This week I want to talk style and make a confession. I’m OVER Mid-Century Modern. Like everyone else, I appreciate MCM for its clean lines and functional design, but I’m reaching the point of overload. Over the last decade, I have watched MCM furniture descend into a pit of bland, becoming the default choice for otherwise stylish people. I’m not exactly sure how we got to this point, but when it comes to decorating the lodge, I have to proceed with caution.  I’m trying to cultivate a nice mix of styles that compliment the space without turning it into a theme park.

At this point you are probably asking yourself why in the world did we buy The Woodhouse Lodge if I have such strong feelings about the overuse of MCM design? The simple answer is it’s a cool building, and good architecture can transcend it’s era, epically with the right furnishings. The complicated answer is I like a challenge.

Admittedly the lodge has a lot of modern character! The A-frame is SUPER 60’s, but it also has a little Scandinavian flare, and the dark (exterior) paint job is a nod to colonial home colors. You see where I’m going with this, right? I’m trying to view the lodge and its furnishings as more than a vintage cliché. So I am looking for a nice mix of pieces for the lodge that keep the MCM vibe from overpowering the space.

Chair // Small Lamp // Floor Lamp // Pillows // Rug // Sofa // Coffee Table

The Moodboard

With this One Room Challenge and for the lodge as a whole, I’m going for a mix that I’m calling mid-century, meets shaker. These are a few of the critical piece on the south side of the living room. I’m pretty excited about the way things are shaping up. I’ll go into more detail about these pieces next week as well as show you a few more items, including some great vintage finds!

The Fireplace

Last week I asked you all to chime in about the fireplace, and overwhelming you thought that I should try and make the kooky but cool vintage fireplace work… I guess we’re doing this?! I think the stove needs a little more height to bring it into scale with the room.  So, I’m thinking about setting the stove on something resembling a bench. I’m channeling the vibes of the original Wittius stove I talked about in last week. I believe that I can find an existing piece with the right proportions and finish, but so far I’m not having much luck. Be sure to check out my Instagram Stories for some antiquing adventures!

Progress Report

As you can see, the painting has come to a halt because we need to buy a bigger ladder.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to report a fully painted room next week, and maybe I’ll even take the opportunity to clean those windows! Eek, they look disgusting!

As per usual, I’m using all Farrow and Ball paint for this space. I chose Ammonite for the walls and trim. I’m using Estate emulsion on the wall and estate eggshell on the trim. Think the tone-on-tone will give the space a modern look. The doors and window trim are Pitch Black in a gloss finish. I’m thinking about doing an accent wall in Hague Blue, more on that next week.

This week I’m thrifting up a storm trying to find the perfect platform for my vintage woodstove, and you can keep up with the action on Instagram, I’ll be posting updates on my stories. See ya next week!

Looking for more inspiring renovation stories? Check in with my fellow ORC participants linked below.

Boxwood Avenue | Coco & Jack | Design Manifest | IBB for DWD | The House That Lars Built | Little Green Notebook | The Makerista | Making it Lovely | Old Brand New | Old Home Love | The Painted House | Megan Pflug Designs | Pink Pagoda | Erica Reitman | Sacramento Street | Simply Grove | Jill Sorensen | Sugar & Cloth | Vintage Rug Shop | Waiting on Martha *Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by ORC