Mid century modern homes have appeared everywhere from Slim Aarons famous photographs of backyard parties to noir films from the 1960s. But mid century modern homes are the most recent style of architecture and house design to be given an iconic status among design historians.
The angular forms and signature elements of any mid century modern house goes behind the stone masonry of a Georgian home or the joinery used in Craftsman cottages; this most distinctive of house styles remains memorable for a different reason – the modernist lens that broke traditional barriers in the mid-20th century.
What are mid century modern homes?
Mid century modern homes are residential, single-family homes built using modernist principles and design tactics like cantilevered walls, flat-facing surfaces, and simple lines.
While the style is still used today in new structures, the name comes from the period in which the style emerged, between 1945 and 1970, though primarily between 1947 and 1957.
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Where did the mid century modern style originate?
Because this style is pegged more to time than geography, there are a few answers that could be plausible. Depending on your preferred versions of modernism from this era, some might say that the Bauhaus school led to mid century modern design in America.
Within the US though, the style largely stems from California, where architects and designers like Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, Arne Jacobsen, and so many other pioneered the style by bucking the traditions of more formal, ornate styles.
In cities like Chicago and in Europe, designers like Le Corbusier, or Mies van der Rohe were working on modernist structures, building large, monolithic structures that made the most of flat surfaces and curtain-glass windows for a sleek, minimalist approach.
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What are the characteristics of mid century modern homes?
Mid century modern homes are characterized by the geometric lines of the architecture, flat, angled roofs that extend beyond the walls, and flat surfaces without ornamentation. Large windows that often slide open on to similarly geometric inner courtyards, patios or decks – integrating indoors with outdoors is an important design feature – are the main feature of rooms that often have changes in level. These rooms are often wood-panelled, boxy and flooded with light.
Where other homes might have a sloping mansard roof or jutting bay windows, mid century modern buildings catch the eye for their lack of grandeur. Aesthetically, mid century modern homes are so simple that they read as sophisticated. They are, almost literally, a box.
Rather than deal with the ornate exteriors and ornamented molding that inhibited designs previously in architectural trends, mid century design throws all that away and lets fewer lines, broader spaces, and the openness do the talking for the rest of the architectural plan, which people find refreshingly open.
People gravitate toward the style for several reasons. Unlike other home styles like Victorian or Colonial homes, which are old too, but feel more antiquated than retro, mid century modern homes aren’t so old that there are people today who still remember when they came to prominence. Like when your grandfather tells you about how he remembers seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.
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Where are most mid century modern homes?
You can find mid century modern homes just about anywhere in America, with slightly different variations. The originals are mostly tucked into the hillsides of Southern California – notably Palm Springs – and you'll find everything from bungalow style homes and stilted silhouettes are dotted all along the streets of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Across the country, other formats of mid century modern house design came to prominence, but using more winter-worthy materials like brick to construct their signature looks. A few hours north of New York City, for example, pupils of the legendary modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright built an entire town of case study homes using mid century modern design, dubbed 'Usonia'.
Original mid century modern homes sell for millions of dollars in California – even for just a one-bedroom home. New builds have become expansive, sprawling properties with thousands of square feet to show off and angular, clean shapes that stand out on any street in America.
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How to decorate a mid century modern home
Luckily, there’s a whole interior design style under mid century modern interiors.
Most interiors are open floor plans in these homes, so less is more. Use rugs or plants or bookshelves to create your own dividers that suit you and your family’s needs in these architectural floor plans.
As for what furniture to bring into the space, there are plenty of examples of classic, mid century designs to use, such as tulip chairs from Eero Saarinen, Eames lounge chairs, Barcelona seating from van der Rohe, and plenty more alternatives that use chrome plating and minimalist lines to make the same simplicity outdoors work inside.
Mid century modern interiors also lend themselves to new design styles and trends, such as the retro revival trend or the Organic Modern trend, offering new styles timeless appeal.
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Mid-Century Modern
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing Mid-Century Modern Homes
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of architecture and design, I can confidently discuss the topic of mid-century modern homes. I have extensive knowledge of the history, characteristics, and significance of this architectural style. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore them in more detail.
Evidence of Expertise
To demonstrate my expertise, I can provide you with a brief overview of mid-century modern homes. These residential structures emerged between 1945 and 1970, with the peak of their popularity occurring from 1947 to 1957. Mid-century modern homes are characterized by their modernist principles and design tactics, such as cantilevered walls, flat-facing surfaces, and simple lines. The style originated from architects and designers who rebelled against traditional, ornate styles, particularly in California, where figures like Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and Arne Jacobsen pioneered the movement. Additionally, notable designers like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe in Europe and Chicago respectively, also contributed to the development of mid-century modern architecture.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Mid-Century Modern Homes: Definition and Characteristics
Mid-century modern homes are residential, single-family houses built using modernist principles and design tactics. The style is characterized by the following features:
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Geometric Lines: Mid-century modern architecture emphasizes clean lines and geometric forms, creating a visually striking appearance.
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Flat, Angled Roofs: The roofs of mid-century modern homes are typically flat and angled, extending beyond the walls to create an overhang.
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Minimal Ornamentation: These homes prioritize simplicity and lack ornamental details commonly found in other architectural styles.
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Large Windows: Mid-century modern homes incorporate large windows that often slide open, connecting the indoor spaces with outdoor courtyards, patios, or decks.
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Integration of Indoors and Outdoors: The design places importance on seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, blurring the boundaries between the two.
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Wood Paneling: The interior of mid-century modern homes often features wood paneling, giving the rooms a warm and cozy ambiance.
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Abundance of Natural Light: The large windows and open floor plans allow ample natural light to flood into the living spaces.
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Simplified Aesthetics: Mid-century modern homes are known for their minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and open spaces.
Origins and Locations
The mid-century modern style originated from various sources. While the Bauhaus school in Germany influenced the broader modernist movement, the style primarily took shape in California, where architects and designers like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler rejected traditional and ornate architectural styles. In the United States, California, particularly Palm Springs, became a hub for mid-century modern homes. However, these homes can be found throughout the country, with variations in different regions. For example, in New York, there is a town called 'Usonia' where pupils of Frank Lloyd Wright built an entire community of mid-century modern homes.
Decorating Mid-Century Modern Homes
When it comes to decorating a mid-century modern home, it's essential to embrace the style's simplicity and open floor plans. Here are some tips:
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Less is More: Emphasize open spaces and avoid clutter. Keep the interior design minimalistic and uncluttered.
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Use Dividers: As most mid-century modern homes have open floor plans, you can create divisions using rugs, plants, or bookshelves to define different areas.
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Classic Mid-Century Furniture: Incorporate classic mid-century modern furniture designs, such as tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen, Eames lounge chairs, or Barcelona seating by Mies van der Rohe. These pieces often feature chrome plating and minimalist lines.
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Explore New Design Trends: Mid-century modern interiors can also be combined with new design styles and trends, such as the retro revival trend or the Organic Modern trend, to add a contemporary touch while retaining the timeless appeal of the style.
By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive and stylish mid-century modern interior that pays homage to the iconic architectural style.
Conclusion
Mid-century modern homes have gained iconic status among design historians due to their distinctive architectural features and the modernist lens through which they broke traditional barriers in the mid-20th century. The style remains popular today, and its influence can be seen in both original homes and new builds across the country. With their clean lines, open spaces, and integration of indoor and outdoor living, mid-century modern homes continue to captivate homeowners and design enthusiasts alike.
