A Designer’s Guide to Renovating Your Orange County Mid-Century Home

There’s something truly magical about a mid-century home—flat rooflines, long horizontal planes, and floor-to-ceiling glass that lets the sunshine pour in. This iconic design aesthetic is characterized by sleek lines, open spaces, and a blend of indoor and outdoor living. In Orange County, where the climate invites year-round al fresco living, this architecture feels especially well-suited—blurring the line between structure and landscape.

If you’re lucky enough to own one of these architectural gems, you already know: they deserve thoughtful renovation—ideally with the expertise of an experienced Orange County interior designer who respects the nuances of the mid-century interior design style. Done well, a mid-century renovation blends reverence for original details with modern livability, creating something that feels at once timeless and tailored. Whether you're opening up the layout, upgrading finishes, or refining the decor, here are a few expert tips to help you bring your space into its next beautiful chapter.

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Embrace the Open Layout—But Define It with Intention

One of the hallmarks of mid-century architecture is the open floor plan—a forward-thinking idea that emphasized flow, light, and connection long before it became a buzzword. But not all homes from the era fully embraced it, and many have since been chopped up by misguided renovations. If your space feels disjointed, consider thoughtfully removing non-load-bearing walls to restore that sense of movement and openness.

That said, open doesn’t mean empty. A well-designed layout uses both architecture and furnishings to subtly define zones. Wide transitions—especially those framed by cabinetry, shelving that wraps around a corner, or low partitions—allow your eye to travel freely from space to space while still giving each area its own identity.

Design Insight:
Our minds are surprisingly generous. Even when something like a table lamp or shelving unit partially “blocks” the view, your brain fills in the rest—especially across wide openings. Instead of fixating on keeping everything in your line of sight, focus on functionality and layering to create cozy vignettes. A strategically placed rug or reading chair won't break the flow; it'll enhance it.

Source: Zillow

Design by Joanna Gains

Use Planes and Transitions to Shape Space

Mid-century design is all about honoring horizontal and vertical lines. Use the planes of your ceiling and floor to delineate spaces in subtle, architectural ways. Consider stepping down into a sunken living area, varying ceiling heights, or changing flooring material to shift the mood from one zone to the next. These layered transitions allow the home to feel open and intentionally arranged.

Design Insight:
Use area rugs, lighting, and anchored furniture groupings to create cozy, functional zones. A low-slung sofa on a thick woven rug can instantly define a conversation area, while pendant lights or directional sconces help emphasize purpose without interrupting the openness.

Designed by MRTN Architects Source

Design by Yond Interiors

Respect the Aesthetic—But Make it Your Own

The mid-century interior design style celebrates simplicity, honesty of materials, and organic forms—principles that still resonate deeply in well-designed homes today. But that doesn’t mean your home has to look like a time capsule. Channel the spirit of the era with clean-lined furniture, warm woods, and low profiles—but make it yours.

Pro Tip:
Modern luxury is all about restraint. Invest in timeless pieces: a sleek walnut console, a sculptural chair with worn-in leather, or a minimalist pendant light that nods to the 1960s without screaming retro. Layer in era-inspired colors—like olive, ochre, or rust—through art, upholstery, or even tile. Just keep the palette curated, not chaotic.

Designed by MRTN Architects Source

Photo by Rollins Andrew Interiors

Let Natural Light Lead the Way

Glass walls and clerestory windows are some of the most beloved features in mid-century homes. If your home has them, preserve them. If it doesn’t, now is the time to consider strategic additions. Oversized sliding doors, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling glazing can drastically improve the way your home feels from morning to night. You can also use mirrors or glossy surfaces to reflect light deeper into the home. A mirrored wall behind a floating console or a metallic backsplash in the kitchen can subtly bounce light and expand space.

Pro Tip:

Don’t let window treatments be an afterthought—they should complement the architecture, not compete with it. For sun protection that doesn’t block a killer view, opt for minimal roller shades that filter light without distraction. Where privacy or blackout is needed, floor-to-ceiling drapery on a recessed ceiling track adds softness and function without interrupting the clean lines of floor to ceiling glass.

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Design by Studio Mellone

Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connections

One of the joys of mid-century design is the blur between inside and out. Renovating with this in mind means more than just opening up the back of the house—it’s about material continuity. Think terrazzo that flows from the living room onto the patio, brick that wraps from the fireplace out to the exterior wall, or slatted wood ceilings that stretch across the soffit outside.

Design Insight:

Low-slung rooflines and extended overhangs are part of the DNA. If you're renovating, consider enhancing or restoring these features—they provide sun protection and style in equal measure. And treat your outdoor space as a true extension of the home—furnish it thoughtfully with pieces that mirror your interior materials, and build in elements like outdoor storage, integrated planters, or a modern fire pit.

