Join us as we take a look at Mid Century Modern architecture in St. Catharines. Plus, we find out Niagara builder Sheldon Sulman’s advice for restoring a Mid Century Modern home while staying true to its original character.
It seems the trend towards Mid Century Modern architecture and decor is not slowing down. The elements that Mid Century design brought into our homes, such as clean lines, subtle curvature, pops of colour and a connection to the outdoors, continue to delight us. They can be seen everywhere from modern office spaces to restaurants, hotels, and, of course, private homes.
Mid Century Modern is the design movement in interior, product, graphic design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1945 to 1975. The Mid Century Modern movement in North America was a reflection of the International and Bauhaus movements in Europe. Influential architects of the time include Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Frank O. Gehry, and John Lautner.
St. Catharines has some show-stopping homes built in the 1950s and 60s. For example, the historic home featured below in St. Catharines’ South End is a masterful example of Mid Century Modern architecture. The house’s design has been meticulously maintained while adding modern updates, resulting in a home that is truly one of a kind.
Niagara builder Sheldon Sulman of Sheldon Homes, also owns a beautifully restored Mid Century house. For Sheldon, this is not just the latest design trend. He comes by his love of Mid Century Modern architecture honestly.
“I grew up in it,” Sheldon says. “My Father built homes in the 1950s and 60s. I spent a lot of my childhood looking at those homes and grew up in an area that has a wealth of beautiful Mid Century homes.”
“St Catharines has a huge amount of Mid Century homes, but very few of them that are still in their original presentation. People have added additions like traditional doors and shutters. This completely clashes with Mid Century design.”
Sheldon has taken his Mid Century home and brought warm modernism to it. The house began with a very sparse look. However, he enhanced it by using original Mid Century materials, such as wood siding. He also maintained classic details, such as the eye-catching fireplace with original stacking brick.
“The way to bring an original Mid Century home into the 21st Century is to open up spaces,” Sheldon explains. “We took a breezeway and living room, kitchen, and dining room, and created a combined open-plan space.”
Sheldon also added the expansive window wall and the intricate all-wood railing that reaches to the original cathedral ceilings (see image above).
“Now the space is defined by the furniture and light fixtures,” Sheldon says. “We took advantage of this open space by creating oases within the space, such as in front of the fireplace looking at the window wall.”
Mid Century Homes For Sale in the Niagara Region
88 October Drive, St. Catharines
$2,788,000
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by McGarr Realty
6819 Devon Drive, Niagara Falls
$649,900
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty
792 Townline Tunnel Road, Welland
$1,100,000
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Revel Realty
7276 Optimist Lane #5, Niagara Falls
$698,500
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Coldwell Banker Advantage Real Estate
17 Monarch Park Drive, St. Catharines
$534,900
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty
457 Linwell Road, St. Catharines
$444,900
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Sutton Group Quantum Realty
489 Niagara Street, St. Catharines
$419,500
Call 905.641.1110
Email: karl@callkarl.ca
Listed by Re/Max Garden City Realty
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