Renovating a Mid-Century Home: Achieving the Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality!

Links to all products used at the bottom of this post!

Mid-century is one of my favorite eras in design. It never goes out of style and always captures our hearts with its timeless charm. So, when it came time to renovate the kitchen in my own mid-century home in Palm Springs (which is also available for rental on Airbnb), I knew I had to approach it with care and respect for the original design.

The original kitchen, designed by the amazing architect William Krisel in 1959, was a true masterpiece of mid-century design. It was untouched and perfectly preserved, complete with vintage cabinets, countertops, and appliances. But, as much as I loved it, it was no longer safe or practical for guests staying in the home. The appliances were just not cutting it anymore, and it was time for a change. The city even turned off the gas line as the oven wasn't up to code!

So, I set out on a mission to renovate the kitchen, blending the original mid-century style with practicality and comfort for guests. I wanted to keep the mid-century vibe alive and well, so I went with the most awesome colorful Smeg appliances that would fit right in! And, to achieve the perfect mix of style and functionality, I turned to Reform CHP for custom cabinetry that was both beautiful and practical. The cabinets were color-blocked in custom warm retro shades and solid wood, and Reform CHP was able to customize any shape to fit the kitchen! The terrazzo counters and patterned backsplash from Concrete Collaborative added the perfect touch of mid-century style, with the abstract print of the backsplash and the terrazzo texture lending themselves perfectly to the aesthetic.

During the kitchen renovation, we also decided to tackle the floors in all the bedrooms. The previous owners had painted the concrete floors a drab grey color, which just wasn't my style as a lover of bold and colorful design. So, I painted them a cheerful orange to match the overall theme of the house. Orange is seriously the most underrated color and adds so much personality to any space!

However, we soon realized that we didn't properly seal the orange paint, and it was a hassle to touch up. So, we decided to give the bedrooms a complete floor makeover to match the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, which were already beautifully tiled with Fireclay tile oblong checkers. Since the house was already going to be under construction, we saw the perfect opportunity to make the bedrooms just as stunning.

I knew I wanted to use the same abstract tile as the backsplash to keep the continuity in the house, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! The abstract tile meshed seamlessly with the existing room designs and looked like it had been there all along. It also complemented the checkered floor in the living room, kitchen, and bathroom perfectly, creating a cohesive look throughout the entire home.

Renovating a mid-century home is all about balancing style and practicality, and I couldn't be happier with the end result! I did receive some backlash from people who were worried about changing the original kitchen, but I hope I did it justice and added even more charm and personality to the space. Whether you're an interior designer or a homeowner, I hope this renovation story inspires you to embrace mid-century design and make it your own!

(Hi Dani here! Omg I just have to tell you I had Chat GPT write this blog based off of some notes I gave it and I am blown away how it perfectly articulated what I wanted to say. The future is wild y'all.)

KITCHEN BEFORE 

From when we first got it, all white with grey floors. To paint and tiled floors. To full on makeover reveal with new cabinets, appliances, backsplash, lighting, and counters.

KITCHEN AFTER

Such an upgrade from the very first photo of when we got the home.

FLOORS BEFORE (BOTH GREY AND ORANGE) & IN PREP FOR NEW TILE

 From grey, to orange, to tile print explosion.

 AFTER, SO MUCH BETTER

The final floors really pull the space together and make it special. Tile is also a lot more durable than paint! 

 Resource Links:

Kitchen

• cabinets - Reform CPH
• counters - Concrete Collaborative
• hanging Pendants - Signature Hardware
• dishwasher - Smeg
• counter stools - Industry West
• sink & faucets - Signature Hardware
• Oven/stove - Smeg
• fridge - Smeg
• art - Modern Retrograde
• tile - Fireclay
• dining table & chairs - Bend Goods

Bedroom 1

• bed - Joybird
• nightstands - Joybird
• tile - Concrete Collaborative
• art - Modern Retrograde
• desk - Joybird
• chair - Joybird 
• coffee table - Joybird
• sofa sleeper - Joybird
• lamps - Mitzi

Bedroom 2

• bed- Joybird
• nightstand - Joybird
• chair - Joybird 
• tile - Concrete Collaborative
• pendant lighting - Mitzi