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
I LOVE where you are going with this, Megan!! Its going to be amazing!!
Thanks karrie!
Looking so good! And oh my goodness, I hear you on the MCM. I fell so in love with it a couple years ago, but since we’ve started our remodel I’ve started to get a little burnt out on it. I’m trying to do a mix of things like you, and fortunately a lot of the bigger themes of what I like (colors, vibes) have stayed the same, so I think it’ll work out doing some MCM with more traditional 🙂 I can’t wait to see this all painted!
Thanks Amy, it’s great to hear that it worked out for you! Thanks for checking in!
Love this!!!! Cant wait to see how it comes out! Totally feel you on mcm. I like true modern, 30’s era, and on rare occasions, lighting from the 50’s, but how its been diluted to modern day… i COULDN’T agree more!!!
Exactly!!! You summed it up perfectly : )
Thaks lady!
hi megan – just my 2 cents here, but as someone who lived for a year with an electric wood stove I have to say: start trolling craigslist and go for the real thing! I’d be curious to see what you do with the electric fireplace… but a real stove is so much better for atmosphere and warmth. You won’t find that exact model on craigslist, but set up some alerts for vermont & NH and do a weekend road trip – you can snag some very good deals on gently used quality wood stoves!
Angela, I totally think you are right. I think I could make the stove look cool but I’d rather hold out for the real thing.
I love the fireplace. did you think of having a metal shop make you a stand to fit. sometimes those are not too pricey.
I also found a table stand on etsy that could be painted and work.
check out shop = Handmadelegs, item= The BEST Metal Table Legs, 2″ Square Brace Add On
https://www.etsy.com/listing/502604235/the-best-metal-table-legs-2-square-brace?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_HandmadeLegs_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=10631195&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1dDPBRC_ARIsAJZrQfrQJNCwX9VTynNzk8n6xkAHaI_X7ik7IJk70J5NAvnDQICtQ-alKgsaAl1fEALw_wcB
Wow, good research! I think some kind of stand is totally the way to go. I’m surprised how affordable the legs are.
Thanks for sharing the post. I think rugs is best to decor our homes. But we can use table lamp to decor home as well.