First Floor Interior Makeover

Interior Remodel

The first-floor interior makeover of this 1980s mid-century modern home made all the difference to this Cockeysville family.  The first step in design was removing several interior walls, allowing more natural light.  The space went from a collection of smaller, darker rooms to an open, airy, light-filled first floor.

The wall that divided the foyer from the dining room and separated the family room from the rest of the first floor was removed.  This automatically allowed the natural light from the wall of doors at the house’s rear and the view of the lush, pastoral landscape. Our client’s almost five acres of property are secluded and green and the most beautiful backdrop for the first-floor interior.  The existing floor-to-ceiling stone wall was obtrusive and uninviting to guests who entered.

To separate the dining room from the living area, a double-sided Mezzo fireplace with modern, clean, luxurious lines was chosen in keeping with the open floor plan design. Another contemporary touch is the chandelier over the dining table, which creates mood lighting and serves as artwork in the space.  All the oak hardwood floors were stripped, sanded, and refinished, bringing a fresh new look and continuity to the first-floor makeover.

Kitchen Facelift

We kept the kitchen layout in this interior remodel with the custom cherry cabinetry, including the island. Some new cabinetry was installed on the perimeter in Ridgewood shaker style and painted with glass and lighted fronts.  The countertops for the new perimeter cabinets are Taj Mahal leather quartzite, as is the mirrored counter splash over the stove. To add to the new light and bright look, a large picture window was installed to replace the smaller windows, allowing our clients to gaze at the natural beauty while doing the dishes and meal prep.  Several appliances were also replaced in this kitchen facelift.

Library/Office Update

The owners wanted to utilize a small nook off the living area as an office/library for quiet reflection and working from home.  We incorporated a small desk in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows to accommodate their wishes to enjoy the landscaped backyard.  Choosing to keep the open feel of the space, sliding glass doors were installed to cordon the office/library from the rest of the room.  The results are a unique space with custom built-ins for collectibles from their travels and books to enjoy.  A unique roofline gives the small room an artistic beauty visible to all who enter the home.

In conclusion

With the new interior design, the mid-century architecture offers an open, modern, and airy feel that exudes elegant simplicity. The red pops of color throughout, including the artwork, rugs, and furniture, add a playful touch to the neutral theme and acknowledge the client’s love of color.  A good mixture of warm and cool tones creates balance, and the natural light from many windows and doors brings nature indoors, giving this first-floor interior makeover a cozy and welcoming feel.  Also, see our post, Reviving Mid-Century Modern Homes.

Additional Photos

For additional mid-century home remodels we have completed, check out these posts:

Renovate Mid-Century Modern

Mid Century Modern