An interior designer shares her principles for boosting MCM curb appeal.
Angie Graham, an interior designer who specializes in Mid Century Modern homes, collected vintage treasures even during her former career as a labor and delivery nurse. “Everything I own has come from Etsy, eBay and thrift stores,” she says. “It only makes sense I found my house on Craigslist.”
While it was “gutted and uninhabitable,” the 1958 Bow Mar, Colorado, home was irresistible to her. “The owner had just started the remodel but couldn’t finish due to illness,” says Angie of Compliment Design in Denver. “I baked him banana bread and had him over for dinner and wine.” His decision to hand over the keys came swiftly. “We met on Friday, had dinner Saturday and closed on Monday.”
Renovating the 3,618-square-foot house took a year. “The experience of your home begins the minute someone walks up,” Angie says. There are many ways to enhance a home’s curb appeal—from house numbers to exterior paint colors—but Angie suggests you start by bearing these three concepts in mind.
Three Principles for MCM Curb Appeal
Let There Be Light
“Lighting is the jewelry of the home,” Angie says. To highlight the home’s protruding brick, she installed downlighting within the home’s eaves. See more Mid Century Modern lighting choices here.
Also Read: Midcentury Modern Lighting Sources!
Use Color Sparingly
Angie believes the focal point of an MCM home should be its architecture. “Pick small areas to add color, such as the front door or a planter that won’t compete with your home’s design,” she advises. Gather inspiration for a perfect pop of color by browsing here.
Back to Black
“Black window casings are the gateway to making your house fabulous,” Angie says. “Choosing black for your gutters and house trim showcases clean, modern lines.”
Whether restoring or renovating your home, Angie recommends taking your time and letting the house speak to you. “Live in the house for a while before starting any project,” she suggests.
Grateful to have become the “proud parents” of their own MCM home, the Graham family feels its former owner is pleased. “After the renovations were completed, we sensed his presence,” Angie says. “We could swear we heard, ‘Oh, wow!’”
To learn more about Angie and Compliment Design, hop over to ComplimentDesign.com. For more MCM curb appeal inspiration, don’t miss Increase the curb appeal of your Mid Century Modern home, or oogle over A Standout MCM Home in New York, and An MCM Exterior that Hits All the Right Notes. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
