Black, White, and Mid-Century Modern All Over

This 1970s home got the Leanne Ford treatment with lots of light, bright, and airy touches to bring it up to date.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

April 03, 2019

By: Michelle Regna

Related To:

Shop This Look

A Mid-Mod Makeover for a Newly Engaged Couple

Homeowners Robert and Dena got engaged a month ago and this 1970s house was their first home purchase together. With a budget of $55K, they brought in Leanne and Steve to modernize the entire first floor. They were absolutely thrilled with the updates.

Exterior, Before

The original front exterior of the house described by Leanne as, mid-century modern meets cabin meets country.

Exterior, After

A black house isn't for everyone — but these homeowners absolutely loved how it made their house stand out.

Kitchen, Before

The original kitchen had a bizarre, zig-zag layout with a lot of wasted space.

Kitchen, After

By tearing down walls and replacing the zig-zag cabinetry, Leanne was able to open up the kitchen and put in a large, marble island.

Kitchen, After

To continue the black and white theme in the kitchen, Leanne chose ebony butcherblock countertops and a black backsplash.

Kitchen and Dining Room, Before

The original zig-zag kitchen and dining room.

Kitchen and Dining Room, After

From this angle, you can see how the island has been extended into the previous dining space.

Dining Room, After

The new dining room is light, bright, airy, and incorporates some lovely greenery.

Custom China Closet

Opposite the dining space and on the other side of the island, there was some unused space that was perfect for this custom china closet Leanne put in.

Great Room, Before

The original sprawling greatroom, featuring a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace.

Great Room, After

Leanne's goal here was to lighten, brighten, and whiten this space. She did that with a fresh coat of paint to the walls and, to create contrast, painted the fireplace black. To tie together the black and white theme, Leanne and Steve used slate flooring throughout.

Great Room, After

An overhead view of the updated great room.

Great Room, After

Leanne incorporated this cute little sitting area in the great room.

Mid-Century Mobile

The Fords needed a lighting fixture that could act as a focal point and fill the space. Leanne had her friend Sarah create this custom, Mid-Century mobile.

Entryway, Before

The original entryway didn't offer much of a first impression.

Entryway, After

Though the updated stairs aren't pictured here, you can still see how there is more of a hallway leading into the new kitchen. Leanne and Steve used slat walls to conceal all of the doors in the original entryway.

Bathroom, Before

The original first floor bathroom.

Bathroom, After

The new bathroom is modern and black and white like the rest of the house. But best of all, it's hidden behind a secret door in the new slat walls!

Restored by the Fords

Black, White, and Mid-Century Modern All Over

Related To:

Shop This Look

A Mid-Mod Makeover for a Newly Engaged Couple

Exterior, Before

Exterior, After

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, After

Kitchen and Dining Room, Before

Kitchen and Dining Room, After

Dining Room, After

Custom China Closet

Great Room, Before

Great Room, After

Great Room, After

Great Room, After

Mid-Century Mobile

Entryway, Before

Entryway, After

Bathroom, Before

Bathroom, After

Home Town: The Church House 50 Photos

85 Clever Dollar Store Hacks 85 Photos

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Kendra Wilkinson Takes on the Los Angeles Real-Estate Market in New Discovery+ Series

Modern Basement 4 Videos

Black Mold Symptoms and Health Effects

Related Pages