A Midcentury Masterpiece Reborn: Mitchell & Eli’s Casa View Cliff May Home Renovation
Prepare to be inspired, dear readers, as we unveil a remarkable journey of restoration and renewal. When we first encountered the Cliff May home at 2604 Andrea, it was a shadow of its former glory, a testament to years of neglect. Layers of grime and dilapidation obscured its intrinsic beauty, making it almost impossible to envision its true potential. Yet, beneath the visible decay, a promise of what once was—and what could be—flickered brightly. We passionately called for a visionary owner, someone with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to restore this architectural gem to its rightful splendor. We yearned for a buyer who understood the profound legacy of Cliff May’s innovative designs and was prepared to embark on a meticulous restoration journey. Little did we know, the perfect stewards were just around the corner, ready to embrace this challenge with open arms and boundless creativity.
The Visionaries: Mitchell Boone and Eli Van Oort’s Restoration Journey
For Eli Van Oort and Mitchell Boone, what others saw as insurmountable challenges, they perceived as an incredible opportunity. Their vivid imagination and profound appreciation for midcentury modern architecture propelled them to undertake the daunting task of breathing new life into this ailing Cliff May home. Their commitment to preserving the unique charm of this design, while simultaneously updating it for contemporary living, is nothing short of remarkable. The transformation they achieved is a true testament to their dedication, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the home’s original spirit. We are absolutely thrilled that their incredible accomplishment will be showcased and celebrated at the eagerly anticipated Casa View Cliff May Home Tour on October 15th. This inaugural tour promises to be a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
The Casa View Cliff May Home Tour is more than just an opportunity to admire beautiful homes; it’s a community event with a noble cause. Featuring a curated selection of seven exceptional homes, tickets for the tour are priced at an accessible $10, with all proceeds directly benefiting the invaluable work of the Greater Casa View Alliance. This organization plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and fostering community spirit within the Casa View neighborhood. We strongly encourage you to secure your attendance by purchasing your tickets to this year’s Casa View Cliff May Home Tour in advance. Alternatively, tickets will be available for $12 at the door on the day of the tour. Don’t miss this chance to witness an inspiring transformation and support a wonderful local initiative!
Prepare to be captivated by the incredible “after” photos and delve into the intricate details of this stunning renovation—a genuine labor of love that has revived a midcentury modern icon!
A Glimpse into the Transformed Space: The “After” Photos
Stepping into the renovated spaces, one is immediately struck by the harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary comfort. The vision of Mitchell and Eli shines through every meticulously chosen detail, from the vibrant color palette to the thoughtfully curated furnishings. The natural light, a hallmark of Cliff May’s designs, now floods every room, enhancing the open and inviting atmosphere.
The living areas exude warmth and style, creating an ideal setting for both intimate family moments and lively social gatherings. The original architectural elements have been lovingly restored, celebrating the home’s midcentury heritage. Every corner tells a story of revival, demonstrating how thoughtful design can breathe new life into an aging structure without compromising its inherent character.
Interview with the Homeowners: Mitchell Boone and Eli Van Oort
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mitchell and Eli to discuss their inspiring renovation journey, their favorite aspects of their transformed home, and what tour-goers can expect from this remarkable property.
What room or design element of your home do you believe will truly captivate home tour goers?
Mitchell and Eli: Without a doubt, our kitchen is a true showstopper! It has become the vibrant heart of our home, a space where both daily life and special occasions effortlessly converge. The extra-long island, crowned with pristine quartz countertops, isn’t just a preparation area; it transforms into the central hub for every gathering we host. It’s perfect for casual breakfasts, homework sessions, or lively conversations during parties. We also went to great lengths to select some awesome retro-inspired appliances from GE, which not only look incredibly cute but also deliver fantastic modern functionality. Mitchell is particularly fond of the soft-closing drawers and cabinets throughout the kitchen—a subtle touch of luxury and practicality that makes daily use a joy. It just goes to show: IKEA for the win when it comes to smart, stylish, and functional storage solutions!
Is there any particular feature or finish in your home that tour goers absolutely shouldn’t miss?
Mitchell and Eli: We’d definitely point everyone towards the striking metallic flock of birds adorning our fireplace. These beautiful pieces were a incredibly generous and thoughtful gift from one of our fabulous Cliff May neighbors, and they add a unique artistic touch that truly personalizes the space. They perfectly complement the midcentury aesthetic while adding a contemporary flair. Another cherished item that visitors should make sure to notice is our beloved Voice of Music record player, nestled comfortably in a corner of the house. It’s not just a decorative piece; it’s a source of endless enjoyment, filling our home with the rich, authentic sounds of classic vinyl and reinforcing the home’s connection to its midcentury roots.
