5 Inspired Ways to Update a Mid-Century Home

What makes a mid-century home special? If it’s an Eichler or a Stahl the answer may be obvious—rigorous geometry, expansive windows, a sleek roof line, and an open floor plan inviting casual, modern living. Mid-century architecture was the result of a boom in technology, design and cultural optimism following the end of the last World War—designed to strip away stuffiness, let the outdoors in, and host a new age of ease and prosperity.

Sometimes, without the right touch, homes built during this era can feel simply boxy or lack personality. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to restore the creative spirit of the early modern age to any mid-century home. Using our Mid-Century Organic project in Walnut Creek as a test case, we’re sharing five ways you can help your home’s heritage shine, while refreshing it for the current day.

1.

Go Trimless

The modern bones of our clients’ Walnut Creek home were obvious in the large windows that wrapped the house, each topped with a clerestory window that emphasized the long, low roof line. Originally, they were trimmed in a simple 5” shaker trim (before and after photos below!)

By removing this trim, and even selecting a trimless baseboard style during the renovation, we streamlined the architecture, opening up the space, emphasizing the views, and adding a thoughtful detail the elevated the entire design.

2.

Tile the Kitchen Floor

This one makes all the difference—instead of a traditional wood floor, select a geometric tile, and don’t be afraid to let it be the centerpiece!

I love these, these, and definitely these.

3.

… And the Fireplace!

Tile was an essential mid-century finish because it was mass-produced, available to all, and allowed for maximum creativity. Heritage brands like Heath still exist today.

Upgrading a fireplace with tile adds a sleek design focal point to your living space and can be a prime place for creativity in even a minimal space.

4.

Refresh the Palette

While the mid-century palette embraced primary colors in addition to its classic modern whites, you’re welcome to update the look with earthy neutrals like we did here. Not only do these tones feel current, but they bring in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, embracing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of mid-century design.

5.

Add Warmth with Natural Materials

Though cutting-edge for their time, mid-century homes were also designed to be down-to-earth. Their modest profiles hugged the landscape, and their forms were often inspired by nature itself.

In this project, we warmed up the white walls and clean geometry of the windows and tile with lots of warm wood textures. Jute rugs, walnut doors, oak floors, and wood-and-woven seating add to the mix.

And there they are—our five favorite ways to bring out the soul of a midcentury home. Want to see the impact of these changes? Check out the before and after images below!

The kitchen before…a country feel in a modern shell.

The living room before…a chunky stone fireplace and bulky trim.

…and after! Light, bright and modern.

…and after! Refreshed and streamlined.