House Tour: Rachel's Mid Century Self Build

Today, we're taking a tour of a stunning SIPS house that's been lovingly designed by Rachel, a dedicated devotee of all things Mid Century Modern.

I have followed Rachel’s Instagram account for quite some time and have loved keeping up with all the trials and tribulations of her self-build … It has definitely been a labour of love and an ode to MCM from the raw architecture down to the smallest of finishing touches. It’s been fantastic to watch the layering, the tough decisions and even the frustrations which has created a truly magnificent home that any MCM fan will find exceedingly satisfying.

And I am super excited by the presence of a set of Inkabilly coasters in Rachel’s home … It's a proud moment! … We strive to design modern retro items which compliment vintage pieces and our tableware, especially, is designed to allow customers a bit of respite from worrying about using their precious tables and sideboards on a daily basis, without sacrificing that vintage vibe. I am super stoked that our Cosmic Cocktail Coasters look so at home in such a beautiful setting.

As you'll see, Rachel expertly blends vintage finds with modern pieces, creating a unique and personal space. Throughout this post, you'll get a glimpse into Rachel's design choices, her collection of stunning vintage pieces, and how she incorporates modern functionality into her vintage haven. We'll also explore her thoughts on what it means to embrace a retro lifestyle in a modern world, and how she effortlessly combines these two aesthetics. Rachel's passion for MCM extends far beyond her home – her travels to iconic locations like Palm Springs inform her design choices, and her collection of Poole Pottery is truly enviable.

Rachel's passion for mid-century modern architecture is evident throughout her home, from the clean lines and pops of colour to the carefully curated collection of vintage furniture and accessories (although she denies her obvious skill in this area!).

So, whether you're a die-hard modernist or simply appreciate the timeless appeal of vintage style, Rachel's home is sure to inspire you. Get comfy and join us as we explore this haven of mid-century modern design and get to know the woman behind it.

Firstly Rachel, please tell us about you and your home … your house is a self-build isn’t? That must have been some mission!?

Yes, we built the house. We’ve been in it five years now (unbelievably!) It was a huge job, financially very stressful, full of frustrations but ultimately it’s a lovely house to live in. 

What was your criteria for the style and structure of the build?

When we spoke with our architect, I happened to mention that I love mid-century modern architecture. To tell you the truth, he went away and did a drawing, we liked it, we made very few changes to the proposed appearance and then we were on our way to having it built. 

In terms of using SIP panels, we’d heard of them, but our architect suggested them for a couple of reasons - mainly for the speed of the build (the house was meant to be up and roofed in three weeks and therefore it was meant to be more cost-effective to build…) and the thermal properties of it. Well one of those things turned out to be right - the thermal properties. Even in winter, it retains warmth, particularly downstairs, which is so lovely. I do feel really fortunate.

Where does your love of vintage come from? And how long have you been a collector?

I’m trying to think when it all started - 9/10 years ago, maybe? I discovered what ‘mid-century modern’ was, and the great thing was that it was a term or label for things I’d loved when I was growing up and then appreciated it all even more in middle age! I grew up in Ireland and we had various ‘modern’ homes built in our area which I loved and even as a child and teenager, I had an appreciation of them - I’d get a ‘feeling’ in them which was different to the feeling in other buildings. I didn’t fully understand it or even think to pursue it in any way, it was just great a few years ago to hear the term and realise it covers so many things I loved years ago - architecture, art, etc, etc. It might sound silly, but even things like watching Magnum PI in the ‘80s - there was so much modernism in it, I absolutely loved it then and will still watch it now (mind you, Tom Selleck is another reason!) And some people might not know that Hawaii Modern and Tropical Modernism are a thing! The architecture in those environments is just fantastic!

How would you describe your own vintage style?

I’m not sure how I’d describe it. My husband would describe it as out of control (seriously, he would!!). I just love when I find something I think is attractive. I’ve rarely paid much for anything. I’ve lost count of all the ‘right place, right time’ finds.

You obviously love Poole Pottery (big fan here too! In fact, I am rather jealous of your collection!) … tell us when and how this began?

My very first piece was a few years ago. I was on Facebook Marketplace and saw a very interesting looking Poole vase - very cool patterns - greens, yellows, etc. I knew NOTHING about Poole, I just liked the abstract patterns and colours all over the vase. I messaged the seller to say I’d like it and that I’d collect it after work the next day. I didn’t feel great the next day and as it got nearer to 5pm I was thinking “Can I be bothered to go and drive to get it?” I nearly messaged him to say let it go to someone else, but I went. It was a winter’s evening, dark. I pulled up outside, rang the doorbell, he came out, lifted the door of his garage and there it was sitting on the ground. He told me it was his Mum’s and knew nothing about it. Me neither, but with the help of knowledgeable people in great Facebook groups I soon found out it’s a Carol Cutler piece. Her pieces are highly collectible. That vase started me on my collection. I’ve bought from everywhere, but probably mostly Marketplace.

Do you have any specific criteria for your home décor based on style/era/colour … or is it a gut reaction?

No I don’t, although I do love brown and caramel tones. I’m a never say never person, but I do feel at home in the Modern camp. I can’t see myself morphing into a Farmhouse-style person, but again, never say never!

Do you have a favourite piece in your home?

I really, really love my olive green Parker Knoll Statesman chairs with their matching footstools. What a find they were! I also love all my GPlan Form 5 units. And of course I love my Poole pieces. 

What is your favourite era / maker?

I guess I would have to say the 1960s - mainly because of what the architects, designers, etc, who were ahead of their time were creating - buildings and designs that still look absolutely exceptional today. There are so many superb examples of modernism around the world. Despite its faults, Instagram has been a haven for me over the years. It’s where I get my visual needs met. There are so many great accounts sharing stunning modernist homes, architecture, interiors, photography, all that good stuff.

I discovered your fabulous home through Instagram … Your account started out as an homage to your new home, and it seems to have developed over time into being more about your travels and love of Modernist architecture. I absolutely love all your fabulous travel photos (personally, I can soak up Palm Springs all day!), but I am wondering what this means for your home … is this research for a new décor? Are you building up to a radical change in style? Will we soon see pink and turquoise kitsch nestling among the Poole Pottery? Tell us about the future of the SIPS house.

You definitely won’t be seeing pink and turquoise! Yes, the account started out as a record of the house build. To tell you the truth, there are still small parts of the house that aren’t quite finished. For example, we still haven’t done the back garden. Everything is money and life’s expensive. At times, I’ve felt that I’ve lost my way and lost a bit of interest. Then it comes back and I get a bit fired-up again.

I’m feeling the need for a big refresh now, but I need some help. I still love pretty much everything I’ve ever bought in the last few years, but feel I’m not great at putting it all together to present it well and enjoy it in a more curated way.

When it comes to my love for the architecture of the Palm Springs area, it was due to discovering the term ‘mid-century modern’ and going down rabbit holes on Google and Instagram to discover everything it means - so it was absolutely a dream come true to have a completely self-indulgent trip there for my 50th. The houses are out of this world. It’s a special place, having such a concentration of them in one place. I went on loads of house tours. They’re really something else. I actually do aspire to having a more minimal interior like those in the beautifully curated homes of Palm Springs. Never going to happen though! Despite suffering from ‘stuffocation’, I still can’t help myself! 

You can follow Rachel's fabulous home on instagram @bristolsipshouse

Photo credits: All photos kindly provided by Rachel.

Feel inspired to add some mid century charm to your home? Check out our collection of retro homewares (including Rachel's Cosmic Cocktail Coasters)