Design by Studio Mellone

Photo by AG Milworks

Invest in Materials That Stand the Test of Time

Mid-century homes were built with longevity in mind—and your renovation should follow suit. Avoid overly trendy finishes and instead focus on material integrity. Natural wood, stone, handcrafted tile, and metal finishes that patina over time will feel more authentic and luxurious than anything flashy or synthetic.

Pro Tip: 

Don’t rip out the good stuff! If you’ve inherited original built-ins, paneling, or wood floors, refinish and reinterpret them. They’re what make your home special.

Designed by Penny Black Interiors

Designed by Barbara Bestor

Layer In Personality—With Thoughtful Restraint

A mid-century home doesn't need a lot of embellishment. But that doesn't mean it should feel generic. Art, textiles, and collected objects should be curated and intentional—each piece telling a bit of your story. The best spaces feel designed, not decorated.

Pro Tip: 

Try pairing something vintage (like an Eames lounge or a George Nelson lamp) with something unexpected and current. This juxtaposition gives your home a sense of timelessness that never feels stuck in the past.

Design by Yond Interiors

Designed by Christina Kim

Conclusion
Renovating a mid-century home is equal parts preservation and possibility. In Orange County, where indoor-outdoor living is a way of life, these homes are perfectly suited for a thoughtful refresh. Embrace the unique architectural features, keep the materials honest, and infuse your personal style. With the right balance of reverence and reinvention, your home can celebrate the best of the mid-century era while giving you the comfort and tailored functionality of modern life.

Looking for thoughtful, expert design for your Orange County mid-century home? As an Orange County interior designer with a deep appreciation for the mid-century interior design style, we’d be honored to help—reach out to get started.

Elevating Your Space: How Hiring an Interior Designer Can Make Your Home More Elegant

Your home is a reflection of your personality and style, and every detail matters when it comes to creating a space that truly speaks to you. While DIY home decor projects can be enjoyable, there's an art to crafting a cohesive and elegant look that goes beyond arranging furniture and picking paint colors. This is where the expertise of an interior designer comes into play. Hiring an interior designer can transform your space into an oasis of elegance, combining functionality with aesthetics in a way that captures the essence of your vision. In this blog, we'll explore how the guidance of a professional interior designer can elevate your home's elegance to a whole new level.

1. Personalized Aesthetic

Interior designers possess a unique ability to translate your personal preferences into tangible design elements. By working closely with you, they can understand your style, preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic, an interior designer can curate every aspect of your home to align with your aesthetic vision.

2. Fusion of Beauty and Functionality

Elegance is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also functional and practical for everyday living. This is where the expertise of an interior designer truly shines. By deeply understanding your aesthetic preferences and how you intend to use each space, a skilled designer ensures that every layout decision, from furniture placement to traffic flow, maximizes the potential of your space and strikes the delicate balance between aesthetics and usability. This craftsmanship culminates in spaces that not only looks stunning but also enhances your daily life.

3. Attention to Detail

Elegance often lies in the details. Interior designers have an eye for detail and pay extra attention to aspects of the home that a homeowner may not. With their keen eye for selecting the right accessories, finishes, and textures, they can enhance the overall ambiance of a room. From choosing the perfect lighting fixtures to selecting fabrics that complement each other, their attention to detail elevates your home's atmosphere from ordinary to extraordinary.

4. Customization and Uniqueness

Cookie-cutter designs can't match the exclusivity that an interior designer can bring to your home. With an interior designer, You’ll take more risks (in all the right ways). They can suggest custom-made furniture, unique decor pieces, and one-of-a-kind artwork that align with your vision. This level of customization adds an air of sophistication that is hard to achieve through mass-produced items.

5.Access to Reliable Contractors and Tradesmen

One of the often-overlooked benefits of hiring an interior designer is the network of professionals they bring to the table. From skilled contractors to experienced tradesmen, interior designers have established connections with reliable professionals in the industry. This competent craftsmen that they can recommend and oversee during the project ensures that any renovation or remodeling work is executed with precision and quality.

6. Time and Cost Efficiency

One of the biggest myths is that hiring an interior designer costs more, whereas professional help can actually help you save money. While it might seem counterintuitive, hiring an interior designer can actually save you time and money in the long run. Their industry connections and knowledge of local suppliers can lead to cost-effective solutions, preventing you from making expensive design mistakes. By streamlining the decision-making process, they can help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to wasted time and resources, particularly if you’re renovating or building a new home where you need to make some pretty permanent design decisions.

