Mid-century Modern, Inside and Out
Santa Barbara boasts numerous breathtaking mid-century modern homes. One of my personal favorites, showcased above, exemplifies the essence of mid-century architecture; a listing I had the pleasure of selling.
Born after World War II, this exceptionally popular architectural style is characterized by flat planes, large windows, and open space. Most of Santa Barbara County’s mid-century modern homes for sale were built between 1945 and the 1980s, with designs centered on simplicity and, most importantly for Santa Barbara, integration with nature.
Since its beginnings, the look has become widely recognizable. The aesthetic is renowned for its space-age lighting, streamlined walnut, teak furniture, bright color palettes, geometric tile, and avant-garde artwork, with bold color and pattern maximalism.
Here’s my comprehensive guide to transforming your Santa Barbara mid-century home into a true masterpiece.
Living Room
The living room serves as the heart of any home, and in a mid-century modern space, it becomes a canvas for nostalgia and innovation. Take cues from the resurgence of interest in 1950s living rooms by artfully mixing materials and embracing quirky architectural details that add character. Whether it's introducing retro motifs like atomic age patterns or geometric designs or curating a cohesive color palette, allow your creativity to reign supreme. Illuminate the space with statement mid-century lighting or harness the natural light streaming in to complete the ambiance, creating a welcoming retreat that exudes warmth and style.
Bedroom
In the sanctuary of your bedroom, simplicity meets comfort in the realm of mid-century modern design. Prioritize functionality while infusing the space with accents that offer a subtle nod to retro aesthetics. Whether it's through the addition of vintage-inspired rugs or playful throw pillows, let these elements weave together to create a harmonious environment that invites relaxation and rejuvenation. Embrace the warmth of natural materials and the serenity of muted tones, crafting a haven that reflects your personal style and enhances your daily retreat.
Kitchen
The kitchen serves as a hub of activity and creativity, where form meets function in perfect harmony. Infuse your culinary space with the essence of mid-century modern design by prioritizing clean lines, natural light, and bursts of vibrant color. Integrate retro-inspired elements such as circular globe shapes and iconic furniture pieces, bridging the gap between past and present with effortless grace. Embrace modern conveniences, creating a space that inspires culinary adventures and memorable gatherings with loved ones.
Dining Room
Elevate your dining experience with furniture that embodies the timeless elegance of mid-century modern design. Incorporate natural and reclaimed wooden elements for a welcoming atmosphere. Curate a dining room that showcases the best of mid-century style, infusing the space with a sense of sophistication and charm. Let strong lines and atomic-inspired accents take center stage, inviting guests to linger and savor moments of connection and conversation in a setting that transcends time.
Bathroom
The bathroom presents an opportunity to pay homage to mid-century modernism in its purest form. Preserve nods to the era's original color schemes while infusing the space with modern touches and minimalist aesthetics. Embrace clean lines and utilitarian elements, opting for a gray and white color palette that exudes sophistication and tranquility. From sleek fixtures to minimalist decor, create a sanctuary that invites moments of repose and reflection, elevating your daily routines with a touch of timeless elegance.
Where to Shop for Mid-Century Modern Décor
As you can see, many factors contribute to the enduring popularity of the mid-century modern style. It can easily be incorporated into the everyday life of Santa Barbara homeowners, but buying great pieces isn’t always easy.
Consignment Stores
We can also take advantage of our excellent consignment stores here in Santa Barbara. These stores sell secondhand items on behalf of the original owner, who receives a percentage of the selling price.
Jones Robin Appraisal SVC Antq
This place has served Santa Barbara since 1969 and is known for handling quality artifacts and antiques. As a member of the International Society of Appraisers, they also offer an appraisal service and estate liquidations. Visit after they’ve received items from a local estate, and you’ll be amazed at what you can find.
The Blue Door
If you even mention consignment/vintage/antique shopping in Santa Barbara, you’re sure to get recommendations to visit The Blue Door. Located in the Funk Zone and standing tall with three floors of inventory, the store combines new and vintage home items that will pique any shopper’s interest. Plus, with new items arriving every day, you’re sure to find something unique to bring home with you!
Summerland Antique Collective
If you’re looking for some serious luxury items for your home and outdoor space, look no further than Summerland Antique Collective. Specializing in fine designer pieces and unique collectibles, the shop prides itself on offering a wide range of styles. Whether you’re looking to redecorate or just browse, this spot is definitely worth a stop if you’re in Summerland.
The Art of Consignment
This store specializes in hand-selected, top-quality, and tasteful furniture, home goods, and décor. It also features second-hand items from well-known brands and manufacturers. The store regularly accepts donations, consignments, and on-spot sales, so its inventory always expands.
Thrift Stores
Many mid-century modern obsessives score amazing finds on Craigslist, at local yard sales, or at antique shops. They’re also checking out local thrift stores. And as luck has it, Santa Barbara has many thrift stores to hunt for that coveted piece.
Today, thrift shopping is gaining in popularity. And for good reason. Thrift stores often operate under charitable organizations, offering essential services alongside retail operations. Shopping at these stores sustains their mission, such as Santa Barbara's Unity Shoppe, which assists local residents in need while offering skill-building programs for future employment opportunities.
Thrifting also contributes to sustainability by diverting items from landfills, embodying the ethos of reuse and reducing waste while offering endless possibilities and moments of curiosity as you uncover unique items with mysterious pasts. These items transport enthusiasts to eras past, especially for mid-century modern enthusiasts seeking to expand their collections.
If you are looking for a mid-century home for all your mid-century modern furniture, there’s just one place to go: My exclusive Cristal’s Listings, or my website’s Property Search, a compendium of all available homes and estates in the Santa Barbara MLS. Rest assured that I’ll search the area to find you the home of your dreams, no matter what architectural style calls to you. Just give me a call at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I can also sell your existing property at the same time.
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