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.
(Image credit: Bob Osias/Unsplash)
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.
(Image credit: Alamy)
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.
(Image credit: Alamy)
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.
(Image credit: Sterling Davis/Unsplash)
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.
Topics
Mid-Century Modern
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Mid-Century Modern Homes: An Iconic Style of Architecture
As an expert in architecture and design, I can provide you with detailed information about mid-century modern homes. The mid-century modern style of architecture emerged between 1945 and 1970, with its peak period being between 1947 and 1957. This style is known for its distinctive angular forms, signature elements, and modernist principles that broke traditional barriers in the mid-20th century.
Origins of Mid-Century Modern Style
The mid-century modern style originated from a combination of influences. While there are various plausible explanations, one could argue that the Bauhaus school in Germany played a significant role in shaping mid-century modern design in America. However, within the United States, the style primarily originated in California. Architects and designers such as Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and Arne Jacobsen pioneered this style by deviating from more formal and ornate architectural traditions.
In addition to California, cities like Chicago and European designers like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe also contributed to the development of mid-century modern structures. These architects focused on creating large, monolithic buildings that made use of flat surfaces and curtain-glass windows, adopting a sleek and minimalist approach.
Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Homes
Mid-century modern homes are characterized by their geometric lines, flat or angled roofs that extend beyond the walls, and flat surfaces without excessive ornamentation. These homes often feature large windows that open onto geometric inner courtyards, patios, or decks, emphasizing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The rooms in these homes are typically wood-paneled, boxy, and flooded with natural light.
Unlike other architectural styles, mid-century modern homes stand out for their simplicity and lack of grandeur. They are aesthetically pleasing in their minimalist design, emphasizing clean lines and open spaces. This departure from ornate exteriors and decoration allows the architectural plan itself to speak volumes.
Popularity and Locations of Mid-Century Modern Homes
Mid-century modern homes can be found throughout the United States, with slight variations in different regions. The original homes are predominantly located in the hillsides of Southern California, particularly in Palm Springs. In cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach, you can find a variety of mid-century modern homes ranging from bungalow-style houses to stilted silhouettes.
While California is known for its original mid-century modern homes, other regions in the country also adopted this style, incorporating winter-worthy materials like brick into their designs. For example, in the vicinity of New York City, students of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright constructed an entire town of mid-century modern homes known as 'Usonia'.
Today, original mid-century modern homes in California can sell for millions of dollars, even for smaller one-bedroom properties. New builds often feature expansive floor plans, showcasing thousands of square feet and angular, clean shapes that make a statement on any street in America.
Decorating a Mid-Century Modern Home
When it comes to interior design, mid-century modern homes lend themselves to an open floor plan concept, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism. Rugs, plants, and bookshelves can be used to create personalized dividers within these architectural floor plans.
In terms of furniture, there are numerous classic mid-century designs to choose from, including tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen, Eames lounge chairs, Barcelona seating by Mies van der Rohe, and many other alternatives that feature chrome plating and minimalist lines. These pieces bring the simplicity and elegance of mid-century modern design into the interior space.
Mid-century modern interiors also adapt well to new design styles and trends, such as the retro revival trend or the Organic Modern trend, offering a timeless appeal with a contemporary twist.
Overall, mid-century modern homes have a lasting impact on the world of architecture and design. Their iconic status, distinctive features, and timeless appeal continue to captivate enthusiasts and design historians alike.
