Mid Century Modern & His Happy House

If you’ve never been to Palm Springs for Modernism Week, you’re missing out! There’s so much to learn about this iconic era in American design. It all started in 1960s California, when a generation of free spirits broke away from tradition. Gone were the days of formal dining rooms, silver candelabras, and hidden kitchens—in their place came open-concept living, bold colors, and a deep connection to nature. (Free hearts and bare feet included!)

That same spirit of reinvention guided the transformation of Rockwood Retreat, a mid-century modern home design project in Spokane. The homeowner, after decades on the East Coast, returned to his hometown considering a new build. But when he found this house, he knew it was worth the wait—and the work.

Bringing Color, Life & Joy Back

His goal was simple: Make the home happy again. And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

We moved away from the all-too-common beige and grey palettes and leaned into warmth, authenticity, and COLOR! New maple floors and ceilings brought warmth back to the space, while a reimagined kitchen and primary bathroom added both function and beauty. We saved and repurposed as much as possible, honoring the home’s original character while also future-proofing it with wider, ADA-compliant doorways to ensure comfort for years to come.

When working on mid-century modern home design, it’s all about striking the perfect balance between honoring the past and embracing modern living. To make this space feel even more personal, I created custom artwork that complements the home’s new vibrancy. And for the ultimate surprise, while the homeowner was away for just 10 days, we transformed the space from undecorated to fully livable—so he returned to a home that finally felt like home.

A Home That Feels Like Home

What started as a lackluster house is now inspiring, vibrant, and completely his. This project is proof that the right home isn’t always built from scratch—sometimes, it’s waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined. Mid-century modern home design is more than just an aesthetic—it’s about creating a space that feels effortlessly livable, timeless, and uniquely personal.

His Happy House, indeed.

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