John W. (Jack) and Maureen West House

A mid-century modern home with unexpected flair, this 1957 residence blends practical design with striking original details—from crystal chandeliers to glitter ceilings—thoughtfully preserved through careful renovation. 

The original owner, Jack West, built this house for his wife Maureen and their family in 1957. It is believed
he modelled his floor plan, with some modifications, after one in the October 1956 Popular Mechanics magazine. When the current owners purchased the house from him in 2003, Mr. West personally handed over his copy of the magazine, his marked-up layout reflecting some of the changes he was planning, and made.

Although the house’s bones are mid-century modern, there are interior elements that introduce a touch of unexpected elegance: the light-switch to the right of the entrance, the double front entry doors, the original crystal chandeliers in the hallway and dining room, and the glitter ceilings in the front rooms.

Soon after moving in the new owners replaced of all the windows with double glazed ones. 

Restoration and Renewal (2007–08)

They started an ambitious renovation in 2007-08; as much as possible retaining, repurposing or replicating existing interior elements. The exception was the original carpeting, which was removed and new flooring installed. Retained were the wood panelling, and the back bedrooms’ built-ins with drawers, sliding doors, desk and bookcase scaled for the West children. Repurposed were the wood panelling from the dining room wall (when it was pushed forward two feet to enlarge the kitchen), and the original kitchen counter and undercabinet. The wood panelling was installed at the bottom of the stairs. The kitchen’s prefabricated steel kitchen cabinets from Youngstown Kitchen (with original floral molded plastic laminate countertop) went into the basement workshop  -- the Youngstown Kitchen cabinets were iconic porcelain-enameled steel kitchen cabinets produced by Mullins Manufacturing Corporation in Ohio from the 1930s - 50s. They were a leading pre-fabricated, durable, kitchen option during the post-war housing boom.

New doors were matched to existing flat panel, wood finish doors. The three reed-glass panels in the stairwell inspired the new pocket doors and the glass wall in the later basement renovation.

Kitchen and Interior Updates

The kitchen’s update features addition of pot lights and two skylights; sleek, white cabinetry that provides an abundance of storage; a backsplash of back-painted glass that has a warm, silvery ambiance and no grout lines, so is a snap to clean.

The powder room and main bathroom were updated; the latter being reconfigured as an ensuite at that time.

Second Renovation (2013–14)

A second renovation was undertaken in 2013-14. The living room’s textured glitter ceiling was removed to add pot lights; the new ceiling replicated the original one. A gas insert was installed in the existing fireplace, and new carpeting laid.

Reimagining the Lower Level

The most dramatic change was in the lower-level. Instead of building out to enlarge the basement, the owners dug down, excavating the crawl space. This excavated area is the games/AV room and storage area behind the reed glass wall. In the new room, there is a pair of unusual “Cross Check” chairs designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll.

Outdoor Features and Finishing Touches

After access for excavating was no longer needed, the back deck was rebuilt. The railing’s glass allows the owners to enjoy garden activity while sitting. The clothesline post is original to the house, as are the carport’s gate and panel of angled wooden slats. The reed glass at the top of the exterior wall was added for privacy, and echoes the glass inside.

by Anna Camporese