Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel | Kitchen Design
This mid-century modern home in Littleton boasts a fantastic floor plan, natural flow, and striking architectural details—features that Jamie House Design thoughtfully enhanced. Without moving walls or altering the layout, we focused on maximizing its potential, preserving the original charm while elevating the design. This sprawling, rambling home has a dreamy quality—especially for me, imagining all this space from my little Berlin flat.
When I received a call from this wonderful family about their move from our beloved old neighborhood in Houston, The Heights, to a suburb, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Architectural details are a key element of great interior design, yet many suburban homes often lack character—at least in the neighborhoods I grew up in. But the moment I saw this mid-century modern gem in Littleton, I was smitten. A true diamond in the rough, this home had incredible potential. Nestled in a lush, spacious neighborhood filled with unique homes, it was anything but cookie-cutter. (And if your home is a cookie-cutter design, don’t worry—we can infuse it with personality and style! Just hit that inquire link.)
This mid-century modern home in Littleton boasts a fantastic floor plan, natural flow, and striking architectural details—features that Jamie House Design thoughtfully enhanced. Without moving walls or altering the layout, we focused on maximizing its potential, preserving the original charm while elevating the design. This sprawling, rambling home has a dreamy quality—especially for me, imagining all this space from Berlin. LOL.
I’ll start by sharing the "before" stage and walk you through the transformation, leading up to the final rug installation on Friday. WARNING: un-styled progress pictures ahead!
The original kitchen layout feels scrunched up into one end of the room. Presumably the space can be used for a breakfast space plus a possible storage console. Either way, our client did not want space for a table in the kitchen as the dining table is literally steps from the kitchen. Plus we all dream of a spacious open kitchen. Jamie House Design will always design your kitchen to maximize counter space, prioritize the best appliances for you, and create efficient storage.
Our client’s priority was to preserve as much of the original home as possible. Keeping that in mind, I still sketched out a completely reworked mid-century modern kitchen design to show the best possible layout. I always prioritize my clients' wishes while also offering expert recommendations based on how I envision them living in and using the space. In this case—like in most projects—the client agreed with my vision, and we moved forward while keeping as many of the original cabinets as possible. (We kept those globe flush-mount light fixtures and reused them in other rooms in the house. They’re very high quality and currently on trend.)
That said, those closets had to go. They were a massive waste of space—one likely a pantry, the other a coat closet. Eliminating them allowed us to create a more open, functional flow. The island was also far too small; while we couldn’t make it deeper, we extended it for better usability.
Here are the plans:
The first thing to go in this mid-century modern kitchen remodel was the bulky pantry closets. The original island couldn't be extended because the pantry doors cut into the space, limiting functionality. While we initially considered swapping the ovens and refrigerator for better kitchen flow, keeping the appliances in their original locations allowed us to preserve more of the existing cabinetry—honoring the home’s original design while enhancing efficiency.
To improve both storage and entertaining, I added a secondary area with open shelving, perfect for a beverage and serving station. Since our clients love to host, this space is ideal for setting up drinks and appetizers while keeping guests out of the busy kitchen workspace.
Extending the island created a casual dining spot and a place for someone to sit and chat while another person cooks. Kitchen design should always account for how people naturally gather—because no matter how big a home is, everyone ends up in the kitchen!
The new custom pantry cabinets provide far more storage than the original pantry closet, plus we added electrical outlets for a hidden built-in coffee station—a must-have for streamlined functionality.
To open up the space, I removed all upper cabinets above the cooktop and designed a sleek, minimalist range hood. This creates a natural focal point in the kitchen and allows the space to breathe. Any time I can eliminate upper cabinets, I do—being intentional with kitchen storage creates a more open, inviting atmosphere.
Here’s the progress :
The transformation reveals so much beautiful space. At this point, the new flat-front cabinet doors are in place, the range wall features all-new cabinetry, Jamie House Design preserved the original cabinet boxes throughout the rest of the kitchen for a seamless blend of old and new.
