How This Dated Mid-Century Home Was Transformed into a Two-Story Stunner

The new design stays true to its roots.

Kitchen Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group

Tina Michelle Photo

Written by Sarah Yang November 26, 2025

An outdated mid-century home in El Segundo, California, was what you would call a hidden gem, interior designer Alexis Vitale of Vitale Design Group says. Even with its dated finishes that dulled its charm and disjointed layout, it had a lot of potential.

Front Door Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
“The iconic sunburst front door, a deep moody green framed in dark wood, became the home’s perfect first impression,” Alexis says.

Tina Michelle Photo

Her clients wanted the home to evolve with their growing family while also keeping its mid-century roots. Warmth, honesty in materials, and a natural flow that was suitable for everyday living were priorities for them. 

Living Room Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
“Throughout, we honored classic mid-century architecture—clean lines, natural materials, and generous light, while layering in a refined, contemporary spirit,” explains Alexis. “Every space was designed to support family life, connection, and comfort, creating a home that feels effortlessly livable and deeply personal.”

Tina Michelle Photo

“We approached it as if uncovering a precious stone, reworking the layout, refining proportions, and layering in texture and materiality to reveal its true beauty,” explains Alexis, who worked on the project with architect Brett Horton. “Every change was made to enhance flow, light, and livability while celebrating the home’s original soul.”

Kitchen Stools Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
The kitchen features a beautiful green tile.

Tina Michelle Photo

Tile was the inspiration-starter for the redesign. The fluted concrete tile by Kinney Block was used on the exterior and became the home’s “architectural heartbeat,” with its sculptural quality influencing the form and texture throughout the home. And the moody green tiles in the kitchen inspired the entire interior palette: “earthy greens balanced with walnut and wenge woods, creating a story that feels grounded and sophisticated.”

Dining Room Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
The dining room gets plenty of natural light, thanks to skylights above.

Tina Michelle Photo

Alexis and team created better flow in the home by expanding the layout and adding a second story. Of all the spaces, she says the true heart of the home is the kitchen, with its blend of mid-century soul and modern refinement. 

“Lush green tiles set a vibrant tone, while a fluted island, leathered quartzite slab, and sculptural concrete pendants bring warmth and depth,” Alexis adds.

Bookshelf Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
A custom bookcase is filled with vintage finds.

Tina Michelle Photo

The kitchen flows into the living room. Beyond that, the dining room features a custom bookcase, which leads to a sitting area that contains the home’s original fireplace. Skylights allow plenty of natural light to stream in.

Primary Bedroom Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
The primary suite features a moody color palette.

Tina Michelle Photo

Primary Bathroom Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
The primary bathroom is a spa-like retreat.

Tina Michelle Photo

Upstairs, there’s a tranquil primary suite with a sumptuous blue velvet bed, dark woods, textured grass cloth, pitched ceilings, and leathered sconces. The primary suite’s bathroom is expansive and extremely well-lit, thanks to skylights overhead.

Kids Room Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
“Each bedroom expresses its own personality—from the kids’ playful, color-drenched retreat to the moody sophistication of the primary suite,” Alexis says.

Tina Michelle Photo

There are a lot of fun design moments upstairs, like the kids’ bedroom with vintage touches and the guest bathrooms with interesting tile and terrazzo flooring. But the coolest room on the second floor just might be the adults’ hangout—a bar area featuring mid-century-inspired tile and wood, plus a deep orange sofa for lounging.

Bar Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
The upstairs bar is a cozy hangout.

Tina Michelle Photo

“We were careful to maintain the home’s architectural DNA,” Alexis says. “Its clean lines, organic materials, and connection to nature while modernizing its proportions and details. Every material choice, from the fluted concrete chimney to the walnut millwork and plaster finishes, honors the mid-century palette but feels refreshed. The home’s new elements—including custom lighting, handcrafted tile, and thoughtful layering—respect the original design language while evolving it for today’s lifestyle.”

Office Mid-Century El Segundo House by Vitale Design Group
“The project’s nickname, ‘The Jewel,’ came from how we approached it—like polishing a precious stone until its natural beauty could shine,” explains Alexis. “Every room was treated as a facet of that gem. We even carried the idea through the materials: the rich greens, warm woods, and layered textures evoke the tones and depth of a jewel itself.”

Tina Michelle Photo

The homeowners love that the newly redesigned space reflects exactly who they are. “The result is a home where mid-century character meets modern life: rooted in heritage, designed for effortless living, and filled with beauty that feels timeless yet fresh,” adds Alexis.

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