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!
Mid-Century Modern Renovation | Littleton CO
At Jamie House Design, we are excited to introduce a stunning mid-century modern full-home renovation project in Littleton, CO. This home, originally built in 1977, had remained largely untouched—preserving the character and architectural charm that make mid-century homes so special. Our goal? To modernize the space while maintaining its original integrity, creating a stylish, functional home for a client who values full-service interior design and timeless aesthetics.
At Jamie House Design, we are excited to introduce a stunning mid-century modern full-home renovation project in Littleton, CO. This home, originally built in 1977, had remained largely untouched—preserving the character and architectural charm that make mid-century homes so special. Our goal? To modernize the space while maintaining its original integrity, creating a stylish, functional home for a client who values full-service interior design and timeless aesthetics.
The pictures I’m sharing are before images with a smattering of in-progress shots.
Preserving Mid-Century Character While Modernizing
One of the most remarkable features of this home is its original architecture, including soaring ceilings and gorgeous saltillo tile flooring running throughout its 3,400 square feet. We knew immediately that these elements had to remain untouched to retain the home’s character. Instead, we focused on updating outdated finishes, reconfiguring inefficient layouts, and integrating modern conveniences—all while staying true to the mid-century modern aesthetic.
A new front door to fit the period of home, including new outdoor lighting and limewashed brick. In progress phone pic.
In progress : Kitchen beyond is nearing completion, the dining room built-ins remain the beautiful wood to compliment the dramatic ceiling, Jamie House Design added bone and brass hardware for a mid-century modern update. The dining table and chairs will be stunning with the Palecek chandelier.
Kitchen Transformation: Function Meets Design
The original kitchen layout underutilized space, with oversized pantries limiting functionality and a lack of ample workspace. Our renovation included:
Expanding the kitchen footprint for better flow and usability.
Installing custom cabinetry that enhances both storage and style.
Upgrading to modern appliances that complement the home’s sleek mid-century lines.
Retaining original flush-mount light fixtures, a subtle nod to the home’s past.
The result? A highly functional yet beautifully designed kitchen that feels both fresh and era-appropriate.
The simplified and expanding kitchen design by Jamie House Design is nearing completion featuring an expanding work space, a coffee bar, historic mid-century modern paint colors, and professional appliances.
Primary Suite: A Retreat Designed for Comfort
The primary bedroom offered generous space but lacked an intuitive furniture layout. To maximize functionality, we designed around the room’s existing windows, seamlessly incorporating them into the overall aesthetic. Key updates included:
Custom window treatments to enhance privacy while maintaining natural light.
A thoughtfully designed bed placement that balances symmetry and style.
A neutral, sophisticated color palette to replace outdated beige tones.
In all of the bathrooms Jamie House Design maintained the original vanity cabinets and counters. The counters are a great neutral poured material in pristine condition. The penny tiles with modern mirrors and plumbing provide a much needed modern update to the mid-century modern home.
Remodeled primary suite wet room features terrazzo and penny tiles in neutral shades highlighted by brass plumbing fixtures.
In the primary bathroom, we transformed a dated and inefficient space into a luxurious retreat by:
Updating all surfaces with modern yet timeless materials.
Redesigning the wet room to improve functionality and flow.
Retaining and refinishing original cabinetry to preserve mid-century charm.
Study & Living Spaces: Cohesive, Curated, and Timeless
The home’s study featured original wood flooring and a unique sloped ceiling. To maintain its charm while optimizing storage, we:
Expanded and painted the built-in bookshelves for a more cohesive look.
Updated lighting fixtures to remove outdated track lighting.
Kept the stained glass detail, embracing the home’s history while incorporating modern furnishings.
Throughout the home, we carefully selected designer furniture and accessories to complement the architecture and provide a truly curated, high-end finish. This is the essence of our full-service interior design approach—blending modern updates with timeless mid-century details to create a home that feels both luxurious and livable.
