One of the hallmarks of Mid Century Modern design is the emphasis on the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Yet when it comes to home renovations, the focus can tend to be on the interior space, with the exterior being a necessary afterthought. For Michael Norpell, designer and owner of Michael Norpell Wall To Wall, the key to a successful MCM home remodel is to design from the “outside-in and the inside-out.” His all-encompassing interior design and landscaping firm’s goal is “making the Midcentury modern again” by incorporating your personality into the design through a “clean-line approach” and “comfortable warmth,” all while keeping true to the original design and architecture of the home.
Design Reimagined – Estrella Moderna
Michael’s dedication to crafting the perfect Mid Century Modern blend of interior and landscape design is evident in the remodel of his own Palm Springs home. This 1964 Krisel home, located in Canyon View Estates, had been vacant for over twenty years. “The home was in need of an update; midcentury had gone stale,” Michael says.
To update the interior of the home, Michael creatively utilized many classic Mid Mod design elements. “Unexpected colors, textures and materials – dark navy carpet, grey-washed cork flooring – blend with timeless classics of terrazzo flooring and laminate cabinets,” he says. “For the kitchen backsplash tile, I alternated a flat and 3D molded relief white subway tile to carry the texture of the original concrete block wall of the adjacent living room,” he says. Of course, he made sure to preserve several original elements, including the breeze blocks, original floor plan, and the textured ceilings.
Blending Interior Design and Landscaping
Creating design cohesion between the interior and exterior landscape of a home is a key value of Michael Norpell Wall To Wall. “We embrace your existing home and surroundings to develop a comprehensive vision that blends your interior and exterior living spaces,” Michael says.
In the design of his own home, Michael demonstrates this connection in both indoor and outdoor living spaces. Drawing inspiration from the shadow and eight-point star breeze blocks uncovered on the exterior, he worked to incorporate many of the exterior elements in the interior design choices he made. Terrazzo floor tiles extend from the indoor spaces out to the exterior patio, creating connection. A plaster cast block wall in the foyer reflects the stunning exterior breeze blocks. Even the living room rug recalls the triangle shadow block pattern of the exterior.
Design for Your Needs
When it comes to interior design and landscaping, each project is unique. Michael Norpell Wall To Wall includes a variety of options to fit your needs.
- Pre-Purchase consultation: Michael Norpell can assist you as you search for your dream Mid Mod home and help you see the potential before you commit, saving you time and money. “Clients often wonder about the return on investment; I have years of experience considering the cost of the investment and the return on investment,” Michael says.
- Hourly Consultation: For those who have a vision and a plan, but need a little help getting started or deciding on a specific aspect of the interior, exterior, room or overall home design, Michael Norpell offers an hourly option.
- Design Packages: If you are in need of a total, comprehensive design service, Michael Norpell offers a variety of design packages. “The level of detail includes existing site and/or structure plan, demo plan, proposed floor plan, cabinetry elevations and plans, finish selections and finish plan,” Michael says. Throughout the project Michael Norpell is available as needed for construction management and consultation.
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Written by Laura Shimko
