One can typically distinguish oneself as a fan of an old or a new home pretty easily. But can an old home lover pinpoint which architectural style truly suits their fancy? Often times, not until they step through the door of that perfect place.
They will tell you, “I like homes with character.”
Being so—it is very likely, upon walking through the door of a mid-century modern home, this person’s face will light right up. Why?
Mid-century modern homes seep with personality. With their unique interior and exterior design, they will strike a chord in the heart right away. Mid-century architecture, up close, offers one a taste of an older, simpler world from a few generations back. At the same time, it embodies modern and stylistic trends relished in today’s urban world.
They will tell you, “I like homes with character.”
Being so—it is very likely, upon walking through the door of a mid-century modern home, this person’s face will light right up. Why?
Mid-century modern homes seep with personality. With their unique interior and exterior design, they will strike a chord in the heart right away. Mid-century architecture, up close, offers one a taste of an older, simpler world from a few generations back. At the same time, it embodies modern and stylistic trends relished in today’s urban world.
Mid-Century styled homes—also known as contemporary homes—were commonly built between 1950 and the late 1960’s. Of all the post-war modern home plans, this style was a favorite for architect-designed homes built before 1970. Many think of this style of home as being space-aged and are reminded of the television show, the Jetsons.
Most mid-century modern homes were inspired by styles that began in earlier years, including the International, the Prairie and the Craftsman.
Those derived from the International style have flat roofs and minimal detail work, while those with low pitched, gabled roofs with overhanging eaves and exposed roofing beams were influenced by the Prairie or Craftsman styles.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the coined founder of the Prairie style home, was an influential force in mid-century architecture, utilizing an abundance of horizontal lines, open plans and principles of integration with the outdoors.
The Californian modern style (aka: the Californian Ranch), named after the work of Joseph Eichler, focused on targeting the needs of the typical American family.
As a builder, Eichler brought affordable versions of this Californian Modern into the suburbs of the time. One of his key concepts was to “Bring the outside in.” He did this by using large windows, walls of glass and sky lights to overlook exterior landscaping and gardens.
Mid-century architecture may include any of these characteristics: simple design and shape, open interior plans, many large windows (sometimes entire walls of windows), curved wall architecture, post and beam architecture, and flat or very low pitched roofs.
Look no further. With mid-century architecture, it is possible to have the best of all worlds.
If you are a person who can’t quite choose between the ritzy condo in New York City or the rustic cabin in the hills of the Californian countryside—although a bit different—you might find exactly what your heart desires with a mid-century modern.
Most mid-century modern homes were inspired by styles that began in earlier years, including the International, the Prairie and the Craftsman.
Those derived from the International style have flat roofs and minimal detail work, while those with low pitched, gabled roofs with overhanging eaves and exposed roofing beams were influenced by the Prairie or Craftsman styles.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the coined founder of the Prairie style home, was an influential force in mid-century architecture, utilizing an abundance of horizontal lines, open plans and principles of integration with the outdoors.
The Californian modern style (aka: the Californian Ranch), named after the work of Joseph Eichler, focused on targeting the needs of the typical American family.
As a builder, Eichler brought affordable versions of this Californian Modern into the suburbs of the time. One of his key concepts was to “Bring the outside in.” He did this by using large windows, walls of glass and sky lights to overlook exterior landscaping and gardens.
Mid-century architecture may include any of these characteristics: simple design and shape, open interior plans, many large windows (sometimes entire walls of windows), curved wall architecture, post and beam architecture, and flat or very low pitched roofs.
Look no further. With mid-century architecture, it is possible to have the best of all worlds.
If you are a person who can’t quite choose between the ritzy condo in New York City or the rustic cabin in the hills of the Californian countryside—although a bit different—you might find exactly what your heart desires with a mid-century modern.