Jamie House Design used the existing shelving but expanded it to the ceiling to create an expansive feeling in the mid-century modern study that features a stunning wood ceiling. In progress shot.
Elevating Mid-Century Modern Homes in Littleton, CO
This project has been an exciting journey, and while the renovation is nearly complete, the final furniture installations will wrap up early next year. At Jamie House Design, we specialize in creating custom, high-end interiors that honor architectural history while bringing homes into the present. If you're considering a mid-century modern renovation in Littleton, CO, we would love to bring your vision to life.
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to offer expert interior design services for high-end remodels throughout the US and abroad. Whether you’re preserving a beloved home or updating a space to better suit your lifestyle, we bring thoughtful design, timeless materials, and unparalleled attention to detail.
If you’re considering an interior design project, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact Jamie House Design today to discuss your project.
How We Transformed a Dilapidated Bungalow Into Something Special
Transforming a home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about honoring its history while enhancing its functionality and beauty. This project, a remarkable bungalow remodel in Houston, showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. With before-and-after photos that highlight the dramatic transformation, this home now exudes warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
This project was a true labor of love, and I couldn’t be more proud of the results. If you are looking to remodel or build a home that blends timeless design with modern luxury, Jamie House Design is here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something extraordinary together—contact us today to get started!
Transforming a home is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about honoring its history while enhancing its functionality and beauty. This project, a remarkable bungalow remodel in Houston, showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. With before-and-after photos that highlight the dramatic transformation, this home now exudes warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
Preserving the Character of a Historic Bungalow
As someone who lives in a 1920s bungalow in the Houston Heights, I have a deep appreciation for maintaining the integrity of historic homes. At Jamie House Design, we prioritize working with builders and homeowners who are dedicated to preserving the charm of their neighborhoods while upgrading homes with modern comforts and elevated design.
Exterior Revamp: A Fresh, Modern Take on Bungalow Style
The exterior of the home underwent a dramatic transformation. The original structure was outdated and enclosed by a towering fence. By reimagining the façade, we introduced:
A new roofline to accommodate interior ceiling changes
A lower, modern wood-and-wire fence for an open and welcoming aesthetic
Contemporary poured concrete pavers leading to the entrance
Native grasses and thoughtful landscaping for a fresh yet timeless curb appeal
A refined color palette of cream paneling with soft blue accents
This careful blend of traditional bungalow elements with modern enhancements ensures the home feels both classic and current.
Craftsmanship & Architectural Detailing
Inside, architectural details play a crucial role in elevating the home’s design. Craftsman-style columns and built-in bookcases create natural divisions between the entrance, dining, and study. Heavy craftsman moldings frame the windows, adding depth and authenticity. One particularly special touch was sourcing antique light fixtures from the same era as the home, enhancing its historical charm.
P&G Homes’ talented craftsmen share my commitment to superior millwork, allowing us to create spaces that feel beautifully designed even before furniture is added. My design philosophy is to ensure that the home’s architecture stands strong on its own, enhancing both form and function.
Kitchen Transformation: A Light-Filled Showpiece
One of the most striking changes in this home is the kitchen, now seamlessly integrated with the family room. Raising the ceiling allowed us to introduce clerestory windows, exposed beams, and elegant wall sconces that blend harmoniously into the architecture. The new kitchen features:
Granite countertops
Classic subway tile backsplash
Soft gray cabinetry
A spacious eat-in island with a built-in sink
The result? A bright, inviting space perfect for entertaining and everyday living.
Reimagining the Floor Plan for Modern Living
The floor plan reconfiguration enabled us to optimize the home’s layout, creating a seamless flow between spaces.
Secondary Bedroom: Featuring rich craftsman moldings and beautifully stained oak floors, this space exudes warmth and character.
Hall Bathroom: A complete down-to-the-studs renovation, featuring classic white hex mosaic flooring, white subway tile wainscoting, and a custom vanity with a black marble countertop and linen storage.
Family Room Enhancement: The addition of a tray ceiling brings depth and openness to the space, while large windows on two sides flood the room with natural light.
