Upper Arlington Mid Century Modern

This continues to be a wonderful ongoing project. In keeping with our perennial goal of reusing an existing home whenever possible, we were very pleased to be retained to lead the design team in this whole home renovation in Upper Arlington. What had been a traditional ranch home full of crown moulding, wainscote, soffits, and had not been updated since 1972, was transformed into the picture of clean modernity.

We were presented with the rare opportunity of having a completely clean slate because the house was unoccupied—and remained so for close to a year. After exploring several space planning options, we decided to retain the basic layout and put more into custom details and finishes. And custom it is! Beginning with the front door, inspired by French artist Piet Mondrian, to the hinged desktop that can drop out of the way to allow access to the new 2nd floor, there are unique touches at every turn.

We were fortunate that the basic form of the existing structure was already clean and simple, because clean and simple became the over-riding them of the entire renovation. The fluted and pedimented front door surround was removed and replaced, as was virtually all of the millwork and mantles, lighting and plumbing fixtures, cabinetry and flooring, windows and doors.

As is typical in modern design and construction, any extraneous and unnecessary detail is omitted, allowing the beauty of the material and craftsmanship to shine through. This elevated attention to detail is evident throughout the home, from the crisp corners of uncased door and window openings to the absence of shoe-mould around each room’s perimeter.

Because the clients are avid art and furniture aficionados, their collection played a major part in designing the interiors. The foyer and living room serve as the primary gallery space, and is why the walls were left white. The living room’s original flat ceiling was eliminated, and the new vaulted space not only provides wonderful display and viewing light, but also helps to light the new second floor with interior windows located at the top of the vaulted room.

In addition to the beautiful furniture and art, additional interest and drama are found in every room. Sculptural stone cladding on the family room fireplace is an endless visual delight, as are the floating shelves that appear to punch through the wall to the Living Room. Contrasting the white walls of the Living Room and Foyer art galleries, bold colors, including a stunning black lavatory and a red kitchen, punch up the experience of the home and leave the visitor breathless. Further contrast is found in the monolithic black granite fireplace-surround in the Living Room. This fireplace wall was left devoid of anything else in order to highlight the beauty and lines of the wall’s profile. Further energy is supplied by the exquisite Tiger-wood floors found throughout the rest of the public spaces. Lest it become too much to digest, however, let alone live with, the entire composition is united and tamed with crisp, clean, white trim.

This second floor exists where before there was only a long rambling attic that was too big and too expansive to ignore. After adding new floor joists to the existing ceiling joists, and constructing a new wide staircase to provide access, an entire new floor was created with no communication of such an addition to the exterior. In addition to huge storage areas, the clients enjoy a seasonal closet with custom built-in, and are working on completing a media room complete with theater seating.

This project continues to be ongoing, and will be updated soon.

Upper Arlington Mid Century Modern

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