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.
Bringing a Mid-Century Modern Gem Back to Life
At Jamie House Design, we believe in honoring the architectural integrity of every home while making it functional for modern living. When we had the opportunity to collaborate with P&G Homes on the renovation of a neglected Mid-Century Modern house, we saw immense potential. Our goal was to restore and elevate this home, balancing its original charm with thoughtful updates. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, our love for mid-century modern design extends to homeowners in Littleton and beyond.
At Jamie House Design, we believe in honoring the architectural integrity of every home while making it functional for modern living. When we had the opportunity to collaborate with P&G Homes on the renovation of a neglected Mid-Century Modern house, we saw immense potential. Our goal was to restore and elevate this home, balancing its original charm with thoughtful updates. While Jamie House Design is now based in Denver, our love for mid-century modern design extends to homeowners in Littleton and beyond.
Reimagining the Floor Plan for Modern Living
Mid-century modern homes are known for their seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, but this home needed significant updates to enhance flow and functionality. We opened up the main living area, added more access points to the courtyard, and created a more symmetrical layout by reconfiguring the steel-framed windows. A large master closet was added, and the laundry room was brought indoors—small yet impactful changes that cater to contemporary lifestyles.
Before
After
Exterior Transformation: A Fresh Approach to Classic Design
The home’s exterior underwent a major transformation. While we typically advocate for preserving original brick, in this case, painting was necessary to unify new brick additions with the existing structure. The front door—a true mid-century treasure—was restored and painted a striking turquoise, paying homage to the home’s original character.
Landscaping was completely refreshed by Tim Turner, incorporating modern concrete pavers and native plantings. We maintained the integrity of the site by preserving the existing trees, and new globe lights from Hip Haven in Austin completed the exterior’s updated mid-century appeal.
Living/ Dining Before
Living/ Dining After
A Cohesive and Functional Living Space
The living and dining areas originally felt disjointed due to an awkward HVAC chase and inconsistent flooring. We removed these barriers, introduced cork flooring throughout, and restructured the window placements to create symmetry. The updated space allows for multiple furniture configurations, making it adaptable for homeowners. Furnishings and artwork, generously provided by Lynne Goode Vintage, brought warmth and authenticity to the staging.
Before
After
Streamlined and Stylish Hallway
The hallway, previously an underutilized space, now serves as a functional passageway with added closets and a utility room. The interior brick was selectively painted where necessary to create a seamless transition between materials. We also introduced dark green doors—a nod to the home’s original color palette.
Hall Bath Before
Hall Bath After
A Hall Bath Designed for Everyday Luxury
Previously oversized and inefficient, the hall bath was divided into a vanity area and a wet room featuring a floating double-sink vanity. Subtle green marble and vintage-inspired globe pendant lighting pay tribute to the home’s mid-century roots. All cabinetry was custom-designed by Jamie House Design and expertly built on-site by P&G Homes’ skilled millworkers.
Before
After
A Kitchen That Honors the Era While Elevating Functionality
The kitchen was completely reimagined, featuring custom walnut cabinetry, a gray limestone countertop with directional veining, and a sleek glass mosaic backsplash. The updated layout includes hidden conveniences like pull-out pantry cabinets and built-in mail nooks. To improve access, we added a new exterior door, allowing homeowners to bring in groceries without walking through the living area.
The area off the back of the kitchen previously was a small office area. We added a door to the outside, so a person doesn't have to walk thru the living room with groceries. The cabinets feature mail nooks, a small desk and large pull-out pantry cabinets not shown in the shot.
Before
After
A Master Suite Designed for Modern Living
The primary bedroom saw the most significant layout changes. By converting a former office into a spacious walk-in closet, we created a more luxurious and functional master suite. The primary bathroom, once completely impractical, was rebuilt from the ground up. A large Calcutta marble shower, polished nickel fixtures, and a bright, airy design transform this space into a private retreat.
Master Bath Before
Master Bath After
Nothing in the master bath could remain. The entrance to the master bath from the bedroom is actually where the toilet is in the before image. The ceiling height remains. I attempted to pick lighting, mirrors, plumbing etc that reminiscences to Mid-Century Modern at least. When selling a bathroom to home buyers it must be bright and clean. The floor is a small white brick mosaic and the large shower is Calcutta marble tiles.
The chandelier in the closet is reused from the previous dining area. It had to be rewired and restored but it was worth it, it's a stunner.
Before
After
This is the powder room off of the closet. I kept everything white and open using the wall color to add some punch. The mini brick mosaic on the floor is the same as the master bath.
Before
The Concept
Restoring the Studio: A Bonus Space with Endless Potential
One of the most unique features of this property is the detached studio, which also serves as a carport. Severely damaged by Hurricane Ike, it required extensive engineering and structural reinforcement. We reconfigured the stairs for better access and added a covered entry to provide shelter from Houston’s frequent storms.
After
Inside, the studio was completely overhauled. What was once an unlivable space with rotting paneling and moldy carpet is now a fully functional guest suite, complete with a kitchenette and full bath. We retained the original loft ladder and embraced a happy accident—primer soaking into the ceiling’s wood grain, creating a unique finish we decided to keep.
Before
After
Inside, the studio was completely overhauled. What was once an unlivable space with rotting paneling and moldy carpet is now a fully functional guest suite, complete with a kitchenette and full bath. We retained the original loft ladder and embraced a happy accident—primer soaking into the ceiling’s wood grain, creating a unique finish we decided to keep.
A Proud Achievement in Preservation and Design
This project was more than a renovation—it was a restoration of a mid-century modern home’s soul. The transformation was so striking that it was featured in the Houston Chronicle and earned a nomination in the HGTV Fresh Faces of Design contest.
At Jamie House Design, we’re passionate about preserving the past while designing for the future. Now based in Denver, we continue to bring our expertise in mid-century modern design to homeowners in Littleton and across Colorado. If you’re looking to restore or update your mid-century home, we’d love to collaborate with you!
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.
HGTV Fresh Faces of Design
Jamie House, founder of Jamie House Design, was nominated for HGTV’s Fresh Faces of Design 2014 for Most Dramatic Transformation, showcasing her bold, visionary style.
I am so excited to tell you all that I've been nominated in the Most Dramatic Transformation category for HGTV's Fresh Faces of Design contest! I am thrilled to be nominated.
The room that's up for vote is the main living space in the Mid-Century Modern home I designed for P&G Homes. We did a lot to change this space while maintaining the original character and intent.
The original space had an HVAC chase running through the middle of the room. It had some cabinets along the brick wall, two separate doors to the entry, the portion of the space near the back windows and doors was a step lower than the rest of the house. That was a real hazard! Someone actually fell there while the house was originally up for sale. We added the ceiling fans. The door to the backdoor was moved to the middle of the windows and enlarged. One major change that's not very noticeable is how we changed the windows on the back wall to symmetrically line up with each other.
I'd LOVE and be forever grateful for you to vote for me. You can vote on each image everyday till December 11th. Here's the link: http://www.hgtv.com/content/hgtv-photos/en/photo.html/spacious-modern-living-space-with-vaulted-ceiling-and-brick-wall
Click the arrows on the right to move through the images. A blue vote button will be at the top of each image, unless you're on your phone then it will be below each image.
Thanks y'all!
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to offer expert interior design services for high-end remodels in Houston and beyond. 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 a kitchen remodel, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact Jamie House Design today to discuss your project.