One of the most interesting aspects of Mid Century Modern design is seeing its adaptability through various translations across America. Each region has its own flavor of MCM influenced largely by weather, climate and location. For Ed Eible, president of Sarasota Florida based Architura Space Planning & Design, these elements are key to the success of any home renovation as they work with the setting of the home rather than against it. In the recent renovation project for his own 1960 rancher, the team at Architura balanced classic Florida Mid Mod design with modern updates that mesh with contemporary lifestyle needs.
Rooms with a View
There are several elements that set Florida Mid-Century Modern architecture apart. The first is flat or low-pitched roof lines with extended overhangs – no need for snow-friendly design in balmy Florida! “These rooflines create simple lines and elongated profiles,” says Ed. The Architura team replicated this in Ed’s home renovation, giving the roof a very gentle slope with generous eaves to the newly constructed second story. Another key aspect of Florida MCM is canted bay windows. “This was a common detail adopted from maritime design to cut down on the amount of glare coming into single pane windows,” says Ed. Each bedroom on the second floor showcases this window design, complete with window seats. Jalousie windows are another Florida feature that Ed included in the renovation. “They are when a glass wall meets louvres; really wonderful for ventilation, great vistas, but terribly complicated, thermally inefficient and a bear to clean,” Ed says.
Opening it Up
In addition to lots of windows and flat lines, Florida Mid-Century Modern is characterized by an open and airy feel. First, the floorplans are compact but open. “Most homes were small by modern standards, think vacation home or bungalow lifestyle and not posh rancher,” says Ed. Architura brought this to life in Ed’s home by converting the original living space on the first floor into a covered breezeway with cozy outside seating and dining area. Lanis are a staple of Florida MCM due to the temperate climate. Upstairs on the second floor, living, dining and kitchen spaces are completely opened into one room, allowing unobstructed views on both sides of the house. The vaulted ceilings, another feature of Florida MCM, gives a feeling of expanse without having to worry about trapping heat for colder months.
Interior Details
When it comes down to it, the details are what elevate the design of a home. In the second story living space, the vintage freestanding fireplace was the main source of inspiration for the kitchen and great room. The China green/Kohler blue is echoed throughout the design. “Even the complementary rust colored upholstery on the couch was chosen for its interplay with the eye-catching color of the fireplace,” says Ed. “This is deftly niched into a radiused wall cavity framed in black tile resting on the same dolomite stone found in the kitchen.” Visually, the fireplace is the centerpiece of the space, adding character and interest with a pop of retro color and a classic Mid Century Modern shape.
Mid Mod – Updated
Architura worked to incorporate classic Mid-Century Modern details into this project, both inside and out, with a contemporary twist. “The interior is a carefully curated blend of classic MCM and contemporary; great effort was made to not create a caricature of 1950/60’s mid mod,” says Ed. The kitchen showcases this blend of past and present with thoughtful details and functional updates. The open layout is a nod to contemporary design, while the shapes, colors and patterns reflect Mid Mod style. “The lighting and wallpaper (rather than traditional tile) tie MCM touchstones to the modern age,” says Ed. Modern appliances are tucked away in an oversized pantry, while beverage cooler and dishwasher are covered in cabinet panels. “This was the most effective way on integrating modern convivence and functionality without losing the classic aesthetic,” says Ed.
Did you know Sarasota has its own distinct modern style? Learn more about the Sarasota School of Architecture and read about its founding architects Ralph Twitchell and William Rupp. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
