Mid-Century Modern design can be polarising, but it can also be exceptionally beautiful. This recent Christchurch project explores the balance between mid-century influences and modern aesthetics. The final result is a space that feels luxurious and current, with a hint of nostalgia and an abundance of personality.
Key suppliers: Porcelanosa, Creative Flooring, Bremworth, The Tile Company
The interior’s mid-century influences are immediately apparent in the kitchen, where soft overhead and recessed lighting cast a golden glow on the dark walnut joinery.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry extends the space both visually and practically, while a vintage bar cart and screened beverage cabinet are a further nod to the era.
Pairing warm-toned timber joinery with white benchtops is a hallmark of mid-century modern kitchen design; here, that combination is elevated by material choices that introduce colour and texture.
Porcelanosa Xtone Alpinus White Texture (benchtop and splashback)
The benchtop and splashback showcase Porcelanosa Xtone Alpinus White porcelain tiles, which add depth and contrast to the space. As well as their visual impact, the large-format porcelain slabs create practical, durable work surfaces.
Tiles also set the mood in the powder room, main bathroom, and ensuite, creating three eye-catching, strikingly different spaces.
Coco Verd Matt wall tiles; Cabinets of Curiosity wallpaper.
The powder room embraces the moody, dramatic side of mid-century design. Coco Verde Matt tiles pair with Cabinets of Curiosity wallpaper to create an intriguing space with a touch of drama.
Epoque Brown (wall tile); Reve Canelle (floor tile).
The ensuite also leans into a moody aesthetic, this time created through dramatic material choices softened by clever design.
Strikingly patterned Epoque Brown tiles line the walls, complemented by brushed bronze tapware and matte black basins. Lighter Reve Canelle floor tile, softly backlit mirrors and a floating timber vanity balance and lighten the space.
Porcelanosa Coral Caliza wall tiles (left, right) and Porcelanosa Arrow 3D Roble wood-effect tiles (centre)
The main bathroom has a lighter and brighter ambience, with the prominent timber elements of mid-century modern design woven in through Porcelanosa Arrow 3D Roble wood-effect tiles.
The details of Arrow 3D Roble and the statement floor tile contrast with the soft neutrality of the Coral Caliza wall tiles, creating a sophisticated design that feels warm and welcoming.
Warwick Lovely Moss (sofa upholstery)
The multi-layered lounge references an iconic mid-century architectural feature - the conversation pit - with a sunken sofa, overlooked by a stunning feature wallpaper from Arte.
The sofa is upholstered in Warwick’s Lovely Moss, a softer take on the rich emerald tones found in classic mid-century modern interiors. Natural timber flooring adds extra warmth and sophistication.
Euro Oak Oiled Wood Flooring in Half Graphite from Creative Flooring
Even the most hard-working spaces in the home have been thoughtfully designed for beauty as well as functionality. The laundry includes a continuation of the walnut joinery first seen in the kitchen, softened by the gentle cream tones of Coco Canvas Gloss mosaic tile.
Coco Canvas Gloss tile
If you’d like to bring your favourite design style to life in a thoughtful, curated way, talk to our team. We can help you choose the right materials for your home, and our talented installers ensure a high-quality finish.
Visit our Montreal Street showroom or book a design consultation.