FRESH & MODERN

An Austin, Texas, kitchen and accompanying living spaces make for a mid mod design that ’ s equal parts classic and contemporary.

ONCE IN DISREPAIR, THE KITCHEN WAS REDESIGNED WITH TERRAZZO FLOORING, CUSTOM CABINETRY, A TILE BACKSPLASH AND AN EXPANSIVE WINDOW THAT NOW BRINGS LIGHT INTO THE ROOM.

Some mid century homes

have hardly changed at all since they were first constructed over six decades ago. Lovingly cared for throughout the years, new homeowners find themselves needing to make barely any renovations at all.

Then there are those mid mod homes that can use a little more TLC. Located in Austin, Texas, just a few miles from the state capitol building, this 1955 home was not carefully maintained over time. As a result, the homeowners opted for a “complete gut,” which is how Christina Simon, senior designer at Mark Ashby Design, describes the original condition of the home.

COOL & CURRENT KITCHEN

The kitchen, one of the centerpieces of this reimagined home, is stunningly on trend and yet pays homage to mid century design in several ways, from the linear, mosaic tile backsplash to the terrazzo flooring. “The kitchen was completely redesigned to open the space and to let more light in,” Christina says. “We selected all- new appliances, installed a new oversized window above the sink and added a new sliding door with access to an outside patio.”

REAL HOME 101

TYPE OF HOME: 1955 ranch

ARCHITECT: Unknown

BACKGROUND: The entire home was gutted, since it had fallen into disrepair. The kitchen received a modern makeover with brand- new appliances, custom cabinetry, flooring, countertops and more.

COLOR SCHEME: Natural oak finishes paired with airy whites, mossy greens and anchoring touches of black.

INNOVATIVE IDEA: Using simple, integrated hardware in the kitchen. “The house is filled with this same oak, and we wanted it to be the star, not the ‘ jewelry’,” Christina explains.

WHAT MAKES IT MCM?

● Built- ins

● Surprise see- through spaces

● Organic textures

While Christina helmed the interior design, architects Rick and Cindy Black dreamed up the kitchen, resulting in a classic U- shaped mid century kitchen layout. “I came in and chose the finishes, tile and counters, and finally, we made a bold move to integrate the hardware and overaccentuate the oak by showcasing it throughout all of the built- ins,” Christina explains.

With its spacious bar and room to move, it’s no wonder that this kitchen makes for a perfect gathering space in the home. “The goal of the renovation was to create greater openness, comfort and daylight for the interior,” architects Rick and Cindy Black share. “We all agreed that the home should be a warm and inspiring place for friends and family.”

LIT- UP LIVING SPACES

Alongside the kitchen, you’ll find copious living spaces in this home, ideal for pre- dinner lounging and cocktail hours. A dining area, reading nook and sunken den reside comfortably next to the kitchen in this open floor plan, all illuminated with the natural light that now flows in through the windows.

Displaying a style that Christina calls “organic modernism,” she reflects on the home’s design, saying, “The word ‘ modern’ can often be used to describe some of the more cold, contemporary designs. But if you take it back to its truest form, it describes a sense of cleanliness and materiality that was first embraced during the mid century era.”

THE MID CENTURY, YET DISTINCTLY CURRENT, KITCHEN IS A STUDY IN STRIKING MATERIALS. WITH A MOSAIC TILE BACKSPLASH FROM BEDROSIANS TILE & STONE, AND A FIRE- BRUSHED ABSOLUTE BLACK GRANITE COUNTERTOP, THE HUES WORK TOGETHER SEAMLESSLY.

TOP: BETWEEN THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA, CUSTOM WOOD PANELING CREATES AN EYE- CATCHING FEATURE FOR THE HOMEOWNERS AND GUESTS TO ENJOY AS THEY WALK INTO THE HOUSE. THE STAIRS TO THE LEFT LEAD TO A CHIC SUNKEN DEN THAT WAS ONCE A GARAGE. CHRISTINA SAYS, “THE ARCHITECTS WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE HEAVY FEEL OF THE BRICK WALL THAT SEPARATED THE [ CONVERTED] GARAGE FROM THE REST OF THE HOUSE AND BETTER INTEGRATE THE SUNKEN DEN.”

ABOVE: THE KITCHEN HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY WITH ITS CUSTOM CABINETRY, THERMADOR GAS RANGE AND KITCHENAID WALL VENT HOOD. OPPOSITE, TOP: THE CENTERPIECE OF THE DINING ROOM IS A CLASSIC ISAMU NOGUCHI LIGHT FIXTURE. CHRISTINA SHARES, “WE LOVE THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS LIGHTING SCULPTURES AND WE ALSO WANTED TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE MID CENTURY MASTERS.” OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: OPEN FLOW WAS A TOP GOAL FOR THE HOMEOWNERS DURING THIS PROJECT. IT CAN BE WITNESSED IN THIS OPEN FLOOR PLAN SHOWCASING A DINING AREA THAT EFFORTLESSLY LEADS TO A SUNKEN DEN AND BUILT- IN SITTING AREA.