Mid Century Modern Home Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Renovating a mid century modern home can be a thrilling project, but it requires careful planning to achieve the desired outcome. Mid century modern homes were built between 1945 and 1975, and their characteristic features include large windows, open floor plans, and an emphasis on natural materials.

To start, it's essential to define your renovation goals and budget. This will help you determine which aspects of your home to prioritize, such as updating the kitchen or restoring the original hardwood floors.

A typical mid century modern home has a rectangular shape with a shallow pitch roof, which can affect the renovation process. Consider consulting with an architect or structural engineer to assess the feasibility of your renovation plans.

The average cost of a mid century modern home renovation can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope of the project.

Worth a look: Project Manager for Home Renovation

For a mid century modern home renovation, consider incorporating natural materials like wood and stone to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These materials were a hallmark of the mid century modern style.

One way to add visual interest is to use an open floor plan, which was a key characteristic of mid century modern homes. This layout allows for a sense of flow and connection between different areas of the home.

To maintain the retro feel, choose furniture with clean lines and organic shapes, such as the iconic Eames lounge chair.

If you're looking to give your home a unique twist, consider drawing inspiration from midcentury design. A historic Icelandic midcentury home was revamped with a modern twist by its new homeowners.

Incorporating natural light is key to making a midcentury home feel modern. A dated midcentury dwelling in Santa Barbara was transformed into a bright, airy abode.

Preserving the original midcentury roots of a home is crucial when renovating. The 1959 residence on 3322 Ocotea Street in Raleigh was modernized while retaining its midcentury plan.

Renovating a midcentury home requires a thoughtful approach to honor its history. An Australian renovation gave new life to midcentury style without being an homage to a bygone era.

Expand your knowledge: Sell Mid Century Modern Furniture

A cramped midcentury bungalow can be transformed into a spacious home with the right renovation. Edward Ogosta Architecture renovated and extended a Californian dwelling, creating a breezy, light-filled home for a family of five.

By incorporating modern elements, you can give your home a fresh and unique look. The new homeowners of the Icelandic midcentury home determined the property was in need of a thoughtful revamp to suit their growing family.

A 1959 Mid Century Modern house in Apollo Beach, Florida, was purchased by a couple who were initially hesitant due to its rough condition, but were convinced by the canal views.

Removing walls, inserting new windows, and utilizing a lighter color palette can give a historic home a modern look, as seen in a 1957 Midcentury in Seattle.

A 1960s midcentury home in Austin was renovated by adding a second story while preserving the home's original character, doubling its square footage.

The original design elements of a midcentury Eichler, such as the floor plan and facade, can be used to heighten the indoor/outdoor quality, as seen in an Interior Designer's renovation of her family's midcentury Eichler.

Replacing frosted glass with clear, double-paned glass can also enhance the indoor/outdoor quality, as seen in the same renovation.

A 1959 Fixer-Upper in California was transformed into a midcentury showcase, perfect for midcentury completists, after a full renovation.

A dated midcentury dwelling in Santa Barbara was transformed into a bright, airy abode, perfect for contemporary living, after a renovation that opened up the space and added natural light.

A 1954 post-and-beam residence in Glendale, California, was renovated to preserve its midcentury charm while adding modern amenities, such as a center island clad in Carrara marble.

A 1962 single-level home in San Francisco, designed by Eichler, was renovated to maintain its original post-and-beam construction while adding modern improvements.

A 1959 post-and-beam fixer-upper in California was transformed into a midcentury showcase, perfect for midcentury completists, after a full renovation.

A 1954 post-and-beam residence in Glendale, California, was renovated to preserve its midcentury charm while adding modern amenities, such as a center island clad in Carrara marble.

A 1959 Fixer-Upper in California was transformed into a midcentury showcase, perfect for midcentury completists, after a full renovation.

A dated midcentury dwelling in Santa Barbara was transformed into a bright, airy abode, perfect for contemporary living, after a renovation that opened up the space and added natural light.

In renovating a midcentury home, it's essential to preserve the original design elements, such as the floor plan and facade, to maintain the home's midcentury charm.

A 1959 Mid Century Modern house in Apollo Beach, Florida, was purchased by a couple who were initially hesitant due to its rough condition, but were convinced by the canal views.

A 1957 Midcentury in Seattle was renovated by removing walls, inserting new windows, and utilizing a lighter color palette, giving the home a modern look.

A 1960s midcentury home in Austin was renovated by adding a second story while preserving the home's original character, doubling its square footage.

The original design elements of a midcentury Eichler, such as the floor plan and facade, can be used to heighten the indoor/outdoor quality, as seen in an Interior Designer's renovation of her family's midcentury Eichler.

Replacing frosted glass with clear, double-paned glass can also enhance the indoor/outdoor quality, as seen in the same renovation.

A dated midcentury dwelling in Santa Barbara was transformed into a bright, airy abode, perfect for contemporary living, after a renovation that opened up the space and added natural light.

A 1954 post-and-beam residence in Glendale, California, was renovated to preserve its midcentury charm while adding modern amenities, such as a center island clad in Carrara marble.

A 1962 single-level home in San Francisco, designed by Eichler, was renovated to maintain its original post-and-beam construction while adding modern improvements.

A 1959 post-and-beam fixer-upper in California was transformed into a midcentury showcase, perfect for midcentury completists, after a full renovation.

A Manhattan Loft can be a dream home for many, and for good reason. This type of home is studded with modern icons that can unify and separate work and life.

The architecture of a Manhattan Loft can be read two ways, making it a unique space that's both a home and an office.

The gallery and library spaces in a home can be a great way to showcase personal style and create a sense of pause and recollection.

