Although mid-century modern architecture boomed all across America from 1945 to 1969, it’s seen a major resurgence in recent years. Interior decorating styles that draw inspiration from mid-century style, like Scandinavian design and Danish Modern, have made this style accessible to millions of new homeowners.
History
Taking influences from Bauhaus and American high-prairie style homes, mid-century modern architecture was brought to the United States by European architects fleeing Nazi Germany. Some original mid-century modern designers include Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Marcel Breuer. Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of Modern architecture, actually trained many mid-century modern architects. After World War II, Americans put a major emphasis on lifestyle, family time, and spending time in nature. Mid-century modern homes built across America’s suburbs reflected those ideals, with large windows that provided views of homeowners’ backyards, open living spaces where the whole family could entertain, and technological upgrades—especially in the kitchen—so homeowners spent less time cleaning and more time with their families. During its original boom from 1945 to 1969, mid-century modern architecture was divided into three distinct styles:
Must-Have Elements
Although there are three versions of mid-century modern architecture, most of the mid-century modern homes in the United States share these elements:
Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes
Straight lines and right angles are essential to mid-century modern architecture. Although many modern ranch-style homes feature gabled roofs or asymmetrical exteriors, most mid-century modern homes have flat roofs with straight lines.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Nature and lifestyle were emphasized in the original mid-century modern homes, so they were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.
Changes in Elevation
Many mid-century modern homes are split-level, with short staircases connecting rooms throughout the house. Partial brick or glass walls, fireplaces centered in rooms, and cabinetry also add depth and variation in elevation in the homes’ interiors.
Minimal Decoration
Although some mid-century modern styles are more ornate than others, simplicity is a key characteristic to the movement. Simple furnishings with clean lines and a muted color palette complement the homes’ simple exteriors.
Access to the Outdoors
Connecting with nature is a key value in mid-century modern architecture, so most mid-century modern homes have multiple access points to the outdoors. In some homes, even single rooms have several doors and windows to access the outdoor living space.
Where to Find Mid-Century Modern Homes
When soldiers returned from World War II, they built mid-century homes all across the United States—meaning, you’ll find mid-century modern homes in virtually every town in every state in the U.S. The largest collection of mid-century modern homes, however, can be seen in Palm Springs, California. Some of the world’s most famous mid-century modern architects built homes, hotels, motels, and other structures in Palm Springs, and many homeowners building new construction replicate the style.
