When KEM STUDIO began work on the Homestead Residence, the design started with a simple idea. The new house would not ignore the past. Instead, it would acknowledge the mid-century modern home that once occupied the property and reinterpret its spirit for a contemporary family.
The resulting home feels familiar and new at the same time. It reflects the clarity and restraint often associated with mid-century design while responding to the needs of modern living.
A Contemporary Exterior With Mid-Century Roots
The exterior introduces a carefully restrained material palette. Light buff brick, white stucco, and exposed concrete create a calm and balanced composition, while stained cedar adds warmth to the overall appearance.
These materials work together to create a home that feels grounded and approachable. The combination gives the residence a contemporary presence while maintaining a subtle connection to mid-century design traditions.
An Open Plan for Everyday Living
Inside, the main social areas unfold as an open plan designed for everyday life. The living room, dining area, and kitchen connect visually, creating a shared space that encourages gathering.
A dark dining table sits between the living room and kitchen, acting as a quiet divider that defines the zones without interrupting the openness of the layout.
A Living Room Anchored by Wood and Steel
In the living room, a wood accent wall creates a warm focal point. The wall is split by a black steel element that houses both the television and the fireplace.
The contrast between the natural wood and the industrial steel introduces a balanced mix of warmth and structure, giving the room a strong visual anchor.
A Kitchen That Continues the Palette
The kitchen continues the same wood used in the living room accent wall, creating a sense of visual continuity between spaces.
Black hardware and a dark backsplash echo the steel elements nearby, tying the details together. At the center of the room, a kitchen island with a white waterfall countertop offers additional workspace and casual seating thanks to an extended overhang.
Outdoor Living at the Center
Beyond the interior spaces, the home opens to a large landscaped yard designed for outdoor living. There is plenty of grass for recreation, along with a swimming pool and hot tub. A pool house and outdoor shower extend the functionality of the space, while a deck provides another place to relax or gather.
A Casual Room Connected to the Outdoors
Back inside, another living area sits close to the outdoor spaces and provides a more relaxed setting.
A large L-shaped sofa defines the lounge area, while a round dining table offers a place for casual meals or conversation. The room acts as a natural extension of the backyard, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor life.
Bedrooms With Subtle Architectural Details
In the primary bedroom, a wood accent wall adds texture and warmth. Carefully placed voids within the wall hold built-in bedside lamps, turning a simple surface into a thoughtful architectural feature.
Another bedroom introduces a different mood. A matte black accent wall provides contrast against a white bed frame and matching side tables, creating a clean and modern composition.
Bathrooms That Add Color and Light
One bathroom introduces a vibrant moment with bright blue walls that bring energy to the space. Below the mirrors, a floating wood vanity includes lighting underneath, adding a soft glow. Two round mirrors with bronze frames hang above, accompanied by matching sconces that reinforce the warm metallic accents.
In another bathroom, a darker palette takes over. A dark tile wall becomes the focal point, highlighted by LED lighting hidden behind the mirror.
A Practical Laundry Space
Even the laundry room follows the same thoughtful approach seen throughout the home. Wood cabinets provide storage, while a white countertop and undermount sink create a functional workspace. White subway tiles add a classic finishing touch that keeps the room bright and clean.
The Homestead Residence shows how architecture can acknowledge the past without copying it. By drawing inspiration from the Mid-Century Modern home that once stood here, the design creates a sense of continuity while offering spaces that feel fully suited to contemporary life.