On the other side, you can see the newly added beverage and serving center, designed for both style and functionality. One of my favorite design choices is opting for drawers over cabinets in kitchens. There’s nothing chic about crawling on your knees to dig through the back of a cabinet. Drawers are a must—they’re more efficient and accessible. I always design kitchen’s for ease of use, aiming to make meal prep and entertaining smoother for our clients. After all, your kitchen should make your life easier, whether you’re preparing daily meals or hosting dinner parties.
The new pantry set up functions 100% better than before while taking up less space. There’s room for storing large kitchen items and plenty of space for food. Jamie House Design designed the interior organization of the pantry to be extra functional and easy to maintain.
Adding only the simple custom range hood on the range wall highlights the spaciousness of the new kitchen design. Sure, we could have filled it with upper cabinets, but there was no need—there’s already plenty of storage. Making space for beauty is just as important as function.
Below the cooktop, you'll see cabinet doors instead of drawers, even though I usually prefer drawers. In this case, I matched the existing design elements—sometimes, there are exceptions to the rule. This is exactly why it's so important to hire an experienced interior designer for the process. Small design details make all of the difference.
I will always recommend that your refrigerator be built-in or at minimum LOOK built-in. One of the biggest regrets in kitchen design is designing a beautiful new kitchen but seeing the refrigerator simply sitting next to the cabinets as if no one planned for it at all. A built-in refrigerator keeps the space cohesive and polished, adding to the overall luxury and functionality of your kitchen.
The extra depth in the corner was always there. I honestly didn’t know how to make it better so I let it remain as a place to slide in small appliances. Adding a “garage door” would draw attention to it and I don’t want that. The counter material is also the backsplash so it wraps completely around and makes it feel spacious.
The island is finally in place! Due to space constraints, the island could only be 24” deep, which is the standard depth for lower cabinets in kitchens. This means the functional storage is limited to just one side of the island, which houses basic storage and the garbage receptacles. To keep the back of the island from looking too plain, I added a simple yet striking ribbing detail. It’s an easy treatment that delivers big visual impact. (Spoiler alert: the pendant light over the island mirrors the ribbing, and the home’s paneling throughout echoes the same motif, creating a cohesive design.)
Look at that thoughtfully designed pantry! Jamie House Design incorporates built-in organization to make it easy for you to keep your home maintained and functioning.
The green accent paint is finally in place! This is the stage where you can start to see Jamie House Design’s vision for this mid-century modern kitchen remodel truly coming to life.
With the warm tones of the Saltillo tile floors, the original wood stain was overwhelming. The green we chose is the perfect complement, but we knew that an all-green kitchen would be too much. By opting for white upper cabinets, we’ve created a space that feels open and bright—balancing color with light for a more inviting atmosphere.
When selecting paint colors for your own kitchen design, it’s essential to consider how they’ll look from other rooms in the house. Colors don’t have to match exactly, but they should coordinate. A thoughtfully chosen palette can create a seamless flow from room to room, tying your space together.
One piece of advice I always give my clients: Don’t paint the insides of your cabinets. Instead, leave them stained or lightly stained. Stained wood wears far better than paint, especially in high-use areas like the inside of kitchen cabinets. Yes, I’ve painted the inside of cabinets before and it turned out beautifully, but that was the exception—done with a special hard-wearing finish in a cool accent color and applied by a professional.
If you're inspired by this mid-century modern kitchen remodel and want to create a space that’s both functional and beautiful, message me today. Let’s discuss how Jamie House Design can help bring your kitchen vision to life!
Designing Your Mountain Retreat from Afar—It Works | Full-Service Interior Design for Mountain Living
Purchasing a second home in the mountains is an exciting venture, but designing it from a distance can feel overwhelming. At Jamie House Design, we specialize in high-end luxury interiors, seamlessly managing projects remotely while delivering personalized, beautifully curated spaces. Whether your mountain retreat is a new build, a renovation, or simply needs furnishing, our process ensures every detail is handled with expertise and care.
