Before & After: A Storied Midcentury Home Begins a New Chapter on Its 70th Anniversary

Robert Swatt, principal at Swatt | Miers Architects, had long kept a watchful, protective eye on this midcentury property in the Northern California city of Lafayette. "Having lived across the creek from the home for over 25 years, and having been friends with the previous owners, I had appreciated the architecture for a long time," he says. "But I had concerns that a new buyer might not have the same appreciation—and might even decide to tear it down."

The home was built in 1952 by architect John Carl Warnecke—who was heralded by the Kennedys for his expertise—and it was a time capsule that embodied the best of the era’s design sensibilities. Set on 1.5 acres of bucolic land, and spanning 4,500 square feet, the structure is shaped like a U to gently surround a backyard, while also upholding the clean lines and sharp angles of the midcentury-modern aesthetic.

Before: Living Room