Weather House is a bespoke home for a young, nature-loving family on a quintessentially compact Northcote block. Our clients Claire and Brent cherished the character of their century-old worker's cottage but required more considered space and flexibility in their home. Claire and Brent are camping enthusiasts, and in response their house is a love letter to the outdoors: a rich, durable environment infused with the grounded ambience of being in nature. From the street, the dark cladding of the sensitive rear extension echoes the existing cottage!s roofline, becoming a subtle shadow of the original house in both form and tone. As you move through the home, the double-height extension invites the climate and native landscaping inside at every turn. The light-bathed lounge, dining room and kitchen are anchored around, and seamlessly connected to, a versatile outdoor living area. A double-sided fireplace embedded into the house’s rear wall brings warmth and ambience to the lounge, and inspires a campfire atmosphere in the back yard. Championing tactility and durability, the material palette features polished concrete floors, blackbutt timber joinery and concrete brick walls. Peach and sage tones are employed as accents throughout the lower level, and amplified upstairs where sage forms the tonal base for the moody main bedroom. An adjacent private deck creates an additional tether to the outdoors, and houses planters and trellises that will decorate the home’s exterior with greenery. From the tactile and textured finishes of the interior to the surrounding Australian native garden that you just want to touch, the house encapsulates the feeling of being part of the outdoors; like Claire and Brent are camping at home. It is a tribute to Mother Nature, Weather House’s muse.

Point Lonsdale II

Stonehouse + Irons Architecture

Concrete block walls provide thermal mass for heating and defence agains hot summer. The subdued colours create a quiet and cosy space focussed around the fire. Timber joinery adds warmth and texture , framing the collections of books and collected objects.

Mid-Century Modern Deck House

The Design Gallery

Our remodeled 1994 Deck House was a stunning hit with our clients. All original moulding, trim, truss systems, exposed posts and beams and mahogany windows were kept in tact and refinished as requested. All wood ceilings in each room were painted white to brighten and lift the interiors. This is the view looking from the living room toward the kitchen. Our mid-century design is timeless and remains true to the modernism movement.

Custom Built-In Fireplace

Lisa & Leroy

Custom built-ins designed to hold a record collection and library of books. The fireplace got a facelift with a fresh mantle and tile surround.
This is an example of a large midcentury open concept family room in DC Metro with a library, white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and black floor.

Cedar Cove Modern

Flavin Architects

Cedar Cove Modern benefits from its integration into the landscape. The house is set back from Lake Webster to preserve an existing stand of broadleaf trees that filter the low western sun that sets over the lake. Its split-level design follows the gentle grade of the surrounding slope. The L-shape of the house forms a protected garden entryway in the area of the house facing away from the lake while a two-story stone wall marks the entry and continues through the width of the house, leading the eye to a rear terrace. This terrace has a spectacular view aided by the structure’s smart positioning in relationship to Lake Webster. The interior spaces are also organized to prioritize views of the lake. The living room looks out over the stone terrace at the rear of the house. The bisecting stone wall forms the fireplace in the living room and visually separates the two-story bedroom wing from the active spaces of the house. The screen porch, a staple of our modern house designs, flanks the terrace. Viewed from the lake, the house accentuates the contours of the land, while the clerestory window above the living room emits a soft glow through the canopy of preserved trees.

Woodside House 2

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design

Large midcentury open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Uptown - Mid Century Mod

Design Studio on 2nd

This is an example of a midcentury living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Mid-Century Modern Remodel By Willie Baronet

Coastal Vacation Estates

Luxurious modern sanctuary, remodeled 1957 mid-century architectural home is located in the hills just off the Famous Sunset Strip. The living area has 2 separate sitting areas that adorn a large stone fireplace while looking over a stunning view of the city. I wanted to keep the original footprint of the house and some of the existing furniture. With the magic of fabric, rugs, accessories and upholstery this property was transformed into a new modern property.

Olathe MCM

Stumpff HomeWorks, LLC

Design ideas for a large midcentury open concept living room in Kansas City with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and vaulted.

Architects Project

Mark Hardy

Expansive midcentury formal open concept living room in Hampshire with blue walls, concrete floors, a corner fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

Classic and Cool

exactly.

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury formal living room in Detroit with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Hilltop Road

Dichotomy Interiors

contemporary home design for a modern family with young children offering a chic but laid back, warm atmosphere.
Large midcentury open concept living room in New York with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv, grey floor and vaulted.

Mid Century Chalet Rental

Your Favorite Room By Cathy Zaeske

Client requested help with floorplan layout, furniture selection and decorating in this cute Swiss rental. A mid century aesthetic is fresh and keeps the space from being a ski cliche. It is a rental so major pieces like the fireplace could not be changed.

Modern Brazilian

Jefferson Street Designs

Inspiration for a small midcentury open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Glen Road

risa boyer architecture

Midcentury open concept living room in Portland with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and exposed beam.

Vestavia Lake Whole Home

Highland Design+Build

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury enclosed family room in Birmingham with a home bar, white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Bunny Run Award-Winning Project

Becky Fuller Homes

Photo of a large midcentury open concept living room in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Herritage Green Ranch

TVL Creative Ltd.

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Denver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and no tv.

Mid-century Preservation

Ashby Collective

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open concept family room in Austin with a library, white walls, cork floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor and timber.

Midcentury Modern Reborn

Tom Bassett-Dilley Architect, Ltd.

This 1960 house was in need of updating from both design and performance standpoints, and the project turned into a comprehensive deep energy retrofit, with thorough airtightness and insulation, new space conditioning and energy-recovery-ventilation, triple glazed windows, and an interior of incredible elegance. While we maintained the foundation and overall massing, this is essentially a new house, well equipped for a new generation of use and enjoyment.

All Fireplace Surrounds Midcentury Living Design Ideas

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many midcentury living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and midcentury accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.