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A Mid-Century Eichler Home Gets Respectfully Updated for 21st Century

05.24.23 | By
A Mid-Century Eichler Home Gets Respectfully Updated for 21st Century

California-based studio Gustave Carlson Design and Atlanta-based Atelier Davis were hired to renovate a local Eichler house in need of updating. Built in 1971 in the Palo Alto hills, the prized single family residence was a custom commission by architect John S. Lynd, a close friend of Joseph Eichler. Currently owned by a design-forward family with a large art collection, the house received a respectful renovation that honored the history while adapting it for modern times. The update includes the integration of energy efficiency and sustainability, all while staying true to the original, iconic design.

angled cropped front view of modern black house with pitched roof

“An ‘Eichler’ captures the word optimism in built form,” says Carlson. “These airy, light-filled, and human scale structures convey the promise of the post-World War ll era, as well as Joseph Eichler’s philosophy on domestic life, and the ability of modern design to enhance our quality of life.”

angled exterior shot of covered front terrace

The exterior is clad in vertical Shou Sugi Ban Accoya barn wood, which gives it a textured, matte black finish. Flanked by two flat-roofed wings, the center part of the house features a statement-making gabled roof with white panels underneath for contrast. Triangular transom windows fill the entryway with natural light.

closeup of green front door with top part open looking down hallway of modern house

A custom, Dutch door welcomes guests to the home in a sage green color.

interior view of mid-century modern home living room

Once inside, Eichler’s signature post-and-beam construction becomes visible. Carlson removed partitions to open up the interior spaces to feel larger and to make space for their art collection.

angled interior view of mid-century modern living space

interior view of mid-century modern living space with skylights above

The atrium is now closed in with a glass roof making the space feel expansive and bright with the natural light filtering through. Cedar siding covers the walls giving the atrium an outdoor feel despite it now having a glass roof.

angled interior view of mid-century modern living space with glass roof

angled interior view of mid-century modern dining room with green chairs

partial interior view of mid-century modern kitchen

The overall design favors wood, cork, and natural stone for materials, while blues, corals, and yellows fill the color palette.

angled interior view of mid-century modern kitchen

The kitchen cabinets are finished with Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue No. 30, which partners well with the warm wood details, like the black walnut topped central island.

angled interior view of mid-century modern bedroom with twin beds

Both of the children’s bedrooms include a sleeping area and workspace, with colorful wallpaper and furnishings to finish out the designs, chosen by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis.

interior view of mid-century modern bedroom

interior view of mid-century modern space with two desks

angled interior view of mid-century modern bedroom

In the guest bedroom, a custom designed ledge offers space to rotate art as desired.

interior view of mid-century modern bathroom

In one of the children’s bathrooms, pale green is used on the cabinets with black accents adding a sophisticated look, all under a new light well.

angled interior view of mid-century modern bedroom

Another display ledge can be found behind the bed in the primary bedroom to welcome art. A wall of retractable glass doors offers the bedroom’s seating area direct access to the outdoors.

interior view of mid-century modern bedroom with seating area

interior view of mid-century modern bathroom

interior view of mid-century modern bathroom

exterior view looking into bathroom with tub

interior view of modern mud room with cubbies

Each family member has their own storage cubby in the custom mudroom.

interior view of modern mud room with cubbies

angled exterior view of mid-century modern house in backyard

angled exterior view of mid-century modern house in backyard

Project team:
-Gustave Carlson Design (Architecture, interior, and custom cabinetry)
-Atelier Davis (Interior design and decoration)
-Ground cover Landscaping
-Flegel’s Construction

Photography by David Duncan Livingston, courtesy of v2com.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.