Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Renovation: From Retro to Refined

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Kitchen Makeover

Designing older homes can be a balancing act. How do you honor the character and history of the space while giving it a modern, functional refresh? That was exactly the challenge we tackled with this mid-century modern home interior design in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Lisa Gilmore Design team set out to update the waterfront home’s mid-century charm while giving it a fresh, livable twist.

Let’s dive into the transformation of this kitchen—respecting its original mid-century roots—and see how we brought it back to life.

Before: Outdated Mid-Century Modern Interior Design

Mid-century modern kitchens are all about clean lines, flat-panel cabinets, natural wood tones, and those iconic geometric tiles. But today’s trends? Think colorful cabinets, gold hardware, and bold statement backsplashes. Blending these two styles? Now that’s a design challenge worth tackling!

KITCHEN BEFORE

Dated Kitchen with Heavy Wood Tones

The kitchen was roomy with plenty of storage and a big pantry, but all that medium-toned wood cabinetry made the space feel darker than it should have.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen with Geometric Tile

Geometric tile is a staple in mid-century modern kitchens, but when this particular tile was paired with wood cabinetry, it created a darker, more neutral vibe.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Open Floorplan

The open floor plan and large archway between the dining room and kitchen gave the home, designed by the late, esteemed architect William Harvard, a bright, airy vibe. However, the minimalist dining room makes the kitchen feel darker and smaller by contrast.

After: A Kitchen Worthy of Its Waterfront Views

MID-CENTURY MODERN KITCHEN AFTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Masterpiece

What a transformation! We stripped the kitchen down to the studs and reimagined it from the ground up. Every detail was carefully planned, from the vibrant tile to the specialty hardware. And the pièce de résistance? A hidden door feature wall that cleverly leads to the mudroom. 

We brought this kitchen into the 21st century without losing its mid-century soul.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

The Star of the Show: Geometric Tile

The first thing you’ll notice is the blue geometric tile floor. It’s bold but not overpowering, perfectly complementing the room’s earthy tones. This single design choice not only ties the space together but also adds that signature mid-century pop of personality.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

MID-CENTURY MODERN KITCHEN - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Transformation

We partnered with T2theS to create custom cabinetry in oak and rosewood, bringing warmth and texture into the space. The backsplash’s light pattern keeps the overall look fresh and airy. The zinc island, accented with brass details, adds a modern touch while still feeling cohesive with the retro vibes.

To bring the kitchen and living room together, we added a fun little cut-through—perfect for chatting with guests while cooking. The soffits? Gone! We wanted the space to breathe. And when it came to lighting, we kept it simple. With lower ceilings, adding decorative fixtures would’ve crowded the view, and honestly, who wants anything stealing the show from those gorgeous surroundings?

Now, the homeowners can easily entertain in both spaces while soaking in views of the waterfront.

“The whole house feels cohesive, yet every space feels different,” said the homeowners. “Depending on your mood, you can go to a different area, and it enhances how you feel. We’re still discovering little nooks and crannies that surprise and delight us.”

FAQs: The Scoop on Mid-Century Modern Interior Design

1. What is mid-century modern interior design style?

Mid-century modern design is one of those timeless styles that never goes out of fashion. Born in the 1940s to 1960s, it’s all about clean lines, functional pieces, and a "less is more" vibe. It blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly, using natural materials like wood and leather, plus a mix of organic shapes and geometric patterns. Picture sleek furniture, muted tones with bold pops of color, and a perfect balance of retro charm and modern flair.

2. How do I make my house look mid-century modern?

To give your home a mid-century modern vibe (like this light and airy St. Petersburg home), start with these steps:

• Invest in Iconic Furniture: Go for clean lines, tapered legs, and organic shapes. Think Eames chairs or a sleek wooden credenza—classic and timeless.

• Start with a Neutral Base, Then Add Pops of Color: Whites, beiges, and greys create a solid foundation, while accents in mustard yellow, teal, or burnt orange bring the space to life.

• Embrace Natural Materials: Wood, leather, and metal are your go-to choices for that grounded, mid-century look.

• Add Retro Touches: Starburst clocks, abstract art, or vintage lighting can instantly transport your space back in time.

• Keep It Simple: Uncluttered spaces are key. Let those gorgeous design elements do all the talking!

It’s all about mixing classic charm with a fresh, stylish twist.

3. What are the 5 key elements of mid-century modern decor?

Mid-century modern style is all about clean lines and organic shapes—think smooth, flowing furniture with no extra fuss. Natural materials like wood, leather, stone, and metal take center stage, often left in their raw or lightly treated form to show off their beauty. While the base colors tend to be neutral—whites, beiges, and greys—you'll often see vibrant pops of turquoise, orange, or avocado green for a playful twist. The furniture is as practical as it is stylish, with many pieces serving more than one purpose. And don’t forget those retro-inspired accessories! Retro rugs, sleek furniture, and colorful ceramics bring a nostalgic vibe while keeping the space feeling fresh and contemporary.

If this kitchen transformation has you dreaming of your own mid-century modern interior design makeover, we’re here to help! Whether you’re refreshing one room or reimagining your whole home, Lisa Gilmore Design can bring your vision to life.

To learn more about our services, fill out our design inquiry form. And for more design tips, project reveals, and inspiration for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm that offers luxury design services for busy professionals. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has also been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and worldwide.