Primary Suite Expansion: A thoughtfully designed primary retreat now boasts a spa-like bathroom with a dual-sink custom vanity, black marble countertops, and a custom-framed mirror spanning the length of the vanity. The space also includes a luxurious walk-in shower, water closet, and a walk-in closet with custom built-ins for maximized storage.
Garage & Outdoor Living Space
The original one-car garage was reconstructed and expanded to include a covered carport, offering additional parking or a shaded outdoor retreat. The surrounding area, framed by stunning Live Oak trees, provides a serene and picturesque setting.
This project was completed during my years working in Houston's historic Heights neighborhood, one of the most design-rich environments I've worked in, and one that shaped how I think about historic homes today. The constraints of preserving original character while making a home genuinely livable for modern life are the same whether I'm working in Houston's Heights or Littleton's Old Town. If you're working with a home that has real bones and needs someone who knows what to do with them, I'd love to hear about it.
Before & After: A Stunning Home Transformation | Follow Up
At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family Living
From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.
At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family Living
From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.
Since we were working with a strict budget, every selection was thoughtfully curated. Many of the plumbing fixtures were sourced from Home Depot, but we elevated the overall aesthetic by using premium materials in strategic ways—opting for unique tile layouts, custom millwork, and high-impact details.
Dining Room Transformation
Added custom-designed built-ins for elegant wine storage
Maintained deep window wells for architectural charm
Installed new walnut wood flooring for warmth and sophistication
Replaced outdated lighting with modern fixtures
Kitchen Redesign
Removed the existing fireplace to expand the kitchen and allow for a spacious island with seating
Installed luxurious Panda marble on the island with honed black granite on the perimeter counters
Laid new marble tile floors with intricate border details in the hallways and entry
Optimized kitchen lighting with new recessed fixtures
Installed a Carrera marble subway tile backsplash with a striking mosaic inset above the cooktop
Upgraded to a professional 36” gas cooktop with a convenient pot filler
Designed and installed custom cabinetry for maximum storage and efficiency
Seamless Kitchen & Family Room Integration
Replaced the enclosed doorway with a cased opening to improve flow and allow for additional counter seating
Extended the stone tile flooring into the family room for continuity
Mudroom Upgrade
Designed and built a full wall of custom cabinetry, including:
A cozy window seat
Individual lockers for family members
A dedicated laundry folding station
A deep laundry sink for convenience
Hall Bathroom Revamp
Installed a custom vanity and linen storage
Selected timeless Crema Marfil marble counters with undermount sinks
Enhanced the space with brushed nickel hardware and full-framed mirrors
Primary Suite Reimagined
Removed outdated decorative windows between the bedroom and bathroom for added privacy
Upgraded from vinyl flooring to rich walnut wood floors
Installed custom-built storage solutions for clothing and accessories
Refreshed the primary closet with a fresh coat of paint and plush wall-to-wall carpet, transforming it into a dream-worthy dressing room
Primary Bathroom: A Spa-Like Escape
Replaced dated diagonal wall paneling with sleek, timeless finishes
Removed the oversized hot tub and outdated fluorescent lighting
Installed elegant white marble floors with soft veining
Designed custom gray double vanities topped with luxurious marble
Selected modern wall sconces to enhance the ambiance
Created a curbless walk-in shower with a marble bench that extends seamlessly into the deep soaking tub
Chose polished nickel plumbing fixtures and a full spa shower with a built-in storage ledge
A Home Ready for the Next Chapter
One of the most challenging aspects of designing for a spec home is not being able to fully furnish and style it post-remodel, but this home is brimming with potential. Every detail was chosen to appeal to a discerning homeowner who values quality, thoughtful design, and timeless style.
Now based in Centennial CO, Jamie House Design brings the same expertise in high-end home transformations to families looking to remodel in the South Denver area. Whether you're updating a historic home or designing a new space, we create interiors that balance beauty with everyday functionality.
If you're ready to transform your home, reach out to start a conversation.