On the Market: The Revamped House of Good Taste

by Lynne Rostochil.

One of our most-popular-ever Mod Blogs centered around the House of Good Taste, a model home designed by internationally renowned architect, Edward Durrell Stone, that was featured at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.  Local developer, Stanley Brown, was so enamored with the open-plan, one-level home that he decided to recreate it on the quiet prairie in northwest OKC as the model home for the new neighborhood he was starting way out in the sticks off of NW 122nd.  The modern abode was a huge hit on the 1964 fall Parade of Homes tour and drew large crowds from all over the city.

When the House of Good Taste went on the market for the first time in decades back in 2014, it was quickly snapped up by Mod Squadders, Mike and Lindsey Deatsch.  The house was in very good condition when they purchased it, but if any of you know Mike, you understand that he is uber meticulous and likes to have a project to work on … and for the last few years, the beneficiary of his passion has been this beautiful home.  I don’t know how he did it, but he turned what was a pretty great place into a fabulous one and now that the projects are complete, he and Lindsey are ready to move on to another one.  That means that the gorgeous House of Good Taste is ready and awaiting its next owner, one who will enjoy all of the benefit of Mike’s famous attention to detail and thoughtful updating.  Honestly, I think this house probably looks better than it did when it was the darling of the Parade of Homes tour all of those years ago.

So, since this is the first time we’ve profiled a house that has been on the market twice, I think we’re going to do things a little differently for this Mod Blog.  We are going to have a little then/now fun with me posting photos of various rooms the way they looked when Mike and Lindsey bought the 2,165 sf, three bed/two bath house, a description of the projects Mike has completed in each room, and photos of  the how the rooms look now — that will give you an idea of just how much they’ve improved the house.  Here we go:

When I was at the house in 2014, the entrance was so lackluster that I didn’t even bother photographing it … but not anymore:

Now that’s how I want to be greeted by a true MCM home!

Once inside, a long foyer leads into the main living space of the house.  Back in 2014, it was a dark office space and not a very friendly way to enter the house:

Today, the foyer is bright and dramatic and truly prepares you for all of the goodness that lies beyond:

The foyer leads to the main living spaces of the house, which are arranged in a giant square topped by a skylight.  Here’s how the room looked in 2014:

Very pretty but kind of bland, right?  Here’s how Mike has reimagined the space:

What a dramatic difference, aye?  And how much do you love those original terrazzo floors?  Here are some general things Mike did in the house, including the restored terrazzo:

  • Original terrazzo completely restored. 4 step diamond grinding and polishing process, with the final finish purposely kept more on the matte side instead of too glossy.
  • All secondary flooring in the house is polished concrete, with a new concrete overlay poured so it lays perfectly even with the terrazzo, creating zero thresholds in the entire home.
  • 90% of the drywall replaced, all done in the labor intensive process of level 5 smooth coat.
  • All baseboards and casing replaced.
  • All doors and hardware replaced. Retained original style double doors off main living area, faced in walnut.
  • Four 8′ sliding glass doors. One had to be replaced with a new one, but the other three original aluminum doors were completely removed, serviced, reinstalled to work like new.
  • All hanging lights or sconces are original vintage sourced pieces, many designer pieces directly from Denmark. All recessed lighting is LED.

So, yeah, let’s talk about that walnut.  While I’m completely in love with the terrazzo, I think the walnut does more than anything else in this house to liven up the space and make it feel even more mod than it did when it was built.  Simply put, it’s beautiful and was used perfectly throughout the house.

Mike even covered the previously black fireplace cover with it, which really warms up the living room a lot.  Check out the before from 2015 just after the Deatsches moved in and now and see what you think:

Much better!

Now let’s check out the kitchen.  Back in 2014, it was white and a bit tired:

Yeah, it was okay but nothing to write home about … check out this transformation:

Complete perfection!  Here’s what Mike accomplished in this room:

  • Gutted down to the studs with all new plumbing and electrical.
  • Onsite custom built walnut cabinetry.
  • Quartz countertops.
  • All new appliances.

Now, let’s head over to the office, Jack and Jill bathroom, and kid’s room.  I must not have been too impressed with these spaces back in 2014 because I didn’t photograph them, but I sure wouldn’t make that same mistake today because they are fantastic:

So simple and elegant, and I think I’d have to ask Mike and Lindsey to part with all of their MCM treasures because they are so perfect in this home.  Check out the details about the bathroom:

  • Gutted down to the studs with all new plumbing and electrical but with original layout intact.
  • Original ceiling was only 7′ tall because of HVAC ducting. Rerouted ducting and raised ceiling to normal 8′ height.
  • Custom walnut floating vanity and linen closet with quartz countertops.
  • 9″ x 2″ custom green ceramic tile. 

The master bedroom has seen a major update, too.  Here’s how it looked in 2014:

And here’s how it looked when Mike and Lindsey had the home on the 2015 AIA tour shortly after they moved in:

Very pretty, but here’s how it looks now — BIG WOW:

That built-in looks like it’s been there the whole time, it’s so perfect, and it really adds the drama the bedroom has always needed.  Did you notice the built-in end tables, too?  Such great attention to detail.  Here’s what has been done in this space:

  • Custom built wall unit in walnut provides extra storage with built in nightstands, USB charging, and overhead LED lights.
  • Reconfigured closet and added built in dresser with mirrored soft close sliding doors.
  • Floor to ceiling custom curtains on sliding track, opens to 8′ sliding glass door with private outdoor living space.

The master bathroom has received a complete overhaul, too, turning what was once a cramped space into a true oasis.

Although the space size didn’t change, Mike ingeniously thought to put the faucets in the walls and narrow the cabinet a bit to create the much-needed feeling of more space in the room.  Here’s what was done in the bathroom:

  • Gutted down the the studs with all new plumbing and electrical.
  • Plumbing and layout reconfigured from original single vanity and tub/shower combo to double sink vanity and walk-in shower.
  • Custom built walnut casework with quartz countertops.
  • 2″ x 2″ ceramic tile on floors and in shower.

Edward Durrell Stone designed this home to take advantage of the outdoors in a very distinctive way.  Almost every room leads to a private courtyard or outdoor space surrounding the house…

… and all of that backs up to a private park, complete with pool, tennis courts, and walking trails that only the surrounding homeowners can use:

Here’s the view of the park from the back of the house — the fenced-in pool is to the right:

And here’s this magical house from the back:

Again, simply perfection, especially after the Deatsche’s tenure in the place.

So, if you’re looking for an amazing mid-century modern house with a distinctive pedigree that has been remodeled with great love and care, the House of Good Taste might be just want you’re after.  Mike and Lindsey are opening their lovely home exclusively to the Mod Squad this Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. before listing it on Friday.  If you’re in the market for a new old home or are just looking for some remodeling ideas, feel free to pop by and say hello to Mike and Lindsey.

If you can’t make it by on Thursday, there will also be an official open house on Sunday, May 5th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The listing price for all of this updated mid-century modern goodness is $379,000.  Contact realtor Chris George at Chris@chrisgeorgehomes.com if you’d like to learn more about this beautiful place located at 12713 St. Andrews Terrace in The Greens neighborhood.