Remodeling Mid-Century Modern homes requires a thoughtful balance between preserving architectural integrity and meeting contemporary living needs.
Built predominantly between 1945 and 1970, these distinctive homes emphasize clean lines, open concepts, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. While their design principles remain timeless, updating these homes for modern performance and functionality requires specialized knowledge of their unique construction methods and materials.
Whether you're considering window upgrades, kitchen modernization, or envelope improvements, success lies in understanding how to enhance what makes these homes special rather than simply replacing what's aged. Here's what Portland homeowners need to know about renovating their Mid-Century Modern homes with sensitivity and skill.
Mid-Century Modern homes emphasize horizontality, open-concept living, and integration with the landscape. Renovating these homes requires a sensitive approach to maintain their distinctive character while meeting modern standards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Age | 50–80 years |
| Common Remodel Projects | Window and door upgrades, kitchen modernization, flat roof replacement, indoor-outdoor enhancements |
| Architectural Details to Preserve | Horizontal rooflines, clerestory windows, floor-to-ceiling glazing, natural wood or stone finishes |
| Design Challenges | Flat roofs and drainage, custom window sizing, integrating insulation without disrupting aesthetic |
| Portland-Specific Concerns | Moisture protection, energy code compliance, potential historic recognition for architect-designed homes |
Mid-Century Modern homes often feature expansive walls of glass—beautiful, but typically inefficient by today’s standards.
Popular Updates:
Replacing single-pane glass with energy-efficient units
Preserving narrow profiles and clean sightlines
Upgrading sliders with full-height glass or folding wall systems
Maintaining corner and clerestory windows
Adding skylights for interior daylighting
Design Tip: Use slim-profile aluminum or fiberglass frames to maintain the architectural integrity while improving thermal performance.
While often more open than earlier home styles, original MCM kitchens may lack storage or appliance accommodations.
Popular Kitchen Projects:
Expanding into adjacent living areas
Adding large center islands with storage
Using flat-panel cabinetry and minimal hardware
Concealing appliances with paneled fronts
Enhancing lighting while preserving ceiling planes
Design Tip: Look to quartz, terrazzo, or concrete countertops to reflect period style. Wood veneers and slab fronts reinforce the minimalist design.
To plan your project, use our Kitchen Remodeling Cost Calculator.
Mid-century bathrooms are often compact and include dated finishes.
Popular Bathroom Projects:
Replacing colored fixtures with neutral, updated alternatives
Enlarging primary baths or adding ensuites
Using large-format or terrazzo-style tile
Incorporating floating vanities and backlit mirrors
Adding skylights or clerestory windows
Design Tip: Frameless glass, linear drains, and minimalist finishes align beautifully with mid-century aesthetics.
For cost expectations, explore our Bathroom Remodeling Cost Calculator.
A hallmark of Mid-Century Modern design is seamless connection between interior and exterior.
Popular Enhancements:
Expanding decks or patios adjacent to living spaces
Replacing doors with folding or pocket glass wall systems
Matching indoor and outdoor flooring
Updating landscaping to reflect original horizontal emphasis
Improving foundation drainage around large glazed areas
Design Tip: Use low, linear landscape elements (like planters and pavers) to echo the architecture.
Flat and low-pitched roofs define MCM homes but require special attention.
Popular Roof Projects:
Replacing roofing with membrane systems like TPO or PVC
Upgrading insulation to prevent thermal loss
Improving roof drainage with scuppers or internal drains
Adding skylights where structure allows
Maintaining signature overhangs and fascia details
Design Tip: Avoid adding bulky attic vents or visible mechanicals that disrupt the clean roofline.
Open floor plans were pioneered in MCM homes, but some adjustments may be needed for modern lifestyles.
Popular Layout Changes:
Converting little-used formal areas into offices or bedrooms
Adding strategic walls or built-ins for privacy without bulk
Creating walk-in closets or modern storage solutions
Finishing basements while maintaining design continuity
Adding modest additions that respect rooflines and materials
Design Tip: Continue flooring, ceiling materials, or clerestory windows into new areas for seamless transitions.
Mid-Century Modern layouts, with their single-level designs and open circulation, lend themselves well to aging-in-place updates.
Popular Accessibility Features:
Flush transitions between interior and exterior spaces
Main-floor primary suites
Wider doorways and barrier-free showers
Smart lighting and HVAC controls
Minimal-threshold entries and ramps integrated into landscape
Design Tip: Floating vanities, lever handles, and integrated lighting provide accessibility without detracting from the style.
Remodeling costs are shaped by design complexity, material availability, and preservation concerns.
Full window replacement: $20,000–$75,000+
Custom sizing or curved glass: 20–40% premium
Large format glazing: $75–150/sf
Flat roof replacement: $15,000–$45,000
Insulation upgrades: $5,000–$15,000
Drainage work: $3,000–$10,000
Wood paneling refinishing: $3,000–$10,000
Terrazzo floor repair: $8,000–$20,000
Masonry preservation: $5,000–$15,000
Bathroom remodel: $15,000–$35,000
Basement remodel: $35,000–$75,000
The Mid-Century Modern style in Portland has rich historical roots, influenced by pioneering Northwest architects like Robert Rummer, Pietro Belluschi and John Yeon, whose landmark designs established our region's distinctive approach to modernism. While your home may not be a designated historic landmark, it carries forward important architectural principles that define our Northwest aesthetic.
Many Mid-Century homes incorporate elements that echo these masters' work—the thoughtful orientation to capture light despite our cloudy climate, deep overhangs for rain protection, integration with surrounding landscape, and creative use of regional materials. These design choices weren't just stylistic—they represented a uniquely Northwest response to modernism, emphasizing harmony with our environment.
Flat roofs require robust drainage systems
Condensation is a risk on large window surfaces
Waterproofing is essential for concrete slab-on-grade and basement areas
Passive solar performance may be improved with shading and glazing choices
Mid-century design-savvy remodelers
Salvage yards for period fixtures
MCM-focused tours and education from Restore Oregon
Suppliers for flat-profile windows, slab cabinets, and terrazzo tile
Building permits for all structural changes
Trade permits for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Energy code compliance for window and insulation upgrades
Glazing ratio limits may apply for window wall replacements
At Lamont Bros., we work on a wide range of residential remodels across the Pacific Northwest, including many remarkable Mid-Century Modern homes. As a design-build firm, we are uniquely positioned to integrate both aesthetic sensitivity and technical expertise into every project. These homes require more than cosmetic updates. They call for a process rooted in historical awareness, architectural fluency, and practical problem-solving.
To get started with a home remodel, reach out to our team. We handle all types of projects, from a single bathroom, to a whole home. Our design build approach means you'll get a beautifully designed space that works for your budget.
We're also the construction crew, which means you won't end up with unrealistic plans that'll be prohibitively complex to build. Time and again we've seen that one team, working under the same roof, keeps everyone on the same page -- resulting in more projects completed on time and under budget, while reducing stress for you, the homeowner.