Mid-Century Modern Contest: Honorable Mentions

With so many great entries to choose from, our designer judges and REMODELING’s editorial staff had a hard time selecting a single winner. The projects were judged on how well they captured the mid-century modern theme, creativity, use of materials, and visual appeal. Below are six honorable mentions, and why the judges liked them, followed by a slideshow of all the entries we received.

Meet the Judges

Angela Cambouris is a Maryland-based professional designer of indoor and outdoor spaces. She has been running her design business, Perimeters Design for Home and Garden, for 29 years.

Gary Goldman, Associate IIDA has been working in the design industry for over 35 years. He provides space planning and design services to commercial clients through his Baltimore-based business, GHG Corporate Office Interiors.

Justin Krzyston is a Los Angeles-based contractor, builder, and designer, and the owner of Stonehurst Construction and Design. He has been featured on HGTV and the DIY Network.

Making a Splash

“Great use of the terrazzo circles contrasting with the angular pool and dramatic use of color.” - Angela Cambouris

"The variation of textures and color combined with the water element gives the overall project a very nice appeal." - Gary Goldman

Jimmy Reed, president of Rock Solid Tile, had a tall order to fill when he took on this remodel. The home and outdoor space, which included a water element, was originally designed and built in 1973 by architect A. Quincy Jones Jr., FAIA, who was well-known for mid-century modern style. Reed completely redid the water feature, updating its look while still retaining design elements from the time period.

Cooking With Style

"The wall oven with open grill incorporated into the brick work is reminiscent of a California look in the 60s." - Gary Goldman

The owners of this 1960s home wanted to keep its mid-century modern design elements, while updating the space to meet their modern needs. Virtuoso Builders worked within the existing 10- by 12-foot kitchen space. The stacked brick feature—which has a fireplace on the living room side—and the terrazzo floors are original. New cabinetry, countertops, and appliances were installed to bring the kitchen into the 21^st century.

Tropical Paradise

“I want to live here. The exterior lighting is incredible and really showcases the architecture and surface details. I really like the color of the painted brick at the entry steps from the street. The landscaping choices are true to the time period as well as the climate.” – Justin Krzyston

This whole-house remodel by designer Art Villarreal of Engage Construction was inspired by the desire to create a spa-like living experience that incorporates nature. Double-paned glass windows and foam insulation give the homeowners privacy, while still allowing sounds of chirping birds to come through. The combined use of glass, stone, wood, and metal adds dimension to the Texas home.

Marrying Old and New

“This project reflects the mid-century look for the modern lifestyle. The classic tulip chairs, buffet, blond wood floors, and strong beams mix with the new modern." - Angela Cambouris

The house is originally from the 60s and already had a mid-century modern theme. HAUS remodeled the kitchen in 2012, revamping the cabinets, countertops, lighting, and repairing the existing oak flooring. Furniture and artwork were selected to enhance the look.

Room With a View

“Everything about this project is mid-century. The wood (and color of the wood), the furniture, and even the carpet represents that of mid-century. The built-in bench and fireplace are amazing.” – Justin Krzyston

“The space is airy and inviting with warm tones brought in by the wood. Furniture choices, including the Eames chair are very mid-century modern.” – Gary Goldman

Built in 1954 in the Fig Garden area of Fresno, Calif., this home was originally inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian residences. Valerie Leong of Valerie Leong Design Studio helped the current owners restore the home after years of lapsed maintenance by previous owners. Leong focused on repairing the structure, while preserving its mid-century modern look.

Inside or Outside?

“I enjoyed the natural surfaces used here: the cement exterior wall, the railing outside the bedroom on the patio, and the color of the wood floor.” – Justin Krzyston

Allen Construction gave this small home a larger feel by bringing the indoor and outdoor spaces together with a new entry, raised ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The sleek mid-century modern style was requested by the homeowner.

“I liked this project because of how well they integrated the interior and exterior. The large sheet glass windows with draw draperies, low scaled furnishings, and white sofa, really capture the [mid-century modern] theme.” – Angela Cambouris