The term Mid-century Modern tends to be pitched around aimlessly (I’ve been guilty of this myself), so we’re going to have a look at some dazzling houses that truly embody the style. The majority of the examples below are recently renovated, to undo 1970s or 1980s renovations, to add to the square footage, and/or to make them more energy efficient.
In every job, the designers admired the spirit of the first details and plans. And we’ve got full home tours of each, which you might link over to and research through the numbered titles.
The Office of Charles de Lisle
1. 1950s William Wurster ranch: Architect Charles Delisle respected the background of the home in California’s Portola Valley, keeping the spirit of this era living by means of a mixture of modern and custom pieces.
The Office of Charles de Lisle
This new custom built cupboard plays a classic mid-century color palette and blocky geometry, but includes a fresh appearance.
The Office of Charles de Lisle
A group of ceramics is a nod to the background of mid-century in California.
Watch the rest of the home
Hammer Architects
2. Mid-century Modern second home on Cape Cod: The first butterfly-roofed wing to the house on this site was designed by Henry Hebblin, who’d studied together with Eero Saarinen and functioned for Alvar Aalto.
When Mark Hammer was hired to winterize the home and layout an improvement, he kept Hebblin’s part of the home and gleaned inspiration from the butterfly roof.
Tour another modern Cape Cod renovation by Hammer Architects
Hammer Architects
The last renovation was designed with sustainability in mind. The once seasonal dwelling now functions as a yearlong home, with elements that can be shut off and save energy when there aren’t guests, also makes the most of natural light. Most importantly, Hammer has created continuity between the mid century and the new structure.
Watch the rest of the home | More about Cape Cod/Boston’s Regional Modernism
Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
3. Family-friendly Mid-century Modern: Pulp Style Studios was charged with developing a stylish nest for a young family. A gentle modern approach filled with vibrant color was the answer. The classicly open space is grounded with all the lively Missoni rug and includes a classic Bertoia Bird Chair.
Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
A child’s size Cherner table and chairs is perfect for small modernists. There are many classic child-sized pieces on the market these days that it’s easy to take a mid-century aesthetic into childrens’ bedrooms and playrooms.
Learn More About Cherner Chairs
Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
The artwork arrangement is a variation on the classic modern grid, alternating horizontal and vertical rectangular frames. It is a wonderful way to keep the family photos on screen in a tight, modern manner.
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Jenny Mitchell
4. Atomic Flair from the Blue Ridge Mountains: For blogger and vintage maven Jenny Mitchell, the home was love at first sight.
Her attention for atomic style and talent for discovering thrifted treasures have caused a fun and cheerful home that combines old and new seamlessly.
While a self-described”minimalist-maximalist,” Mitchell knew that all this terrace needed was two bright butterfly chairs to provide it a big mid-century pop of design.
Watch the rest of the home
Gary Hutton Design
5. 1962 Custom Eichler House Renovation: Located on San Francisco Bay, the house’s original mid-century charm was wiped out by a misguided 1980s renovation. Designer Gary Hutton was able to get his hands to the first plans and bring this home back to its original glory.
Gary Hutton Design
Nothing brings out a mid century house’s best like among the best royal furniture and art collections around. Here we’re looking over a Nelson Marshmallow Sofa to a first Andy Warhol.
Gary Hutton Design
Saarinen Executive Chairs, a Florence Knoll table plus a PH Pendant create the ultimate mid-century area.
Gary Hutton Design
Ultimately, a rare Eames match table using a massive slice by Sarah Morris from the backdrop produces a vibrant corner. In terms of the head to the desk, I don’t have any idea. Does anybody know its history? Please discuss in the Comments section. See more of the home.
More:
Modern or Contemporary: What is the Difference?
Warm, Mid-Century Makeover
When MoMA Is The Next Door Neighbor