In the few months that my mom and I have occupied Cliffy (as I lovingly refer to her as) I don’t think I can count the number of sentences that have stared with the words, “What if…” or “We could…”
To keep us on track, I started thinking about what’s most important when it comes to choices we make…
A Thoughtful Approach
The only impulsive decision we made was the choice to buy this home. All other decisions will be put through the wringer; made thoughtfully with our circumstances and the home’s best interest in mind.
In other words – we’re not playing by flipper’s rules! No quick fixes, no boring choices made with resale in mind.
Historical Reverence rather than Adherence
We appreciate what this house means historically, and we adore MCM design. That is our foundation.
That said, this home isn’t a museum or a time capsule. Design-wise, we’ll lean to lean into the timelessness of the era, rather than being rigid or kitsch.
When it comes to the bigger renovations? Per Cliff May himself, these houses were meant to be lived in and grow to suit the needs of the family as time went on. The floor plan might change to suite the needs of this family (more on that below), but never in a way that’s totally dismissive of what was built in 1954.
Efficient, Sustainable, and Safe Choices
It’s 2021. Mother Earth is burning, so we’re going to do what we can to help. We’re looking forward to adding technology and using techniques to aid in sustainability – EV charging, solar panels, composting bins, xeriscaping, captured rain water, etc – the list goes on. Where we can do our part, we will.
We’ve also got our own unique family situation – I’m healthy and able bodied, but I’m living with my mother who is in her 70’s. We have elderly pets. My brother has a toddler that will be visiting. We have to make choices that keep everyone safe. I want to keep Universal Design in mind as much as possible.
Joy
We bought this house because the moment we found the listing, it immediately brought us joy. We plan for this to be a forever home for our family, and we want to keep the ball of joy rolling. There’s no sense in doing all of this hard work if it doesn’t make us happy in some way every day. So? There will be whimsy tucked in corners and fresh air throughout.