Mid-Century Soul with Modern Living
Originally built in 1955, this home carries the kind of character and architectural details you simply can’t replicate. The goal was to honor that history while creating spaces that support the way this family lives today.
At the heart of the renovation is a kitchen designed around the homeowner’s love of sourdough baking. As a self-proclaimed “sourdough girl,” she envisioned a pantry and prep space that celebrated her craft and included dedicated storage for flours and tools, generous counters for kneading and proofing, and a layout that allows the kids and her husband to use the microwave without disrupting the baking rhythm. It’s a hardworking kitchen designed for daily life.
The cabinetry is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Mouses Back, a warm, earthy tone used throughout much of the home to maintain cohesion. To balance that depth while staying true to the home’s mid-century roots, the space was paired with natural rift white oak and classic soapstone countertops. The materials feel timeless (appropriate for a 1955 house), yet fresh and inviting.
During demolition, a major structural surprise was uncovered: a large steel beam was required for load support through the center of the space. Rather than trying to conceal it, the entire kitchen design evolved around it. By framing out the range walls on either side, the beams became an intentional architectural feature. What could have felt like an obstacle ultimately reshaped the layout in a way that strengthened the design.
The home’s original picture rail crown molding runs throughout the house, so we continued that detail around the cabinetry to ensure the kitchen feels like it has always belonged there.
The adjacent bar was thoughtfully designed to morph from coffee bar by day to a drink bar by night. Appliances are concealed behind panels so the space reads as furniture rather than a traditional bar that is refined, flexible, and ideal for entertaining.
The bathrooms carry the same balance of warmth and character. The primary bath features natural white oak cabinetry paired with classic stone surfaces for a look that feels enduring and tailored. The green half bath, designed for their son, leans playful yet polished, proving that even a small footprint can make a confident statement.
This mid-century home now feels refreshed but not reinvented. Architectural integrity, thoughtful material choices, and personal rituals all come together in a design that feels both rooted and ready for the next chapter.
Designed by Carissa Trygstad at Showplace Cabinetry Design Center in Sioux Falls/Harrisburg, SD.
