Recreating the retro magic of a Mid-Century Modern home requires a careful balance between preserving original features and updating for modern living and entertaining. Selecting the right mid century modern finishes is key to the success of any home renovation, but this is especially true in Mid Mod home renovations as they require an extra level of care and expertise. Modernous offers interior design services that specialize in modern and Mid-Century Modern design to create beautiful and livable spaces that bring together the best of past and present. With this in mind, the homeowners of this 1971 home in Edmonds, WA reached out to Modernous with the vision of keeping key features of the original architecture and design while also incorporating needed updates. “Our clients loved most of the home’s original architectural and 70’s characteristics,” says Sally Julien, Founder and Principal at Modernous. “After working with an architect on engineering and space planning, they came to Modernous with the goal of preserving those details while thoughtfully updating the finishes for modern living and entertaining.”
Balancing Act: Preservation and Updates
While its original architect is unknown, the home was largely unchanged when the homeowners purchased it. Keeping the 70s vibe was a priority for them, but they also wanted to update the home to fit their functional needs. They enlisted Modernous to help them create an interior design that melded a retro vibe and contemporary feel. “They really inspired us to dig deep into what that design era was about and what elements still worked today without feeling kitchy or ‘groovy,’” says Sally. “Halie and I included a lot of modern elements, but looked to organic shapes and materials to help bring that era into the 2020s.” The original mid century modern finishes like the fireplace and wood paneling in the living room remains, as well as wood railings and beams throughout. “We also really loved the exposed aggregate concrete that was featured in the entry to the home, so that stayed and played a part in our inspirations for other stone and tiles,” Sally says.
Selecting a Modern Palette and Materials
To get an authentic Mid Mod look and feel, choosing the right materials and Mid Century Modern finishes is essential. If you’re also wanting to infuse your interior design with a more contemporary feel, you may want to get creative in how you use your materials. Modernous found a way to utilize materials that felt original without also feeling like a time capsule. Walnut, tile, terrazzo, velvet, rattan and wallpaper are present throughout the home. “The materials were maybe the most 70s choices, but always in a modern form,” says Halie Venema. The palette likewise demonstrates Modernous’s work to bring Mid Mod into the 21st century. The main inspiration for the palette came from the original fireplace that was preserved in the living room. “We didn’t want to match it, per se, but chose colors that complemented the stone,” she says.
Related Reading: A Sunny Mod Ktichen renovation in Seattle
Fine-tuning Furniture and Lighting
Where palette and materials set the stage, light fixtures and furnishings give a home design character. In Mid-Century Modern homes, lighting can be a way to make a statement or bring a distinct retro vibe. For this project, Modernous helped the homeowners select just the right piece for each space to serve both style and function. As is the case with most older homes, this one required some creativity with placement due to some junction boxes in less-than-ideal locations that could not be moved. One of the most stunning selections is the fixture on the dining room wall. “It was way up there,” says Sally. “We found a sculptural light in white that just glows and adds a wall wash. It is not bright enough to light the room, but it looks like a piece of art.” Unlike most Modernous design projects, in this project all the furniture pieces are new, including a couple of re-issues of mid-century designs. Playing off of the era’s hallmark geometric shapes, natural materials, and fun pops of color, Modernous chose furnishings that not only served functional needs, but also elevated the aesthetics.
Creating Cohesion
Connection between spaces in a home goes far beyond the actual layout and flow of each room. To make sure each space feels like part of a larger, unified whole, there must be a design through line that weaves through the entire home. In this project, Modernous utilized key features of the home as a way to tie it all together. “The way we work generally is to create a touchstone that we refer back to as each room takes shape,” says Halie. “In this project, it was the fireplace and palette. At each step, we loop back to it to be sure we haven’t strayed from that starting place. Sometimes that touchstone could be a piece of furniture that the client adores, or a painting. Whatever that reference point is that we start from has to stand up to every single design phase and element that follows it.” The result is a home that seamlessly brings together the best elements of the original 1970s design while making it feel fresh and functional for today.
Looking for more ideas on Mid Century Modern Finishes? Check out this remodel where original materials shine.