Purchasing a second home in the mountains is an exciting venture, but designing it from a distance can feel overwhelming. At Jamie House Design, we specialize in high-end luxury interiors, seamlessly managing projects remotely while delivering personalized, beautifully curated spaces. Whether your mountain retreat is a new build, a renovation, or simply needs furnishing, our process ensures every detail is handled with expertise and care.
Our Streamlined Process for Remote Interior Design
1. Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Vision
Your journey begins with an initial consultation via video or phone call. We discuss your design goals, lifestyle needs, and how involved you’d like to be in the process. Whether you want to be hands-on or prefer a turnkey experience, we tailor our approach to your preferences.
2. Defining the Scope of Work
After our conversation, we develop a customized design plan based on your needs. This includes a clear breakdown of design services, furniture budgets, and estimated timelines. For new builds or renovations, we work closely with architects and contractors to ensure seamless execution.
3. Design Development: Bringing Your Vision to Life
This phase is where the creativity happens! We select finishes, furnishings, lighting, hardware, and more, ensuring a perfect blend of high-end luxury and mountain living charm. If your project is primarily furnishing, we create cohesive furniture layouts and curate pieces that reflect your style while complementing the natural beauty of your location.
We provide detailed design presentations, complete with mood boards, floor plans, and physical samples (shipped to you if you're not local). Whether your home is nestled in Aspen, Vail, or the foothills outside Denver, we ensure every choice enhances your mountain retreat.
4. Implementation & Project Coordination
For construction projects, we collaborate with your contractor, providing detailed specifications and regularly reviewing progress. If your home is outside of Denver, we conduct remote site visits and coordinate deliveries, installations, and quality checks to ensure everything meets our standards.
For full-home furnishings, we oversee ordering, shipping, and installation. Our receiving warehouse ensures all items arrive in pristine condition before being delivered to your home.
5. The Finishing Touches: Move-In Ready Design
The final stage is where your mountain home comes to life. We travel to your property to install furnishings, style accessories, and ensure every last detail is perfect. From custom window treatments to curated art placements, we create a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Why Designing from a Distance Works
Our success lies in extensive communication and meticulous planning. We use video calls, detailed design documentation, and constant collaboration with contractors to keep your project on track. By combining our expertise with a streamlined remote process, we eliminate the stress of long-distance home design.
At Jamie House Design, we bring over 20 years of interior design experience to create timeless, high-quality interiors tailored to your lifestyle. Whether your mountain retreat is a contemporary ski-in/ski-out escape or a rustic-luxe getaway, we handle every detail to make your dream home a reality.
Let’s create a luxurious, high-style space that reflects your vision—contact Jamie House Design today to begin designing your mountain home.
Why I'm a residential interior designer: a reintroduction | Jamie House Design
I have always believed that the way we design our homes has a profound impact on how we live. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function, comfort, and creating a sanctuary that supports and enhances your lifestyle. That belief is the foundation of Jamie House Design.
With nearly 20 years of experience in high-end residential design, I have worked on projects ranging from small historic remodels to expansive 12,000-square-foot new construction homes. My career has taken me across Houston, Florida, the Cayman Islands, and even China, collaborating with discerning clients to craft deeply personal, beautifully layered interiors. Before launching Jamie House Design, I honed my skills at several luxury interior design firms, developing a signature approach that embraces color, pattern, texture, antiques, and original art in all its forms—from canvas to pottery.
I have always believed that the way we design our homes has a profound impact on how we live. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function, comfort, and creating a sanctuary that supports and enhances your lifestyle. That belief is the foundation of Jamie House Design.
With nearly 20 years of experience in high-end residential design, I have worked on projects ranging from small historic remodels to expansive 12,000-square-foot new construction homes. My career has taken me across Houston, Florida, the Cayman Islands, and even China, collaborating with discerning clients to craft deeply personal, beautifully layered interiors. Before launching Jamie House Design, I honed my skills at several luxury interior design firms, developing a signature approach that embraces color, pattern, texture, antiques, and original art in all its forms—from canvas to pottery.
