Renovating Mid-Century Modern Houses in New Zealand
Mid-century modern design is a timeless architectural style that continues to captivate homeowners, architects and interior designers alike. Originating in the mid-20th century, this design ethos embodies simplicity, functionality, and integration with nature.
In New Zealand, mid-century modern homes reflect a unique blend of local materials and innovative design principles, creating a distinctive aesthetic that harmonizes with our country’s stunning landscapes.
So what are the key attributes of a MCM home?
Simplicity and Functionality: Mid-century modern design includes clean lines and uncluttered spaces. The focus is on functionality, with open floor plans that promote flow and connectivity between rooms. This simplicity extends to the exterior, where sleek, horizontal lines dominate.
Integration with Nature: A hallmark of mid-century modern homes is their seamless integration with the surrounding environment. Large windows, often floor-to-ceiling, blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing uninterrupted views of the landscape.
Use of Natural Materials: New Zealand's mid-century modern homes often feature locally sourced materials such as timber and stone. These materials not only blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings but also add warmth and texture to the interiors. Popular timbers were Rimu, Kauri, Pine, Totara and Matai.
Innovative Construction Techniques: The post-war era saw a surge in new building technologies and materials. In New Zealand, architects experimented with prefabricated components and modular designs, which allowed for greater efficiency and creativity in home construction.
Restoring a mid-century / modernist home in New Zealand
Restorations of mid-century modern homes are increasingly popular nowadays, with enthusiasts seeking to preserve the original features while updating them for modern living.
Many of these homes were designed by the Group Architects, a collective in New Zealand's architectural history, particularly noted for their contributions during the mid-20th century. There are MCM style dotted around Auckland (you will find a lot in Titirangi, Remuera and on the North Shore) and throughout towns in New Zealand.
One of the central components of modernist homes was the use of timber, both for its aesthetic qualities and its practicality. This natural material helped create warm, inviting interiors that were in harmony with the surrounding landscapes.
Unfortunately, many of these mid-century gems have had interior updates over the years, with past homeowners wanting to paint over the original timber, or take away some of the features that made them unique in the first place.
Kiwis’ love affair with white walls and neutrals has meant that some of these homes have had their architectural features destroyed.
Mid-century modern interior designer, Auckland
Our studio is passionate about homes built between 1940s through to late 1970s (even the 80s!). A handful of our projects to date have been designed during this architectural period and it’s been such a joy to be part of the restoration process.
How I can help you update your mid-century home interiors?
We love to work with homeowners who are equally as avid about enhancing their home’s unique features.
We look to bring the interiors of these spaces back to life whether that be through new carpet, restoring timber flooring or timber features and incorporating beautiful materials and textures through furniture, window treatments, lighting, art and object. We take on a more decorative approach, creating homely, inviting spaces that incorporate colour, materiality and personality by mixing design eras to enhance your modernist spaces so that you aren’t stuck in a time warp with pieces of all the same era.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, please reach out to me and be sure to check out the case studies on my project page.
Contact: Stacey on 021 0297 9065.
Stacey Gillies is a Auckland interior designer, writer, and former fashion stylist. Stacey brings an international design sensibility to her Auckland interior design projects through beautiful materials, quality finishes and painterly colour palettes. Her expressive spaces extend beyond mere decoration; they capture the clients’ unique identity translating this into a physical form.