The Story So Far
By tracking the renovation of his Streng Bros. Northern California home,this designer is finding a new appreciation for the work that’s gone into his MCM dream hou se.
Authentic furnishings and periodappropriate updates combine to create a dream house in this Streng Bros. home.
Wanting to live in and restore a Midcentury Modern home, Robert Maurer spent nearly three years looking for his perfect fit—a mod home in good condition with original features like a period-correct kitchen (many of the homes he viewed during his search had been updated to include traditional-style cabinetry). He found all he was looking for in this 1974 design by Carter Sparks, built by Streng Bros. Homes.
RECORDING PROGRESS
Robert purchased the Citrus Heights, California, home in the fall of 2016 and has spent the last three years not only restoring the home—which boasted an original kitchen and windows, as well as a roof and HVAC with more than 10 years of life left—but documenting every step of the process for his blog, Mid-Century Maurer (midcenturymaurer.com).
“I knew I had major plans to renovate and restore the house and that it would be an exciting and ongoing endeavor,” Robert says of the inspiration for launching the blog. “Whether the project was inspiring, informative, costly or complicated, I wanted to capture the moments that shaped my vision for the home.”
“Design in that era was all about uncomplicated, beautiful solutions that harmonize with their surrounding environment through the use of simple shapes and natural materials.”
VIBRANT UPDATES
Visitors to the blog can get the delicious details on the various interior and exterior projects Robert has completed in the home with assistance from Glen Warren, his partner in the design firm Commuter Industries. The home’s exterior was given new vibrancy with fresh paint, including the Sherwin-Williams “Obstinate Orange” that transformed the oncegray front door. A mish-mash of flooring (laminate, carpet, linoleum and tile) was taken out throughout the home, and Robert opted to use the original stained and polished concrete instead, an ideal pairing with his room’s gray-toned walls. In the living room, Robert and Glen built and installed a lauan panel wall that now feels essential to the space.
There’s also been painting and tiling. Light fixtures and hardware have been swapped out for more stylish selections. The home got new doors, countertops and appliances. Robert also converted a 6' x 5' walk-in closet into a tiki/record lounge featuring custom-built bench seating, a wall unit with record player and mini bar, and a fold-down table. “Rather than use it as a traditional storage space, I decided to convert it into a tiki/record lounge,” Robert explains. “Warm woods paired with vibrant, tropical colors and an eclectic tiki mug collection make this a great place to retreat for a cocktail and island music.”
FURNISHED WITH CARE
The work Robert and Glen have poured into the home have made it the ideal showplace for Robert’s collection of vintage furnishings and accessories. Pieces have been sourced by the long-time collector from flea markets, antiques fairs and vintage shops around the country, as well as inherited from beloved family members.
“I find myself taking the time to research and ask honest questions about the improvement of my home, which leads to long-lasting, fully realized renovations instead of a quick fix or temporary solution.”
“One of my most sentimental pieces is my grandma’s 1953 GE refrigerator,” Robert says. “It lives in the garage and acts as an entertaining/beverage fridge for get-togethers and holiday parties. I grew up with this appliance and had it shipped out from my hometown in Ohio several years ago. After all these years, it’s never been serviced yet runs like a charm. Pulling down on the chunky chrome handle to retrieve a frosty beverage brings back some great memories of my childhood in Ohio with Me-Maw.”
Work continues on the home and will be described in the blog. Still on Robert’s list are installing sliders in the master suite and office; replacing the garage door with a new flatpanel model; updating the backyard with dryscaping, a cactus garden, raised garden beds, an in-ground pool and a casita with sun deck; and renovating the clean, contemporary master bathroom to give it a modern edge.