Last spring, my cousin called me. She’d just bought a 1960s split-level house. It needed serious work inside.
“Can you help me?” she asked. “I want that retro look everyone loves.”
I said yes immediately. I’d been studyingmid-century modern design for years. This was my chance to bring those ideas to life.
We spent the first week just looking at her space. The bones were good, large windows, an open floor plan, and exposed wooden beams.
My cousin had a clear budget. We couldn’t buy everything new. That meant mixing vintage finds with affordable modern pieces. Perfect for mid century modern designs.
How Did I Start this Project?
My cousin inherited a dated split-level home last year. Every room felt stuck in time, but not in a good way.
She asked me to refresh it using mid-century modern designs. I walked through each space, taking notes and measurements.
The structure was solid. We just needed the right furniture, colors, and lighting to bring it back to life.
How I Redesigned my Cousin’s House
A few years back, I took on my biggest design challenge: my cousin’s split-level house.
The entire project taught me everything about mid century modern designs. From living rooms to kitchens, I learned what works and what doesn’t.
Here’s the complete story of that project.
The Living Room Redesign
This room had the most potential. Huge windows faced the backyard. Natural light poured in all day.
My cousin wanted comfort without clutter. I showed her examples of mid-century modern interior design that balanced both needs.
Furniture Selection
- Found a vintage teak sofa at an estate sale ($400)
- Bought a new low coffee table with tapered legs ($200)
- Added one mustard yellow accent chair (her favorite piece)
Layout Strategy
I positioned everything to face the windows. The sofa sat perpendicular to the view. This created conversation space while keeping nature visible.
We removed the old carpet. Underneath, the original hardwood floors looked great after refinishing.
Color and Texture
The walls stayed white. My cousin worried this would feel cold. I promised her it wouldn’t. White makes everything else pop.
- Hung three pieces of abstract art in orange and teal
- Added a geometric wool rug (7×9 feet)
- Placed a rubber plant in a ceramic pot by the window
- Used linen pillows in burnt orange and cream
Lighting Choices
We replaced the ceiling fan with a brass sputnik chandelier. It became the room’s focal point. Two tripod floor lamps in the corners added warmth.
A vintage bar cart in brass and glass sits near the dining area. It holds glassware and adds a social element to the space.
Creating the Perfect Bedroom
My cousin’s bedroom was small. Only 12×14 feet. We needed to make it feel larger.
The Bed
I convinced her to buy a platform bed. No box spring needed. This keeps everything low and open. We chose one in light oak with a simple headboard.
Storage Solutions
- Two floating nightstands (saved floor space)
- One tall dresser in walnut
- Open the clothing rack for daily outfits
Window Treatment
The original vertical blinds had to go. We hung simple linen curtains in natural beige. They filter light gently without blocking the view completely.
Bedroom Colors
We kept it calm. White walls, wood furniture, and pops of teal through textured throw blankets and accent pillows.
I added a single piece of framed art above the bed. Black and white photograph. Nothing busy.
The floor got a small wool rug. Just big enough to step onto when getting out of bed. Warmth without overwhelming the space.
Reading Corner
In one corner, we placed a vintage leather chair. A slim floor lamp stands beside it. Perfect spot for morning coffee or evening reading.
Designing the Kitchen
The kitchen needed the most work. Original cabinets were dark and dated. Countertops showed years of wear.
Cabinet Updates
We couldn’t afford new cabinets. Instead, I suggested:
- Removing upper cabinet doors for open shelving
- Painting lower cabinets in warm white
- Adding new brass hardware pulls
Backsplash
White subway tiles went up quickly, with a simple pattern. Clean lines. We added a single row of turquoise tiles as an accent stripe.
Appliances and Fixtures
The old appliances stayed for now. Budget constraints. But we updated:
- Faucet (matte black, single handle)
- Light fixtures (three pendant lights over the counter)
- Cabinet hardware (brass pulls and knobs)
Kitchen Details
Open shelving displays:
- White ceramic dishes
- Three wooden cutting boards
- Glass storage jars
- One small potted herb plant
A small round table with two chairs fits perfectly in the breakfast nook. Wood top. Metal legs. Just enough space for morning coffee.
The Hallway
The hallway connected the living area to the bedrooms. It felt dark and narrow.
Brightening the Space
I used several tricks:
- Painted walls bright white
- Installed three wall sconces with warm bulbs
- Hanged a large mirror to reflect light
- Kept the floor clear (no runner rug)
Wall Gallery
We created a simple gallery wall. Five frames in black. Different sizes but matching color. The art inside mixed geometric prints with vintage photographs.
Staircase
The split-level design meant stairs connected the main floor to the lower level. The original wooden railing felt heavy.
Railing Replacement
We removed the bulky wooden posts. New metal railing went up. Simple black iron. Clean horizontal lines. This opened up sight lines immediately.
Stair Setup
The wooden steps got:
- Sanding and refinishing in natural oak
- No carpet (keeps it clean and modern)
- Non-slip treads in clear (safety without bulk)
Wall Design
One wall runs along the stairs. We kept it white but added visual interest:
- Three floating shelves in walnut
- Small plants on each shelf
- One piece of art at the landing
The stairs now feel like part of the design, not just a pass-through.
Final Whole-Home Look
Before and After
Before: dark paneling, heavy drapes, bulky furniture.
After: white walls, slim pieces, open spaces.
Mid century modern interior design changed everything.
Final Tips from This Project
The project took three months. My cousin moved in during week two, so we worked around her schedule.
What Worked Best
- Buying vintage pieces saved money and added character
- Keeping walls neutral lets furniture stand out
- Large windows needed minimal treatment
- Plants brought life without adding clutter
Budget Breakdown
My cousin spent about $7,500 total:
- Furniture (45%)
- Kitchen updates (25%)
- Paint and materials (15%)
- Lighting (10%)
- Decor and plants (5%)
Starting Your Own Project?
Begin with one room.
Don’t match everything perfectly. Mid-century style embraces variety. Wood tones can differ. Chair styles can mix.
Keep surfaces clear. Less is more. Five great items beat twenty okay ones.
Invest in key lighting pieces. They change how a room feels immediately.
Ready to Begin?
This style never goes out of fashion. The house will look current in ten years. That’s the power of timeless mid century modern designs.
Pick one space and start there. Your living room? Bedroom? Kitchen? Small changes build momentum.
If you need help understanding the core elements or if you are looking for more ideas, check out our complete guide onmid-century modern design ideas.
