Following an exhaustive search, these mid-century enthusiasts have worked to create purist MCM curb appeal.
Before settling into their Hickory, North Carolina, home, Chad Baker and Tina Clement spent several years on the hunt for their dream home. Not just any Mid Century Modern would do—they sought one with as much of its original features and period charm intact. They found that in this home built in 1963 by James Nelson Sherrill, AIA. In addition to boasting an original kitchen, the home’s façade saw little change from when it was built. Chad and Tina were able to instead focus on maintaining the home’s originality. All of their renovation choices were vetted against the question of timelessness. “I’m a purist. I don’t like to disturb anything that has made an ‘object’ what it is,” Chad says.
Naturalistic Approach to Purist MCM Curb Appeal
Framed by the beautiful wooded landscape behind it, the couple kept the house color combo monochromatic and simple. A buttery accent color frames the windows while the tone-on-tone greenery is punctuated by a deep burgundy in the shrubbery. Chad and Tina describe the landscape as their own personal oasis. They have been working to clear the overgrown ivy groundcover and brush so as to open it up even more to the woods.
Curb Appeal Statement Piece
Originally, the home was built for Mickey Coe, the widow of the Hickory Museum of Art’s Founder and First Director, Paul Whitener. So, adding an original Jim Sherrill mahogany sculpture to the front yard was not only in keeping with the purist approach of couple’s updates, it was also a nod to the original owners.
Color PEEKS
Small touches add the couple’s signature style, such as the green painted front door and closet garage door. Bonus: The hue perfectly complements the Sherrill sculpture, a poetic way to tie the old with the new.
Self-proclaimed purist Chad Baker shared his MCM hunting stories and tips with us! Read more Digging Modern: An Emil Milan Collection Takes Flight. Looking for more MCM curb appeal ideas? Check out Pro Tips for MCM Curb Appeal. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
