Iconic Mid-Century Modern Design Brought Into the 21st Century

1 One of the first architects in Lexington to design homes in the mid-century modern style, Richard Isenhour is also often considered one of the finest architects to work in this style, having built and designed nearly 100 homes in various Lexington neighborhoods from 1956 to 1978. The iconic split-level home features four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, an open floor plan, partial walls, and natural materials characteristic of mid-century modern architecture.

By Ray Hunter Photography by Walt Roycraft

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2 The giant one-of-a-kind painting in the entry way was created by internationally known sculptor John Henry. Henry was the brother of Isenhour’s wife, Lenora, and he gave this artwork to them as a housewarming gift back in 1972. The Isenhour family considered donating it to a museum, but the Polk’s ended up inheriting it when they purchased the home in 2012.

Mid-century modern architecture is a classic American style that kicked off after World War II, primarily known for clean lines, minimal decoration, and connection with nature. These homes are characterized by very wide, low footprints with large, open spaces, floor-toceiling windows, and an emphasis on bringing the outdoors inside.

One of the first architects in Lexington to design homes in the mid-century modern style, Richard Isenhour is also often considered one of the finest architects to work in this style, having built and designed nearly 100 homes in various Lexington neighborhoods from 1956 to 1978.

Isenhour originally designed and built this home on Bridgeport Drive for his family in 1972. Amy and Richard Polk purchased the residence in 2012 after downsizing from their previous house.

“When we purchased the home, we knew it was an Isenhour, and that was important to me as an architect,” Richard said. “So, we really wanted to respect what the house was from its origins. We were careful not to make drastic changes, but we have renovated, and most of that work was done to the interior.”

The iconic split-level home sits just off the water at Reservoir 3, also called Lake Hickman. It features four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, an open floor plan, partial walls, and natural materials characteristic of mid-century modern architecture.

“One of our favorite elements is the immense stone wall that connects the outside to the beautiful indoor fireplace in the living room,” Amy said. “It really blurs the boundary of indoor and outdoor, so you feel like you’re out in nature while sitting in your home.”

Although the main level of the house is mostly the same as Isenhour’s design, Amy and Richard decided to open up the floor plan even more by removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. The dining room also features an impressive floating glass corner window that has remained perfectly intact for 50 years and provides a clear view of the lake.

3 The immense stone wall connects the outside to the beautiful indoor fireplace in the living room and is representative of Isenhour’s mid-century modern design aesthetics of blurring the lines between interior and exterior. Richard Polk designed and built the floating shelves on the walls and the couple decorated the space with custom artwork by Darrell Ishamel, interesting light fixtures, and a coffee table built by their architect son.

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The impressive open layout of the kitchen is mostly original as well, but the Polk’s brought the space into the 21st century with the addition of modern appliances, cabinets, and finishings. Natural light floods the kitchen and dining room through the high windows all around the house and the wall of windows facing the backyard.

According to Richard, the master suite is the one area that has seen the most changes from the original design. The couple removed the wall that initially separated the bedroom from the bathroom, put in a nice header beam, and expanded the master bedroom to create a more livable space.

“A couple of unique features of this space and what I would say is most personal to us are the live-edge oak woodworking pieces that Amy’s father made,” Richard said. “We’ve got several shelves spread around the room and a custom reading table that he put together for us.”

The couple also converted a large laundry room and closet into what is now the master bathroom. The porcelain tile floors and walls were done in complementary colors that are combined with frosted glass shower walls and floating vanities to give this space an ultra-modern and sleek look. The back of the house is striking and is perhaps the best example of the saw-tooth roof design that Isenhour was known for. Approximately 90 percent of the back of the house is made of glass, which provides the Polk’s with a completely clear view of the backyard and beautiful lake.

“It’s a real blessing because we get to see what’s out there, and the site is one of the reasons we were lured towards this property and loved it so much,” Richard said.

The backyard slopes down to meet the water. Richard and Amy have made several additions to make the area more accessible and comfortable, including a cantilever dock, a fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen.

“We spend as much time in the backyard, on the decks, and in the water as we can,” Amy said. “We love sitting out by the fire pit. Evening cruises are wonderful on the water, and we generally enjoy how peaceful it is right here in our backyard.”

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4 Although the main level of the house is mostly the same as Isenhour’s design, Amy and Richard decided to open up the floor plan even more by removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. The dining room also features an impressive floating glass corner window that has remained perfectly intact for 50 years and provides a clear view of the lake.

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5 The impressive open layout of the kitchen is mostly original as well, but the Polk’s brought the space into the 21st century with the addition of modern appliances, cabinets, and finishings. Natural light floods the kitchen and dining room through the high windows all around the house and the wall of windows facing the backyard.

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6 The sitting room is where the Polk family spends most of their time relaxing. The space has over-sized leather sofas and a unique coffee table designed by Isenhour that is made entirely of marble and glue. The large stone fireplace was fitted with a new stainless-steel hood that compliments the steel finishings in the kitchen.

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7 The screened-in porch is original to the home and extends across the back of the first floor, connecting to the two-layer deck outside. The couple likes to spend time here, relaxing and facing the water.

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8 According to Richard, the master suite is the one area that has seen the most changes from the original design. The couple removed the wall that initially separated the bedroom from the bathroom, put in a nice header beam, and expanded the master bedroom to create a more livable space.

9 The couple also converted a large laundry room and closet into what is now the master bathroom. The porcelain tile floors and walls were done in complementary colors that are combined with frosted glass shower walls and floating vanities to give this space an ultra-modern and sleek look.

10 The back of the house is striking and is perhaps the best example of the saw-tooth roof design that Isenhour was known for. Approximately 90 percent of the back of the house is made of glass, which provides the Polk’s with a completely clear view of the backyard and beautiful lake. The backyard slopes down to meet the water, and Richard and Amy have made several additions to make the area more accessible and comfortable, including a cantilever dock, a fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen.