In the context of today, mid-century modern architecture and design isn’t actually modern. It reflects the style that grew popular in the middle of the 20th century (think Don Draper’s apartment, complete with a conversation pit and leggy furniture). This style has grown popular in the 21st century, particularly among younger generations for whom the novelty has yet to wear off.
On the contrary, contemporary mid-century modern design brings a whole new fit and finish to the style, taking what could potentially feel kitschy and instead making it clean, cohesive and comfortable. An example of this can be found in Lancaster’s newest addition to the Brooklawn neighborhood, a 3,260-square-foot residence where low-slung roofs, warm-yet-contrasting colors and strong linear lines mesh with lush amenities for one confident home born and bred for entertaining.
A SPACE that speaks for itself
Lancaster’s EGStoltzfus Custom Homes is an expert in one-of-a-kind custom creations. They had an opportunity to design a custom home for buyers who wanted nothing more than it to be a central place for their friends and family. Perhaps the most apparent touch that feeds this dream is the addition of a scullery, or prep kitchen, beside the main kitchen.
“The prep kitchen is where the owner can do the heavy lifting, make their morning smoothie, whip up cake batters, cookie doughs,” says Stephanie Lachance, design studio consultant at EGStoltzfus. “Keeping the unsightly mess tucked away to be dealt with at a later time.”
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In the kitchen area, including both the main and prep kitchens, Craig Smoot, new home sales specialist at EGStoltzfus and Realtor at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, is fond of “the black cabinetry—which, for whatever reason, is not the least bit heavy because of the light.” He adds, “There are little bits of impact all over the house.” Bright quartz countertops and smart window placement contribute to the weightlessness.
Just beyond the breakfast area is an outdoor patio space that can turn almost any morning into an alfresco adventure.
And just across the way, the living room behaves as a conversation piece all its own. “We designed a unique fireplace with built-in shelving,” says Adam Coe, design-build specialist at EGStoltzfus. “The floor of the living room continues up onto the wall of the fireplace and then gets some relief with painted lap board and wood floating shelves.”
Abby Young | Realtor
Lachance agrees that the fireplace accent wall is the most unique touch in the home, citing its use of negative space and weight to create a visually pleasing media wall. In the broader living space, she remarks on the thoughtfully curated staging, saying, “We introduced soft touches and color with the furniture pieces, such as the round tables, the green velvet dining chairs, and the burnt-orange accent chairs in the family room.”
From a big-picture perspective, the 9-foot ceiling plus 8-foot door height on the first floor set the stage for grandeur, a feeling that is brought down to earth with complementary earth tones on the different planes of the flooring and walls. This harmonious blend of scale and color creates a welcoming, balanced environment that feels both expansive and cozy.
While a contemporary mid-century modern appeal is apparent in the space at large, it’s not unchangeable. Owners can easily switch out trends without changing the home’s foundational character simply by altering coloration and materials. “In general, trends change,” says Abby Young, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. But today, changes are far from necessary.
Elegant in the extremities
The home’s charm goes well beyond the primary entertainment area, with a separate dining area featuring elongated windows, and a home office space with a view to the front side of the property, both adding to the utility of the first floor.
The open stairway leads to the second floor, on which the EGStoltzfus team matched the stair treads to the hardwood flooring and finished it off with a simplistic railing and metal baluster. The second floor houses four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, including one jack and jill setup connecting two bedrooms. Each of the connected bedrooms has their own sink and vanity but shares a tub and toilet, with pocket doors separating each vanity and picket-style tile giving color to the space. These bedrooms are ideal for children or guests.
Even without getting into the owner’s suite, anyone upstairs can enjoy the second-floor laundry room that eliminates the need to carry loads up and down the stairs. But curiosity gets the best of any visitor, and the owner’s suite is a space that sparks interest for good reason.
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Owning IT
The owner’s suite deserves a section all its own. Featuring dual closet spaces and a large bathroom that includes a freestanding tub and majestically oversized shower, it manages to include all the fixings any couple could want. All the while, the space avoids an over-expansive feeling, instead maintaining a sense of intimacy. The recessed tray ceiling contributes to this cozy atmosphere.
Focusing on the owner’s bathroom, the ceramic tile features a fabric texture that adds to the complexity. The black cabinetry and quartz countertop extends into the space, just like in the kitchen, promoting continuity throughout the home. Two vanity sinks, plus a generous soaking tub alongside a luxury walk-in mosaic tile shower with a glass panel and rain showerhead, make for plenty of space for the owners to go about their lives in comfort and ease.
The toilet is tucked away in its own water closet for added privacy. Black plumbing fixtures paired with a gold light fixture above the vanity finish off the clean lines and classy appeal of the suite, creating a sophisticated and elegant bathroom atmosphere.
It’s Reminiscent, but with a new twist to it
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Beyond the plot
Homes are more than just the materials they’re made of. They’re even more than the land they’re built on. A home also includes the space surrounding it. In other words, the neighborhood plays a crucial role.
Craig Smoot | New Home Sales Specialist & Realtor
“Everybody that comes here wants to know about community,” he says. “People made these dramatic moves because they could. They work from home, and they started to realize that where they live is important.” That’s why new developments such as Brooklawn put a greater emphasis on walkability. Over time, this home will be interconnected with the older neighborhoods that surround it through
methods like a bridge and sidewalks, creating a greater sense of cohesiveness (and more routes to switch up your daily walks to get your steps in).
Young says the design is nontraditional for Lancaster County. “It’s reminiscent, but with a new twist to it,” she adds. Despite that, the home manages to fit into its surroundings while establishing a character all its own, blending contemporary elements with the charm of the local architecture.
