Design trends come and go, but some are simply timeless. I'll personally never get tired of the mid-century modern look, and I'm always hunting for inspiration – which is why I was so delighted when I stumbled across Alexandra Daddario's retro living room.
Alexandra purchased her former LA home in summer 2023, and I'd say that the property is one of a kind. Boasting a 'treehouse-inspired' aesthetic, it was brought to life by designer Matt Kivlin in 1959, and it's now a mid-century modern masterpiece.
In the living room, swathes of glass frame a leafy terrace, but something else caught my eye: Alexandra's retro storage unit. It's a strikingly simple piece, but it's exactly the kind of mid-century modern treasure that can make a room feel effortlessly sophisticated. (I'll be recreating the look using the George Oliver Barajas storage console from Wayfair.)
Shop Alexandra Daddario's Mid-Century Modern Look
Crafted from rich walnut wood, this storage unit is a retro design lover's dream. It's built for vinyl records, but it's ideal for any kind of display; I'd add a few books and a mid-century modern lamp.
Alexandra adds a dash of rustic style to her setup using a ceramic vase just like this one. Fill it with dried flowers or fresh greenery and it's sure to bring that sense of treehouse charm to any space.
If you fancy recreating Alexandra's retro look, this rare vintage travel poster is the ultimate investment piece. It was designed by photographers Georg Gerster and Emil Schultess to advertise flights to Europe.
This planter combines a terracotta-toned metal pot with a natural wood base, merging warmth with clean-lined design. Generously sized to let plants thrive, its earthy finish and sculptural stand add texture and balance to any living space.
This distressed faux-leather sofa features premium construction with a solid oak frame and angled dowels, paired with classic rolled arms. Its refined silhouette balances vintage charm with minimalist sophistication, creating a lasting statement piece for any living space.
Crafted from genuine leather, this piece brings rustic charm and lasting character without feeling heavy. Effortlessly chic layered over a linen sofa or paired with other leather pieces, it adds a touch of classic sophistication that elevates any interior.
Living room storage ideas might not be everyone's idea of fun, but I'll forever be impressed by pieces that balance style and function. Alexandra's is especially impressive thanks to its open shelves, which leave a chic selection of vinyl records and books on display.
Featuring a combination of broad and narrow shelves, Alexandra's storage unit encourages easy styling; if you don't happen to collect vinyls, you could store magazines below and dedicate the top section to decor and trinkets. I love that the base of the cabinet boasts handsome tapered legs which perfectly emphasize the mid-century look.
Open shelving might feel risky for minimalists who are keen to avoid clutter, but Alexandra shows that even simple storage can become a statement piece. Just like a bookshelf or sideboard, the unit brings plenty of personality to the space without overwhelming it.
Naturally, the cabinet's warm wood finish makes Alexandra's living room even more inviting, and I think it's particularly perfect in a 'treehouse-inspired' home. Paired with a tall potted plant and the leafy backdrop of the outdoor terrace, this retro piece feels like a seamless addition.
According to designers, styling a shelf in an open cabinet is all about strategy – and considering shape, size, and scale will help you to achieve that effortless look.
'As a designer, what I like about open shelving is that it encourages you to edit rather than over-display or hoard,' reflects Camilla Masi, an interior designer at Otto Tiles. 'Restraint is what keeps shelving feeling calm and functional, but you can easily create a focal point through repetition.'
In Alexandra's case, building a stack of records and books is a practical decision, but it still lends a subtle sense of artistry to the space. The shelving isn't crowded, but rather carefully curated – and it's the kind of mid-century magic that I'll never get tired of.
