George, like many mid-century homeowners, grew up in a traditionally decorated home. His childhood environment, steeped in the formalities of colonial design, shaped his desire to explore a different aesthetic as an adult.
Over time, his tastes evolved into a love for simplicity, functionality, and the clean lines of mid-century modern homes. “I grew up in a very traditional colonial,” George explains, “but I’ve always been drawn to minimalistic, functional design and the appeal of mid-century architecture.”
Despite not knowing much about the original architect of his house, George has taken great care in restoring and modernising the home. His approach balances respect for its mid-century heritage with his personal style. “I’ve tried to modernise while staying true to the essence of the house,” he says.
George’s connection to mid-century design stems from a lifelong interest in architecture. “I was always fascinated by the *Brady Bunch* house,” he recalls, “it was so different from what I grew up in.”
His discovery of his current home was a stroke of luck—he stumbled upon it while helping a friend look for a new place. Built in 1959, the house was nearly demolished for its land value, but George saw potential beyond its overgrown garden. “The setting along the creek was wonderful,” he says, “and the open floor plan and large glass panes gave it the indoor-outdoor connection I love. When these homes are in the right setting, they really shine.”
George believes mid-century modernism stands out because it broke away from traditional design norms of its time. “It felt fresh and inspired, not stuck in the cookie-cutter mold of previous decades,” he notes.
Over the years, George has made thoughtful updates to the house, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms. His renovations reflect a careful balance between modern improvements and preserving the home’s original charm.
“I’ve updated the kitchen and bathrooms in a sensitive but modern way,” he explains, “and I always try to keep something original—in the kitchen, for instance, it’s the custom hood over the cooktop.”
Living in a mid-century home, for George, is a joy. “I get to live in a place that feels unique and makes me smile every day,” he says.
Coming from a more formal, traditional upbringing, this home provides a refreshing contrast. Interestingly, George hasn’t faced any major challenges living in a mid-century house.
When it comes to interior design, George doesn’t feel limited by the heritage of the home. Over the years, he has collected vintage pieces, giving him the freedom to mix old and new. “I love combining high-end and affordable pieces,” he says, “it gives the space depth and character. Plus, the hunt—whether at estate sales, flea markets, or online auctions—is half the fun.”
For those considering purchasing a mid-century home, George offers this advice: “Be mindful of the maintenance and repair costs. Updating and preserving these homes can get expensive, so it’s important to plan for that.”
He also stresses the importance of finding a balance between modernisation and preservation. “I didn’t want to live in a time capsule,” he says. “I wanted to honour the past but make the house better than ever.”
