Tacoma Remodel Reveal: A Mid-Century Modern Home Reimagined

Some homes have good bones, and this University Place home in Tacoma was one of them. While the architecture reflected classic 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, the original floor plan no longer suited the homeowners’ lifestyle.

This Tacoma remodel was all about honoring the home’s Mid-Century Modern roots while completely rethinking how the space functioned for modern living. The goal was simple yet ambitious: remove barriers, improve flow, and create a light-filled home that feels connected, functional, and timeless.

Before + After

Opening Up a Classic 1950s Floor Plan

True to its era, the kitchen was fully walled off, featuring original cabinetry, non-working appliances, and an outdated electric stovetop that made the space feel dark and disconnected.

Our recommendation was bold but necessary:

●  Remove the coat closet

●  Eliminate the wall of cabinetry blocking the living room

●  Install a large structural beam to support the roof

●  Replace the small window with a new door opening directly onto the outdoor deck

The payoff? The kitchen now functions as the heart of the home, seamlessly connected to the surrounding living areas. The transformation completely changed how the home feels and functions. The result is open, airy, and undeniably spectacular.

Before

After

Before + After

Mid-Century Modern Details, Elevated

One of the most meaningful design decisions was preserving the original fireplace, which is integral to the structure of the home. Rather than keeping the original stone, we wrapped the fireplace in vertical walnut slats, creating a striking focal point that beautifully complements the custom horizontal-grain walnut cabinetry throughout the kitchen.

To amplify light and visual flow, we introduced a natural stone slab in the kitchen, with a soft, luminous tone. The slab was used not only on the countertops but also carried vertically up the backsplash, allowing the veining to travel up the wall—adding drama while reflecting natural light and making the space feel expansive.

Warm brass accents were layered throughout the design to reinforce the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic and bring just the right amount of refined contrast.

Before + After

A Flooring Mystery from the 1950s

The original flooring presented one of the more unexpected challenges of the remodel. The homeowners hoped to preserve the existing wood floors in the living room, but once walls were removed, new flooring had to integrate seamlessly with the old.

Identifying the wood species turned into a bit of detective work, first thought to be cherry, then pine, until we discovered the truth while pulling up boards: pecan wood, a popular choice in the 1950s. Unfortunately, that specific grain and material is no longer available.

In the end, the homeowner opted to remove the original floors and install new cherry hardwoods throughout the space, creating a seamless, cohesive foundation that allowed the design to shine without compromise.

Before + After

Thoughtful Additions That Made All the Difference

As the project progressed, the scope naturally expanded—something we often see once clients experience the potential of a remodel done right. Updates included:

●        A full electrical panel upgrade

●        New, layered lighting throughout the home

●        A generous back deck, perfect for entertaining.

●        A custom drop zone designed to keep everyday essentials organized

We also incorporated one of our favorite custom details: a dedicated kitty feeding area built discreetly into the cabinetry. These small, personal touches are what truly elevate a custom remodel and make a home feel tailored to the people (and pets) who live there.

The Final Result

The finished home is everything a successful Tacoma remodel should be—timeless, functional, and deeply connected to its surroundings. The design leans masculine for our client, grounded in Mid-Century Modern principles, with a comfortable dining area featuring leather dining chairs and a subtle pop of color at the barstools for personality.

A thoughtful transformation, rooted in history and designed for modern living—this project is a perfect example of how honoring the past can create something truly extraordinary.