My passion lies in working closely with people, truly understanding their needs, and improving their daily lives through thoughtful design. A well-designed home should reduce stress, providing a peaceful, functional space where everything has its place—exactly where you need it. From custom millwork that maximizes storage to carefully curated furnishings and art, I focus on the details that make a home feel effortlessly elegant and uniquely yours.
I don’t believe in simply choosing art to match a sofa. Instead, I curate meaningful collections over time, layering textures, antiques, and unique pieces that tell a story and create a lived-in, welcoming environment. My goal is to design homes that feel deeply personal, timeless, and like a true retreat from the outside world.
Your home should work for you in every way. Whether it’s a kitchen designed to streamline your morning routine, a living space that invites relaxation, or a bedroom that feels like a private sanctuary, my approach to full-service interior design ensures every detail is considered and beautifully executed.
If you’re ready to transform your home into a place that enhances your life, Jamie House Design is here to guide you through the process. Let’s create a space that is as functional as it is stunning—a true reflection of you. Contact us today to get started.
Designing a Stylish, Family-Friendly Home: Debunking Common Myths
As a seasoned interior designer with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with families across Denver, Littleton, and beyond to create homes that are both stunning and functional. At Jamie House Design, we believe that having children doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or style. Your home should serve your family beautifully, providing comfort, practicality, and a refined aesthetic that enhances daily life. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about designing with kids in mind.
As a seasoned interior designer with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with families across Denver, Littleton, and beyond to create homes that are both stunning and functional. At Jamie House Design, we believe that having children doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or style. Your home should serve your family beautifully, providing comfort, practicality, and a refined aesthetic that enhances daily life. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about designing with kids in mind.
Myth 1: We Can’t Have Nice Things Until Our Kids Move Out
Absolutely not! Having children is not a reason to put your dream home on hold. Your environment influences how you live and how your children learn to care for their surroundings. Instead of opting for temporary, low-quality furnishings, invest in high-end, durable pieces that can withstand family life.
Choose Performance Fabrics: Crypton, indoor/outdoor fabrics, and stain-resistant treatments make sofas and chairs both stylish and practical.
Invest in Quality: Well-made furniture lasts. A $200 sofa won’t survive kids jumping on it, but a well-crafted one will.
Teach Kids to Respect Their Home: When children grow up in a beautifully designed space, they learn the value of taking care of their environment.
Myth 2: Kids’ Rooms Should Be Theme-Based
Your child may love cars, princesses, or dinosaurs now, but their tastes will evolve. Rather than designing a space that feels like a theme park, opt for a timeless approach with meaningful decor:
Quality Art Over Cartoon Characters: Invest in student art, antique pieces, or original works that can grow with them.
Classic Furniture with Personality: Mix and match furniture rather than buying matching sets, helping kids develop their own aesthetic preferences over time.
Layered Textures and Colors: Instead of a Frozen-themed room, incorporate subtle nods to their interests with accessories that can be easily updated.
Myth 3: We Can’t Have Nice Rugs Because Kids Spill
A well-chosen rug is not only stylish but also practical:
Wool is Naturally Stain-Resistant: Thanks to its lanolin coating, wool repels stains and is incredibly durable.
Antique Rugs Hide Wear and Tear: Their intricate patterns naturally camouflage spills and daily life.
Avoid Cheap, Synthetic Rugs: Low-quality rugs off-gas harmful chemicals, which isn’t ideal for kids who spend time playing on the floor.
Designing a Home That Grows with Your Family
At Jamie House Design, we believe in creating homes that evolve with your family while maintaining a sophisticated, livable aesthetic. The details matter—collected antiques, layered textures, and original art make a home deeply personal. We design with intention, ensuring that your space not only looks beautiful but also enhances your everyday life.
Ready to elevate your home without sacrificing function? Contact Jamie House Design for full-service interior design in Denver, Littleton, and beyond. Let’s create a space where luxury meets livability for your family.