Wrightwood: Midcentury Durham Living Room Remodel

By embracing unique architectural elements, we preserved this home’s original 1960s charm and helped the homeowners achieve an fresh and cozy mid-century mod family room.

Location: Durham, NC
Scope: Living room and entry
Style: Midcentury modern, colorful, family friendly

Design Highlights

• Terrazzo, untouched — The original flooring stayed exactly as it was, treated as a feature rather than a flaw to correct.
• Paneling as the star, not the problem — Rather than painting over it, the existing wood paneling was preserved and became the design's organic, warm foundation.
• A layout built for gathering — New furniture and a reworked layout prioritized ample seating for a family that regularly entertains and enjoys indoor/outdoor living with their patio.
• Color and pattern to activate the wood tones — A rug with a linear stripe graphic, warm color pops, and a cooler textile palette work together to balance and ground the paneled room.
• Architectural moments, amplified — A pitched ceiling draws the eye upward, and abstract art adds contrast against the walls, giving the space visual lift without fighting its mid-century bones.

Explore More

Read Magnifying Mid-Century Mod.