setting. Place seating on either side of the room, with a focal point in the middle to pull the room together. For a truly intimate vibe, replace your couch with some occasional chairs positioned around a coffee table or ottoman. This will make the main focus conversation. An open-plan home – one where the lines are blurred between kitchen, dining and living – may require a layout that focuses on definition. You’ll want to make sure furniture doesn’t block the flow between spaces, and instead use something like an area rug to create zones.

How can you decorate your living room?

The living room can be a place in which to show off your personality, but if you want a timeless living room scheme, stick to neutral walls, couches and ottomans. Colour can be added through accessories, and is a lot more interchangeable! Rugs, cushions and throws are great for adding colour, while mirrors, lamps and ceiling lights will set the mood. Make your midcentury living room unique by including family heirlooms and photos. For a polished look, try creating a coffee table vignette – you could use books as pedestals or group items together on a tray. Try adding a vase, a mixture of round and rectangular objects and some books.

What are some small living room ideas?

Small living room designs can be tricky to work with, but aren’t doomed to fail. Often, you just have to get creative with furniture. An open-back chaise can create a sense of spaciousness, while small side tables paired together can substitute a coffee table. Even better, an ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. Big furniture items like the couch are best kept in light colours, and if there’s room for a coffee table, a glass-top one is best. If you have two spaces in one – perhaps your midcentury living room sits in front of a single-wall kitchen – make sure they are connected by decor, colour and style. For definition, just add area rugs, or use your couch as a dividing wall. It’s worth having a few furniture pieces, whether a bookshelf, couch or entertainment unit, in the same colour as the walls, too, so they blend into the room and visually expand the space.

Is open-plan living for you?

Today’s homes often embrace open-plan living, whereby the living room runs off the kitchen and/or dining areas. Open-plan living allows greater functionality, but can risk creating a vast, soulless space if not done right. To avoid a cavernous feel in an open-plan design, define areas with furniture, rugs and lighting, or consider using a wall divider. Also be sure to keep flooring, lighting and materials consistent throughout, for cohesiveness. Noise may be an issue – someone banging pots and pans while you’re watching TV, for example – so include lots of soft midcentury furnishings, such as rugs, curtains and couches to help absorb the noise. You will also need to factor in plenty of storage, so mess is kept at bay.