When our clients first reached out about renovating their mid-century home near Lake Johnson Park, we knew we were in for something special. The architecture already had that unmistakable mid-century character — clean lines, natural light, and a sense of connection to the outdoors — but the interiors had drifted away from their roots.

Our goal wasn’t to impose a new style, but to restore the soul of the home. Through a careful renovation of the kitchen and two bathrooms, we brought back the warmth, clarity, and playful spirit that defines mid-century modern design.

(Scroll for before-and-after photos — they tell the story best.)

The Kitchen: Warm Walnut, Retro Tile, and a Pop of Sunshine

The kitchen had been remodeled decades ago in a way that no longer suited the house. A U-shaped layout with a peninsula blocked flow and made cooking awkward. We rethought the plan entirely, opening the space so circulation now flows freely around a central island — creating connection between the kitchen, dining area, and adjacent living space.

The new design celebrates both craftsmanship and character. Natural walnut cabinetry — grain-matched for a seamless, cohesive wall — forms the architectural heart of the kitchen. The backsplash is tiled in a dimensional neutral from WOW Tile: a warm gray square tile with a raised circular motif. Each cabinet was built exactly to our specifications so that no tiles had to be cut — a subtle but powerful detail that shows the precision of the build.

Across from the kitchen, we designed a dry bar with a fully integrated refrigerator, open shelving, and extra storage. It’s a perfect counterpoint — stylish, functional, and a natural extension of the kitchen. The open shelves allow our clients to display barware and sculptural objects that reflect their personality. Their love of Jonathan Adler’s cheeky, Palm Springs–inspired aesthetic shines here.

And, of course, the showstopper: a bright yellow Bertazzoni range that instantly energizes the space. Paired with the walnut and warm neutrals, it feels both unexpected and perfectly at home.

Before:

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After:

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Guest Bathroom: Playful Pattern and Thoughtful Detail

The hall bath was originally narrow and cramped, with a tub-shower combo and dated finishes. We expanded the footprint slightly and reimagined the layout to include a generous, light-filled shower with a square window that brings in natural light.

The star here is the tile — a geometric design of quarter-circles in soft gray and white, a nod to classic mid-century pattern play. The vanity floats gracefully above a simple floor tile, giving the space a light and airy feel. Its single aqua drawer front adds just the right touch of color.

We designed this bathroom to feel modern and minimal while celebrating mid-century optimism. Frameless glass around the shower allows the tile and light to shine. And though the details appear simple, they required incredible craftsmanship — from the zero-entry shower floor with a linear drain, to the perfectly framed window and recessed mirror that goes all the way to the ceiling.

Before:

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After:

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Primary Bathroom: Subtle, Streamlined, and Authentically Mid-Century

The primary bath presented similar challenges — tight quarters and inefficient circulation. By expanding slightly into the adjacent closet, we were able to create a calm, spacious retreat.

The palette is soft and serene: pale aqua wall tile, matte square floor tile, and warm walnut cabinetry. The floating vanity features custom C-shaped chrome hardware and a terrazzo countertop that ties it all back to authentic mid-century materials. Above it, a recessed medicine cabinet with integrated lighting eliminates the need for sconces — one of those quiet design decisions that keeps the look minimalist and refined.

Our favorite element? The Alape sink, a thin glass basin coated with ceramic, partially recessed into the terrazzo. It’s sculptural and practical all at once, with built-in ledges for soap and a sleek Hansgrohe faucet.

Once again, the shower features frameless glass and a subtle square window, bringing in natural light while showcasing the glossy tile. Every detail was crafted with intention by Chad Metzger of Provision Building Company, our trusted collaborator, with cabinetry by Xylem of Garner, NC, who built all pieces to our specifications.

Before:

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After:

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A Few Favorite Details

The “Mudroom” Feature Wall: A full-height walnut cabinet replaces a previous built-in, now serving as a closet, shoe storage, and TV wall. The back of the cabinet — a continuous walnut panel — faces the living area and conceals wiring for the television, resolving a tricky layout challenge.

Fireplace Wall: The living area’s terrazzo fireplace (crafted by a local artisan) became a sculptural centerpiece, grounding the home’s open-plan layout.
Continuity of Material: Warm walnut reappears throughout, tying the kitchen, baths, and living areas together visually.

Bringing Back the Spirit of Mid-Century

This project is about more than updated finishes — it’s about honoring an era of design that continues to inspire. Mid-century homes are beloved for their optimism, material honesty, and seamless connection between architecture and lifestyle. We’re proud to have restored that integrity here while making it livable for today.

Photography by Cat Nguyen.
Built by Provision Building Company.
Custom cabinetry by Xylem, Garner, NC.
Interiors by Roux MacNeill Studio.