7. Stylistic Balance

Achieving a balanced look that marries different design elements is an art form. Interior designers possess a knack for mixing various styles, textures, and patterns in a way that results in a cohesive and elegant space. They can help you strike the right balance between minimalism and opulence, creating a home that feels effortlessly sophisticated.

8. Cohesive Flow Between Diverse Spaces

One of the remarkable skills of an interior designer lies in their ability to establish a cohesive flow even when transitioning between rooms with varying moods and vibes. While each room may have a distinct personality, an expert designer can introduce subtle elements that tie them together. This could be through consistent color accents, shared design motifs, or the careful placement of complementary decor. The result is a home that feels harmonious and connected, despite the diversity of its spaces.

Hiring an interior designer is an investment in not just your home's appearance, but also in the quality of your daily life. By infusing their expertise into your design journey, you can transform your living spaces into havens of elegance and refinement. The guidance of a professional interior designer allows you to focus on enjoying your home while they take care of the intricate details that make it a true masterpiece of design.

If you're ready to transform your home into a haven of elegance, we're here to help! Reach out to us today to discuss how our interior design services can bring your vision to life.

5 Must-Haves for Your Luxury Bathroom Remodel

What is luxury? A condition of abundance or great ease and comfort. When designing a luxury home, one of the key factors to keep in mind is functionality, so everything is easily accessible and your comfort comes first! The great thing is, if you’re doing a complete remodel of your bathroom, with careful planning and a little forethought, you can create a luxury bathroom for yourself. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get that upscale spa experience in your own home! 

If you follow along on our Instagram you may have already seen these, but here’s a round up of five must-haves that we love to include in our luxury bathroom remodels. Click the link for each to see it in action. And don’t forget to write these down on your list of bathroom must-haves, or better yet, pin them to your “Luxury Bathroom Remodel” pinterest board so you can save the photos and come back for the details later.

1. Toe-Kick Lighting on a Motion Sensor

Toe-kick lighting on a motion sensor is something we always recommend. Our clients absolutely love this feature when their project is done and it comes time to live in their new space. To have that little dim light kick on as you walk in for a late-night bathroom visit is such an awesome little luxury in your bathroom remodel. All you need to do is put it on your lighting and electrical plan, or tell your electrician, and you can add this to any vanity that has that recessed toe-kick space. No more fumbling for the light switch or tripping over your own feet in the dark! 

2. A Pull-Out with Electrical Outlets for Your Hot Tools

This luxury bathroom remodel must-have is one the ladies absolutely love and, no surprise, it became one of our most liked instagram reels as a result. When we layout a custom bathroom vanity design, we love to add a drawer with electrical outlets at the back and canisters built-in for your hair-dryer, flat iron, curling iron, or whatever hot tools you may have. That way your hot tools are ready to go without having to unwind it from a messy drawer and plug it in. With safety in mind, docking drawer outlets even offer a function to turn off the power when the temperature gets too hot. 

Pro tip: make sure to consider which hand you use to blow dry your hair so you can place it on the correct side and avoid getting tangled up in chords. 

3. Good Lighting at Eye-Level

Good lighting is one of the biggest factors in designing a luxury bathroom. While downlighting is great over kitchen counters or workspaces, it’s less-than-ideal lighting for  putting on makeup or getting ready for the day. Good lighting that illuminates your face is crucial for a luxury experience. You can accomplish this by adding sconces flanking a mirror at eye level or above the mirror. Adding statement pendants is another fun option, but make sure the light is diffused and bright enough, or add an additional light source like LED back-lighting around your mirror. For a clean minimalistic look, consider a lighted mirror. 

4. Additional Hidden Electrical outlets 

These days we have so many gadgets to plug in—from electric toothbrushes and razors to skincare products and more. And while all these gadgets may mean a luxurious self-care routine, having everything plugged in and on display on your countertop does not give the feel of a luxury bathroom. Tip number four on our list of must-haves for your luxury bathroom remodel is to take stock of what you need in terms of electrical outlets and find creative ways to hide them! 

Pro tip: Inside your medicine cabinet is the perfect place to hide an outlet for an electric toothbrush. You could also tuck an outlet behind an appliance garage cabinet or add another docking drawer.

5. Hidden Laundry Hampers

To truly achieve that luxury spa experience in your newly remodeled bathroom, make sure to include a cabinet that will hide your laundry hamper full of dirty clothes. That way you can step into your new luxury bathroom, throw in the day's attire (forget about laundry until laundry day) and climb into a soothing bath to relax in your new oasis.

For more tips on how to remodel your home like a pro, download our FREE, comprehensive home remodel planning guide for remodeling success!