Midcentury But Not Kitschy: A Living Room Update

A redesign of the living room in a San Marino, Calif., home showcased the original travertine fireplace while giving the décor a fresh look

Preserve a Midcentury Modern vibe without crossing into kitschy: This was the goal of the redesign of a 1963 house in San Marino, Calif.

Jennifer and Jason Mak spent a year updating the four-bedroom, 3½-bathroom home. Mr. Mak’s father had paid $2.52 million for the property in 2013, and later transferred it to the couple. The couple enlisted two designers to redecorate, including Caitlin Murray, founder of Los Angeles-based Black Lacquer Design, who redid the living and dining rooms. This phase of the project, costing nearly...