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How to Decorate Your Mid-century modern Home

June 26, 2019

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MY ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE

Mid-century modern Home sold in Montecito

There are so many stunning Mid-century modern homes here in Santa Barbara. In fact, I sold six beauties in 2018 alone. One of my recent mid-century listings is pictured here, a Notable Architect’s Mid-century modern on E. Mountain Drive.

Born after World War II, this exceptionally popular architectural style is characterized by flat planes, large glass windows, and open space. Most Santa Barbara County Mid-century modern homes for sale, including the ones featured in this blog, were built between 1945 and the 1980s, with designs centered on simplicity and, most importantly for Santa Barbara, integration with nature.

Since its beginnings in the 1940s, the look has become fairly standardized and recognizable. It's a style well-known for its space-age lighting, streamlined walnut and teak furniture, bright color palettes, geometric tile, and avant-garde artwork. The popular style is now considered a timeless classic, with its bold color and pattern maximalism trending big-time.

Here's my how-to guide to achieve the Mid-century modern look in every room of your house:

Large luxury interior home with gray midcentury loveseat
  1. Mid-century modern Style in the Living Room
    According to the latest Google home trends report, 1950s living rooms have seen a 5,000% increase in search versus the same time period last spring. To create the look in your living room, don't be afraid to mix materials, and embrace quirky architectural details. For a blatantly retro note, add some atomic age motifs, geometric patterns or trippy florals to your design scheme. Whatever you decide, stick to a cohesive color palette so you complement instead of overshadowing your space. Track down statement mid-century lighting or complete the look with natural light streaming in.

    Luxury double bed with colorful headboard and linen on white background. Walnut wooden frame and yellow fabric headboard. Pillows, blanket and bedspread. Double bed on carpet. 3d render
  1. Mid-century modern Style in the Bedroom
    Mid-century modern design is casual, simple, and unpretentious, like the bed here. You probably already picked up that this design style is based on the belief that form follows function and design should bring comfort and practicality. Decorating your mid-century bedroom gives you the chance to play with accents, like rugs or pillows that offer additional retro style and a subtle pop of color that ties all the elements together.

    Modern bathroom corner with black tile walls, concrete floor, white bathtub and double sink. 3d rendering
  1. Mid-century modern Style in the Bathroom
    As it is with most rooms in many of today’s “reborn” Mid-century homes, the bathroom frequently remains only the essence of its original self. As the photo above shows, what remains is a nod to one of the era’s popular color schemes. Beyond that, architectural features and utilitarian accouterments lean toward Modernism. In fact, a color Mid-century bathrooms contained merely as accents – gray – is now freely used as a major player. We’re seeing some bathrooms in these homes having the bright or pastel colors popular mid-century now being eliminated altogether in favor of dramatic gray and white.

    Another element remaining post-makeover is clean lines. Often, this emphasis on geometric precision, combined with a gray and white color palette results in a sort of paradox: soothing rather than startling. Indeed, the materials or elements you choose for your bathroom should create a serene environment.

    Mid-century Modern kitchen with red
  1. Mid-century modern Style in the Kitchen
    The kitchen is another space where Mid-century modern design really stands out. Its timeless design and endless resonance across generations make it a standout among all other design styles. Think natural light, clean lines, and high-end touches. Bring together your retro-inspired look with ultramodern circular globe-shapes and bursts of color like illustrated here with bright red. Transport your 1950s kitchen with elements of 21st-century style thrown in for good measure. For example, this retro-style pop-up toaster has extra-wide slots fit everything from bagels to slices of bread. It also has reheat and defrost functions as well as a dial that you control.

    Wooden table and stylish chair, mid century modern style.
  1. Mid-century modern Style in the Dining Room
    The Mid-century modern style of the 1950s can be easily created with the use of natural or even reclaimed wooden elements. To make the combination between nature and luxury work, its best to choose your dining room furniture carefully because this is the room where the chic choice shines its brightest. It's where the best-of-the-best aspects of the style come together in one space, marked by strong lines, atomic-inspired accents, vintage dining chairs, and accompanying innovative artwork. To carry out the look in your own dining room, start with a table in walnut or teak as shown here. It pairs perfectly with an Eames Chair and mod lighting overhead.

Where to Shop for Mid-century modern Decor:

Now that you're inspired to start your Mid-century modern decor collection, it's time to get shopping. You can choose to purchase new pieces, commit to solely vintage items, or display a mix of both in your home. Here are my favorite destinations for mid-century furniture, lighting, and decor.

  1. Article: Simple. Classy. Fair pricing on must-have items.
  2. Joybird: Warning: Upon visiting this online retailer, you might think that you've gone back in time. Every piece is handcrafted with beautiful attention to detail.
  3. Charish: The leading online marketplace for design lovers to buy and sell chic vintage decor, furniture, and art. Charish is America's largest and fastest growing marketplace dedicated to home decorating and design.
  4. 1stDibs: And if antique treasures and vintage gems are more your jam, this is the place to be.
  5. Craigslist: Last, but not least, if you're looking for a real vintage steal you just can't beat Craigslist.

If you are considering selling your Mid-century modern home in Santa Barbara, give me a call at +1 (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I’ll happily add your home to my portfolio of fine properties and find you the perfect place to call home at the same time. Once you move in, I’d be happy to help you carry the mid-century theme throughout your home using my room by room guide.


 




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- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

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- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

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- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch