In Kansas City, Missouri, FORWARD Design | Architecture completed the renovation of a celebrated mid-century modern home known as The Mid-Western. Originally designed by Linscott, Kiene & Haylett and built in 1954, the house stood out for its innovative T-shaped split-level layout, which introduced a spacious two-story bedroom wing at a time when home design was rapidly evolving.
The house quickly gained recognition, becoming the most popular home in the 1954 Parade of Homes and later receiving national attention for its contribution to housing design. Decades later, the challenge was finding a way to preserve that history while adapting the home to contemporary living. The owner wanted the house to retain its mid-century character while creating brighter, more open spaces that felt larger and more welcoming.
A Fresh Exterior With a Modern Presence
The first signs of change appear before stepping inside. The renovation introduced a dark exterior finish that immediately gives the home a more current appearance while highlighting the mature landscaping that surrounds it.
The darker palette creates contrast with the greenery and emphasizes the clean geometry that has always been part of the home’s design. While the structure remains recognizable, the updated exterior gives it a renewed sense of character that feels at home in the present day.
At the rear, a patio extends the living spaces outdoors. A lounge area and separate seating zone provide places to gather, relax, and enjoy the landscape. Large floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interior with the outdoor spaces, bringing sunlight deep into the home and offering uninterrupted views between inside and out.
Turning a Dark Entry Into a Bright Welcome
Before the renovation, the entryway felt enclosed and dim. Natural light entered primarily through the window beside the front door, leaving much of the space in shadow…