In many cities and most small towns across the country, it is still possible to find great examples of homes built in a particular style. Today, lovers of a low-slung, simple unadorned style built during the middle of the last century snap up still-existing examples of Mid-Century Modern style homes, no matter what their current condition, restoring them to like-new condition with more modern and efficient materials, or renovating them to retain the spirit of the original structure.
What makes them special?
The style was a striking architectural departure, and a reaction against dark, heavy, materials, excessive ornamentation, formulaic design and the classic design forms of the past. The late 1940s and early 50s ushered in an era of experimentation and new expression. It was characterized by organic and essential forms, linear lines, large masses, and a simplicity that allowed for playfulness and whimsy. Merging nature with technology, and introducing new synthetic materials into the home scene, the style blended interior and exterior spaces and, in some cases, focused on form rather than comfort.
It may have been a natural evolution in the world of design, but it created a revolution across the whole spectrum of architecture and interior decor. The popularity of mid-century modern waned in the last decades of the 20th century, but architects, designers and home owners have rediscovered the style and classic mid-century design is more popular now than ever before.
The homes are sometimes referred to as glass houses. They typically have broad expanses of glass in an effort to integrate indoor spaces with natural surroundings. Glass walls, sliding glass doors, clerestory windows, wing walls and “fins” of stone or other natural materials are hallmarks of the design ethic. The majority of true mid-century homes in most parts of the country are low-slung structures, most without basements or attics. They are not, by today’s standards, very “green” in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. They were constructed at a time when building insulation standards were minimal, and double pane glazing was far from the norm for residential use.
Even so, classic mid-century modern homes are much in demand. Design elements that are the expressions of that decades-old style have been rediscovered and improved and are used to create thoroughly modern housing that couldn’t be more in touch with its times. Glass walls, the integration of indoor and outdoor space, the use of natural materials in combination with industrial forms and elements, open floor plans, use of new technology and up-to-the minute industrial materials, and a quirky, irreverent approach to function all owe their origin to the mid-century homes built between the late 1940s and the early 1980s.
What’s it like to live in a glass house?
Classic mid-century modern homes present a “covered up” look to the street and typically only have glass expanses that open to the back yard or that show off a distant view of mountains, shore or private acreage. Contrary to popular opinion, one does not have to be an exhibitionist to live comfortably in a glass house, and the architecturally-stunning glass-walled houses featured in design magazines are normally located in the midst of sufficient land or situated beyond gates so that gawkers are not a problem.
What can be somewhat problematic, however, lies in controlling heat and cold, and in regulating light. The first remodel efforts for buyers of existing mid-century homes is often to replace the windows with modern thermal pane, low-E windows. The style in its purest form is not the most environmentally conscious architecture. If homes are not oriented for solar gain, they can be uncomfortably warm in the summer or chilly in cooler seasons. Flat roofs can leak, and the need for extra insulation is often cited as a problem.
But despite their shortcomings, classic mid-century modern homes are sought after properties in most parts of the country today, and the design style is the basis for new construction, as well. Modern building codes require additional slab, wall, and roof insulation. Proper siding can turn the glass expanses from detriment to benefit, and the problems caused by flat roofs can be alleviated by newer materials and proper engineering except in areas with extremely heavy snow load.
Are there other reasons to love the style?
Lovers of the retro style are enchanted with the use of wood and stone on the interior, the somewhat funky colors and hardware, and the “space age” designs. Although you can search out examples of vintage chrome dining sets and period fabrics, you can also replicate the look in furniture and accessories with modern reproductions and adaptations.
Living in a classic mid century home may be like stepping back in time or inhabiting a page in a history book. If you fully research the funky colors, the geometric shapes and the design aesthetic of those innovative years, you will find many modern examples of household decor have their origins in that decades old style. Have fun with it, because it shows no signs of disappearing!
2 Point Highlight
Classic mid century modern homes present a “covered up” look to the street and typically only have glass expanses that open to the back yard or that show off a distant view of mountains, shore or private acreage.
Mid century modern homes typically have broad expanses of glass in an effort to integrate indoor spaces with natural surroundings. Glass walls, sliding glass doors, clerestory windows, wing walls and “fins” of stone or other natural materials are hallmarks of the design ethic.