If you had to choose one spot—inside or outside—on your property where you could spend an entire day, where would it be and why?
Mitchell and Eli: Hands down, it would have to be our front porch. This tranquil outdoor oasis offers the perfect escape. We can comfortably lounge for hours in the blissful shade provided by our two magnificent large trees, which create a natural canopy over the space. It’s an ideal spot to relax with a book, enjoy a morning coffee, or simply unwind. The breezeway also allows us to easily put something on the grill, adding to the perfect leisurely afternoon. What truly makes it special, though, is the connection to our vibrant community; we love watching our wonderful neighbors stroll by, exchanging greetings and soaking in the friendly atmosphere of Casa View. It embodies the indoor-outdoor living philosophy that Cliff May championed, bringing us closer to nature and our community.
The living room, bathed in natural light, serves as a testament to the home’s open and airy design. Its thoughtful arrangement of furniture and carefully chosen decor pieces create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both quiet contemplation and lively conversation. This space beautifully exemplifies how modern functionality can seamlessly integrate with classic midcentury aesthetics, offering comfort without sacrificing style.
Adjacent to the living area, the dining room continues the theme of elegant simplicity and functional beauty. The design choices here emphasize clean lines and natural materials, creating an ideal setting for shared meals and memorable moments. It’s a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, perfectly aligned with the relaxed yet refined character of a midcentury modern home.
With the home tour fast approaching, what are your current efforts focused on to prepare?
Mitchell and Eli: It feels like we’re attempting to compress a two-year-long to-do list into just two months! The preparation for the tour has certainly kicked us into high gear. Our primary focus right now is on putting the finishing touches on our landscaping, particularly in the backyard. We’re battling the elements and trying our best to keep all the new plants alive and thriving! It’s a delicate balance of nurturing and last-minute beautification, ensuring that the exterior spaces are as impressive and inviting as the interior. We want every aspect of our home, inside and out, to truly shine for the tour goers.
What significant construction or renovation projects have you completed since you moved in? In what ways have you truly infused your personal fingerprint into your home?
Mitchell and Eli: Ha! “Significant” is an understatement; we pretty much started from scratch! Our renovation involved gutting the kitchen, all bathrooms, and many of the interior walls to create the open, flowing spaces we desired, typical of Cliff May’s design philosophy. An interesting challenge was the partially converted garage, which lacked proper heating and air conditioning, so we meticulously restored it back to its original design and function. We undertook the extensive project of refinishing all the original hardwood floors throughout the home, bringing back their natural warmth and character. Additionally, we completely replaced the electrical system (a huge thanks to Mitchell’s Dad for his invaluable help!), ensuring the safety and modern functionality of the entire home. We also made a practical improvement by relocating the washer/dryer from the kitchen to a more discreet and efficient hall closet.
Many of the home’s beautiful windows had been painted over or even boarded up over the years, so we painstakingly restored each one to its original glory, allowing natural light to once again flood the interiors – a fundamental element of Cliff May architecture. We then embarked on the massive task of painting the entire inside and outside of the home. Interestingly, we had to paint the exterior twice because the colors of the trim and the brick were accidentally reversed on the first attempt, leading to a humorous, albeit time-consuming, fix! We also added a stylish horizontal fence, thanks to the excellent work of Casa Linda Fence Co., which enhances both privacy and curb appeal. This major undertaking would truly not have been possible without the unwavering support and expertise of our outstanding contractor and dear friend, Kevin Vowell. He generously carved out time from his other demanding projects to help us restore this hidden gem, and for that, we are eternally grateful. His dedication and skill were instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
Is there any interesting history behind your home or your neighborhood that you’d care to share?
Mitchell and Eli: It’s quite special to us that our home had only been owned by one family before we moved in. This sense of continuity and history is something we deeply cherish. We often reflect on the decades of memories created within these walls by the previous owners, and we hope to build our own rich history here. Our ambition is to live here for the next 50 years, becoming part of the home’s enduring legacy and continuing to nurture its unique spirit within the Casa View community.
Finally, what made you fall in love with your home and your neighborhood?
Mitchell and Eli: We fell in love with the home for all the classic, obvious reasons that draw people to Cliff May designs: the abundant natural light, the iconic midcentury modern aesthetic, and, crucially, the incredible opportunity to truly make it our own. It was a blank canvas with incredible bones, waiting for our personal touch. But beyond the structure itself, our deep affection for the neighborhood stems entirely from its people. We are incredibly fortunate to have awesome, supportive neighbors who make Casa View feel like a true community. There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of walking our dog around the beautiful Harry Stone Park, pausing to watch enthusiastic youth soccer games, and listening to the joyous giggling of children on their scooters as the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues above us. This combination of architectural beauty, community warmth, and everyday delights makes Casa View our perfect home.