mid century modern makeover in highland park

taging is often accomplished by our bringing all the furniture and accessories into a completely empty home. Sometimes, though, staging means working with furniture that already exists in a home. In the case of this charming English cottage in Highland Park, it was a little of both.

The seller had almost all of the furniture needed to fill the home. We brought in a few key large pieces — chair, rug, lamps — and several accessories, such as vases and mirrors.

The combination proved to be a success because this home sold a mere three days after listing. The secret is in making the rooms work by creating a color palette incorporating the homeowner’s great collection of Mid Century modern furniture and art and the existing wall colors.

The home’s exterior with original cottage detail, and a Mid Century modern chair with an arc lamp.

The home’s original Craftsman details work well with a 1960s style of modernity. Here, the coffee table’s slender legs perch delicately atop a tribal pattern rug. The punchy orange, black and white ’70s pillows really pop on the neutral sofa. Softly patterned chevron curtains in the background are neutral enough so as not to compete with other patterns in the room. We love the ’60s metal sailboat art over the mantel.

A peek into the dining room from the living room. Styling the large bookcase involved a melding of styles and colors.

The Craftsman style dining table and chairs are complemented by a starburst mirror and simple modern vases.

In the master bedroom, key placement of the 1960s original flamingo paint-by-number paintings and yellow lamps accents the Mid Century modern dresser.

The bright turquoise nursery wall color is complemented by hits of green and orange in accessories, pillows and storage boxes, all grounded by dark brown.

The bathroom is a study in neutrals, with more of the seller’s unique art.

The second bedroom features more original 1960s art in pops of turquoise. White bedding with a striped throw adds drama.

The warm red kitchen is accented by hits of bright green.