For over 14 years, I’ve been immersed in Portland’s design community, and throughout that time, my appreciation for Mid-Century Modern architecture has only deepened. These homes possess a unique clarity of vision and an intentionality in how they were designed and built, qualities that are often absent from today’s modern homebuilding. They reflect a thoughtful consideration of how people truly live, which is part of what makes them so enduring, both functionally and aesthetically.
With a background in interior design and years spent running my own design firm focused on high-end Mid-Century remodels, I’ve specialized in working extensively within this era of architecture. Over time, I’ve learned that while these homes offer extraordinary potential, they also require a nuanced and highly informed design approach. They have a distinct spirit, and preserving that essence while updating for today’s standards of comfort, sustainability, and function calls for both technical expertise and a deep respect for the original architecture.
What draws me most to this era is its emphasis on functionality, which is beautifully balanced by clean lines and expressive forms. As the movement progressed, it embraced increasingly organic influences, including earth-toned palettes, natural materials, and, most importantly, a profound connection to the outdoors. That relationship to nature stands out as one of the defining characteristics of Mid-Century Modern design. Whether through expansive panes of glass or subtle architectural transitions, these homes were created to bring the landscape into daily life and to encourage meaningful interaction with the surrounding environment.
To truly appreciate the depth of Mid-Century Modern architecture and design, we have to look to the architects who shaped the movement. Richard Neutra’s work on the Kaufmann House is a quintessential example, and I believe, one of the most exemplary achievements in residential architecture worldwide.
Credit: J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles
Completed in 1946 in Palm Springs, California, this residence is celebrated for its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Neutra employed large floor-to-ceiling glass walls framed by steel, creating expansive views and a light-filled interior that blurs the boundary between home and desert landscape. The flat roof with extended overhangs provides shade while emphasizing horizontal lines characteristic of the style. The open-plan living spaces and careful siting of the house on the rocky hillside further exemplify Neutra’s dedication to harmonizing architecture with nature. In several of his designs, transitioning between rooms necessitates moving through outdoor spaces, a thoughtful and intentional strategy that fosters a profound engagement with the natural environment.
Similarly, Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, completed in 1951 near Plano, Illinois, distills this philosophy to its purest form. This iconic steel and glass pavilion elevates simplicity and transparency. Raised on slender stilts above the floodplain of the Fox River, the house’s open floor plan eliminates traditional interior walls, creating a fluid, flexible living space that invites the natural surroundings in from all sides. The extensive use of glass walls not only dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior but also offers uninterrupted views of the landscape, reinforcing a continuous dialogue with nature.
Credit: Victor Grigas
The minimalist steel structure, flat roof, and use of natural materials such as travertine floors exemplify Mies’s “less is more” ethos. Having had the opportunity to visit the Farnsworth House, I can attest that standing within its walls instills a profound sense of peace and tranquility, which is a testament to its thoughtful design and harmonious integration with the environment. These choices were not merely aesthetic; they were deeply intentional responses to how people experience space and interact with their surroundings. That kind of clarity and conviction continues to inspire me today.
Built predominantly between 1945 and 1970, 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.
In my experience, the most successful remodels are those that strike a thoughtful balance. They honor the character and design intent of the original structure while adapting it to support how we live today. This is not about preservation for nostalgia’s sake. It is about extending the life and relevance of truly intentional design.
When that balance is achieved, the result is more than a remodel. It is a revitalization of a home’s original spirit, made ready for a new generation to enjoy.