Hi friends,

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.

Here’s a question for you. What’s on your mind? What could I write about in The Midmod Corner this year that would be helpful for you? I’m brainstorming content ideas for this year, but always wanna ensure this newsletter is focused on getting you what you need.

You can reply right to this email with thoughts, feelings, & ideas.

Until then, let’s dive into this week’s content.

The Story

MCM Remodeling Without a Time Machine

Few weeks ago, I shared an Instagram Reel that unexpectedly sparked a lively conversation about a concerning trend: painting the wood of mid-century modern houses white. It turns out, there's a passionate community of mid-century modern enthusiasts among us, and they had a lot to say.

In case you missed the Reel, you can catch it here. Today, I want to delve deeper into the essence of preserving and boosting the unique vibe of mid-century modern homes—no time machine required!

1. Get to Know Your Space, Seriously

Le Corbusier once said, "A house is a machine for living in." So, before you go wild with the renovations, spend quality time within your mid-century modern home. Explore its nooks and crannies, appreciate its quirks, and let the character unfold. Start slow and let the distinct character of your Mid Mod home reveal itself.

2. Embrace Natural Beauty, Let the Wood Shine

A steadfast rule for mid-century modern connoisseurs: If it hasn't been painted, don’t paint it. Mid-century modern homes come packed with natural beauty—wood panels, stone, brick, you name it. Resist the urge to whitewash everything. Instead, give them some TLC. Clean, restore, or get creative with these materials. For a brighter space, consider colorful paintings, additional lighting, or even a skylight.

3. Small Stuff Matters: Details, Details, Details

Modernism is all about the nitty-gritty. Don't get lost in the sea of midcentury wannabes. Take a good, long look at your home; there's magic in the details. Original brickwork, front doors, ceramic tiles, vintage stereo systems—they're the spice of mid-century life. Once they're gone, they can't be easily replaced.

4. Don't Trash the Treasure

Don't be too quick to replace old cabinet hardware, door handles, or light fixtures. Live with them for a while; you might find yourself falling in love with the authentic mid-century look. Clean, polish, or re-plate them if needed. Rushing to modernize might mean losing incredible, irreplaceable hardware.

5. Take the Inside Out (Literally)

Mid-century modern homes don't just stop at the door; they spill into outdoor spaces. Think angles, geometric shapes, and a mix of materials. Flagstone, slate, concrete, wood—mix it up! Make those outdoor spaces as inviting and accessible as the indoors. After all, mid-century design is all about that seamless connection between inside and outside.

Preserving the everlasting charm of mid-century modern homes is an art. It takes time, patience, and a keen eye for detail. Let's keep the vibe alive and ensure these homes continue spinning their tales for generations.

Stay in the loop,

Around The Web

YouTube Delight: Get ready for a visual treat with 'Home Decor Homies,' an amazing YouTube series by Kellie Brown. Join her on tours of her friends' beautifully decorated apartments (link)

Creative Hub: Explore artistic living at Ray Philly. Designed by Leong Leong, the building is a true design masterpiece with street-access studios, communal spaces, and an artsy lobby (link)

Smart Home Revolution: IKEA steps into the world of smart home monitoring, blending style and functionality. Dive into the future of living with IKEA's innovative contributions to the connected home (link)

Architects Turned Designers: Step back in time and into the iconic designs of 20th-century architects. A journey into the legacy of master architects shaping our living spaces (link)

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