A small library adjacent to the primary bedroom can serve as a backdrop for a guest bed and integrated workout room, making the most of a compact space.

By curating art pieces from travels and family collections, an often-overlooked hallway can be transformed into a gallery space that adds visual interest and depth to the home.

This thoughtful approach to design can create a sense of pause and recollection, encouraging homeowners to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.

Staying true to the mid-century modern look is key to a successful renovation.

Keep your design authentic by working with your home's architecture, not against it. This means avoiding features that clash with the original style, like adding multi-paned French doors to a living room.

You don't have to scour antique showrooms for vintage pieces to achieve the authentic look. Many contemporary designers offer products that fit the mid-century aesthetic while incorporating modern materials and technologies.

Scandinavian design can work well in mid-century homes, and visiting open homes or even an Ikea showroom can give you ideas for cabinets, fixtures, and other elements that align with the style.

Take a look at this: Craftsman Style Home Renovation

Renovating a mid century modern house can be a challenging and unstructured experience, especially for those who thrive in organized environments. Living and working in the middle of construction can be difficult.

We hired a local contractor for larger, more technical projects, but tackled the rest ourselves. My dad, a licensed contractor, even came to visit and helped out for a week.

It took a lot of prayer and intentionally shifting our thoughts from negative to positive to stay motivated and focused. We made time for fun, too, like a few beach days and time on the jet ski.

A 1,000-square-foot home office addition is a great way to expand your space without sacrificing the original character of your midcentury home.

Designed to comfortably accommodate three to five employees, this type of addition is perfect for professionals who want to work from home.

The addition should beautifully complement the existing midcentury abode, as seen in the example of the Austin Midcentury Welcomes a Discreet Home Office Addition.

Here's an interesting read: Home Office Renovation

Preserving the original character of the home is crucial, which is why it's essential to work with an architect who understands the importance of midcentury design.

In some cases, a second story can be added to the home while preserving the original character, as seen in the renovation of a 1960s midcentury home in Austin by Webber + Studio.

This type of renovation can double the square footage of the home, providing more space for work, living, and play.

By carefully planning and executing the addition, you can create a seamless transition between the old and new parts of the home.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a functional and beautiful space that complements the original midcentury home.

A roof-raising renovation can be a game-changer for a midcentury home. This type of renovation literally raises the roof, increasing the interior ceiling height and allowing for the addition of clerestory windows.

By raising the roof, you can let in more natural light and create a sense of openness and airiness in your home. A midcentury home in Austin got just that with a roof-raising renovation that increased the interior ceiling height.

The addition of clerestory windows can also help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, which is a win for both your wallet and the environment. In Austin, a midcentury home renovation literally raised the roof, increasing the interior ceiling height and allowing for the addition of clerestory windows.

A roof-raising renovation can also provide more space for living areas and bedrooms, making it an ideal solution for families or those who need more room.

Renovating the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems can be a daunting task, but it's essential to get it right.

New wiring was installed in the existing light trough, which acted as a spine or central nervous system for the home.

The owner wanted to preserve as much of the existing wall paneling as possible, so a complete gut was not an option.

A new, high efficiency, VRF system was installed using concealed cassettes, which were located in the ceilings of the closets and bedroom hallway.

The existing under slab mechanical ducts were damaged during the plumbing upgrades, making it necessary to install a new system.

Wiring was fished through the existing hollow roof beams down through the columns, enabling the owner to update the entire electrical system without removing the paneling.

Renovating a home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience.

Renovating a midcentury home can be particularly challenging due to the unique design and materials used in their construction.

The first step in renovating a midcentury home is to assess its condition and identify the necessary repairs and upgrades.

In some cases, the existing design elements, such as the floor plan and facade, can be preserved and used to heighten the indoor/outdoor quality of the home.

See what others are reading: Home Renovation and Design

Replacing frosted glass with clear, double-paned glass can also be a cost-effective way to update the home's windows.

A renovation can be a great opportunity to add new features and functionality to the home, such as a second bathroom and laundry room.

For example, a homeowner in Raleigh added a much-needed second bathroom and laundry room in the location of an existing entry closet.

In other cases, the layout of the home may need to be modified to improve its functionality and flow.

A homeowner in Austin added a second story to their midcentury home while preserving its original character.

Renovating a home can be a time-consuming and costly process, but it can also be a great way to create a unique and functional living space that reflects your personal style.

It's essential to have a clear plan and budget in place before starting a renovation project.

Homeowners may need to secure a construction loan or use a Home Equity Line of Credit to finance their renovation.

It's also crucial to work with a reliable contractor and to prioritize the most critical repairs and upgrades.

You might like: Mobile Home Bathroom Renovation Ideas

A homeowner in Florida worked with a local contractor and tackled some of the projects themselves, including painting and cleaning the house.

Renovating a home can be a challenging and emotional experience, but it can also be a rewarding and creative process that allows you to put your own stamp on a property.

Updating windows can be a game-changer for mid-century modern homes. Replacing single-pane windows with double-paned ones can significantly reduce heating and cooling bills, especially in temperatures above 80 or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can expect to see a noticeable difference in your energy costs. Double-paned windows are a worthwhile investment, but they can be pricey.

To keep costs down, consider having a local window company glaze in double-pane windows. This option may not be as efficient as a true, tabbed, and framed window, but it's still a significant improvement over single-pane windows.

Some windows are best left alone. Huge, triangle, or clerestory windows are often beautiful and worth preserving. Replacing just the surrounding windows can help with HVAC bills without breaking the bank.

Safety should also be a consideration when updating windows. Applying safety film to your existing windows is a cost-effective solution that prevents shattering and blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays.

Suggestion: Average Cost of Home Renovation