They’re unique. There recognizable. They seem to be available everywhere in the country. And people either love them or hate them, it seems. Mid-Century homes have achieved the status of architectural design icon, and if you find an “original” just waiting to be updated, restored and given new life, you are apt to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of buying and living in a decades old structure that can still excite your soul and appeal to a very modern style sense.
What’s So Special about Mid-Century?
First, they aren’t usually large or imposing. In fact, their street-side facades might be quite ordinary, often characterized by solid masonry walls, jutting asymmetric lines and simple shed roofs, and little ornamentation. These homes are almost always single-story, low-slung structures, and they nestle comfortably into natural surroundings rather than making a separate statement. They may have covered carports rather than garages, and some have a semi-detached structure meant to serve as parking area and play space or patio, either in front of or adjacent to the main structure.
They are a different story inside, however. Designed for family-living, mid-century homes typically have open floor plans, large expanses of glass that allow views of the backyard or a distant natural attraction, a kitchen fitted out so that meal preparation does not necessitate isolation, and bedrooms located in a separate wing or grouped together off a single corridor.
The lifestyle of the times, following depression and war, was tuned into rebuilding of family life; developing technology of the times offered new conveniences, particularly in the kitchen. Yards and patios gained importance, contributing to at-home enjoyment and new-found leisure. Homemakers of the time (and stay-at-home moms characterized those times, wanted to keep tabs on kids and their activities, whether they were in the living room or the backyard. That is one of the reasons large kitchen windows were popular and open floor plans with views to the exterior were the high style of the times.
Developing technology and better insulation, heating and cooling systems, as well as abundant electrical power allowed “modern” kitchen appliances and less reliance on closed spaces even in unfriendly climate conditions.
The roots of mid-century design are in Prairie-style design and the innovations of post-war architects and designers. Frank Lloyd Wright and others spurred a reaction to the “overdone” architecture of preceding eras. Prairie homes, however, though simplified versions of previous styles and built of more natural and “honest” woods and stone, tended to retain some of the craftsmanship, familiar materials and exotic details. Mid-century architects and designers stripped away those details, employing new technology and emerging synthetics, colorful details and new geometric and straight-edge forms in order to create simpler forms.
Function was emphasized in the designs, and not only the architecture but the furniture of the time was all about form. The new aesthetic was linear and clean-lined.
Still Pleasing — Even in “Old Age”
That mid-century architecture still has the power to excite and inspire, after more than six decades, is testament to its inherent appropriateness and comfort. While interiors tend to be as simple as the exteriors, they can have soaring volumes of space, a quality of interior light and space that makes them live larger than the actual square footage, and an orientation that melds indoor and outside space into a cohesive oneness.
They are, in short, easy to live in and to love. Mid-century homes are never boring and, even though they tend to be simple, interiors might delineate spaces with one or two-step level changes, different ceiling heights, beams and half walls, or changes in floor covering, cabinetry or movable partitions. Fireplaces were often situated in the center of the home rather than on an outside wall; in addition to walls of glass, sliding glass doors and larger windows, light was brought to interiors by high windows, clearstories and even skylights.
There are many contemporary lessons to learn from classic mid-century homes. Here are 7 wonderful characteristics to appreciate in those mid-century gems:
- An emphasis on sustainability
- Integration of indoor space with natural surroundings
- Cost-effective construction
- Spacial harmony and simplicity
- Effective use of appropriate materials
- Adaptable screening, partial enclosures, walls that don’t extend to the ceiling
- Flat roofs or simple shed roofs
Some mid-century homes can be maintenance problems, particularly those with flat roofs. In some cases, also, the industrial materials used in construction have not fared well over time. But, if you love the style, these problems can be addressed through modern technology and newer options in materials.
Where to Find Your Mid-Century Jewel?
Mid-century homes, while conforming to a specific design ethic, are not cookie-cutter replications of a single theme. You are likely to find single examples of mid-century design nestled into many neighborhoods, because it was a popular style built from about 1945 through the 1980’s. While some tract homes are true to the basics of mid-century design, there are many custom examples that speak to individual sites and specific design choices. They obviously filled very specific user needs. These are the true treasures. Great examples exist in many metropolitan areas, and even most American suburbs of the time boast a few mid-century homes.
That they are sought-after today is a not-entirely surprising phenomenon.
2 Point Highlight
Designed for family-living, mid-century homes typically have open floor plans, large expanses of glass that allow views of the backyard or a distant natural attraction, a kitchen fitted out so that meal preparation does not necessitate isolation, and bedrooms located in a separate wing or grouped together off a single corridor.
Mid-century homes are never boring and, even though they tend to be simple, interiors might delineate spaces with one or two-step level changes, different ceiling heights, beams and half walls, or changes in floor covering.
