Mid-Century Modern, Beautifully Updated: Remodeling with Integrity and Impact
The Minneapolis area is home to countless architectural treasures—especially mid-century modern homes that sprang up in neighborhoods like St. Louis Park and first-ring Twin Cities suburbs during the postwar housing boom. These homes are beloved for their clean lines, thoughtful simplicity, and timeless style. But as decades pass, many homeowners find themselves ready to update their spaces without erasing what makes their homes special in the first place.
At Sicora Design/Build, we specialize in honoring the integrity of your mid-century modern home while helping you remodel it for how you live today. With expert design, meticulous planning, and our in-house Rift Sawn Cabinetry division, we guide Minneapolis-area clients through the process of remodeling mid-century homes in a way that feels both respectful and refreshing.
Respecting the Architectural DNA
A successful remodel of a mid-century home starts with respect for its original features. These homes often showcase simplicity and function over ornamentation, which means every detail matters—from trim profiles to material selections.
For example, instead of adding crown molding or heavy detailing, we work with the home’s original language: minimal, clean-lined trim, shaker or slab-front cabinetry, and flat surfaces that emphasize horizontal lines. Wood species are chosen intentionally, often reflecting what was original to the home—think walnut, white oak, or even teak!
MCM homes weren’t built to show off with grandeur. They were built to flow—to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, and to celebrate light and space. Our remodeling approach keeps those intentions front and center.
Updating Layouts Without Losing the Look
Mid-century homes often come with compact, closed-off kitchens or small bathrooms that may no longer meet modern expectations for flow or function. But opening up a layout doesn’t mean throwing out the architectural soul.
When we remove walls or rework floor plans, we stay mindful of how the changes support the home’s original style. That might mean carrying a consistent ceiling line across the new space, matching updated millwork to the original, or using paneled cabinetry and integrated appliances to keep the lines clean.
We think of these homes holistically—looking at how the kitchen connects to the living room, how the windows bring in natural light, how a hallway opens to a family room. The result is a refreshed home that still feels like itself—just better.
Materials Matter
In mid-century modern homes, materials are the star. Wood, tile, and stone aren’t just finishes—they’re design elements that set the tone for the whole space.
We often recommend incorporating natural wood finishes that highlight clean grain patterns and warm, medium tones. Rift Sawn Cabinetry, our in-house cabinetry team, gives us the ability to create custom slab or flat-panel cabinets that are perfectly suited to the style—and tailored to your storage needs.
Mid-century modern design offers a wide range of tile options that let us get creative while staying true to the home’s original character. Think geometric patterns, vertical stacks, playful mosaics, and bold yet balanced colors—like blues, greens, or even a fresh take on vintage pink. These tiles don’t just cover a surface—they bring shape, texture, and personality to your space. Unlike the large-format tiles common in more traditional homes, MCM tile design is all about pattern, proportion, and visual interest—including smaller formats like 1×1 mosaics that nod to the era while feeling modern and updated.
The Jewelry of the Home
Few things say “mid-century modern” like lighting, and the popularity of this style has created an almost overwhelming number of options. This is where our designers’ expertise can help, since light fixtures can be one of the most transformative and defining elements of your remodel.
Round globe-style bulbs, milk glass, and brass or matte black finishes help reinforce the era’s character. We guide clients toward lighting that makes a statement without overwhelming the space. These fixtures act like jewelry—adding personality, warmth, and polish to your home.
Where traditional homes might call for chandeliers or ornate pendants, MCM homes shine with simplicity and form-forward design. Often a single, sculptural light fixture can completely elevate a kitchen or dining space while still feeling true to its roots.
A Thoughtful Pop of Color
While the color palette in traditional remodels tends to stay neutral, mid-century modern gives you permission to have a little fun. MCM interiors are known for clean backdrops with pops of color – often in unexpected places.
We help homeowners make bold, confident choices that still feel timeless. Whether a deep teal kitchen base cabinet or bathroom tile featuring an updated take on pale pink, the key is balance – pairing color with clean lines and consistent materials for a finished product that feels fresh but not trendy.
Cool tones—like blue, green, or even aqua—often pair beautifully with warm woods. And if you prefer warm colors like burnt orange or golden yellow, the mid-century style lets them shine What matters most is that the colors feel intentional – not just trendy.
Make the Details Count
In a home with so much visual simplicity, details like plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware are especially important. That’s why we pay close attention to the finishes, forms, and proportions of these elements.
Brass, matte black, and brushed nickel are all strong choices, especially when used in sleek, minimalist shapes. And because mid-century design leans away from the ornate, we avoid anything too fussy or overworked.
Simplicity is not the same as plain. It’s about choosing pieces that feel like they belong – like they’ve always been there.
Bringing It All Together
At Sicora Design/Build, our goal isn’t just to remodel your home – it’s to help you fall back in love with it. That’s especially true for mid-century modern houses, where thoughtful updates can preserve the home’s character while dramatically improving how it functions and feels.
We approach every MCM remodel with a balance of reverence and creativity. We respect what makes your home special, but we’re not afraid to reimagine it for how your family lives today. Whether it’s a new kitchen that blends wood, brass, and colorful tiles, an owners’ suite that channels vintage charm with modern comfort, or a whole house refresh – we help you bring your mid-century modern vision to life.
Ready to Reimagine Your Mid-Century Home? Let’s honor the past – and build something beautiful for your future. Contact us today.
