The term Mid-century Modern tends to be tossed around haphazardly (I’ve been guilty of this myself), so we’re going to look at some dazzling houses that truly embody the style. Most of the examples below have been recently renovated, to undo 1970s or 1980s renovations, to add on to the square footage, and/or to make them more energy efficient.
In each project, the designers honored the spirit of the original plans and details. And we have full home tours of each, which you may link over to and explore via the numbered titles.
1. 1950s William Wurster ranch: Architect Charles Delisle respected the history of this home in California’s Portola Valley, keeping the spirit of the era alive via a mix of contemporary and custom pieces.
This new custom cantilevered cabinet plays with a classic mid-century color palette and blocky geometry, but has a fresh look.
A collection of ceramics is a nod to the history of mid-century pottery in California.
2. Mid-century Modern second home on Cape Cod: The original butterfly-roofed wing on the house on this site was designed by Henry Hebblin, who had studied with Eero Saarinen and worked for Alvar Aalto.
When Mark Hammer was hired to winterize the house and design an addition, he kept Hebblin’s portion of the home and gleaned inspiration from the butterfly roof.
Tour another modern Cape Cod renovation by Hammer Architects
The final renovation was designed with sustainability in mind. The once seasonal home now serves as a year-round house, with portions that can be shut off and save energy when there aren’t guests, and makes the most of natural light. Most importantly, Hammer has created continuity between the mid-century wing and the new construction.
See the rest of this home | More about Cape Cod/Boston’s Regional Modernism
3. Family-friendly Mid-century Modern: Pulp Design Studios was charged with creating a stylish nest for a young family. A soft modern approach full of vibrant color was the answer. The classicly open room is grounded with the dynamic Missoni rug and includes a classic Bertoia Bird Chair.
A child’s size Cherner table and chairs is perfect for little modernists. There are so many classic child-sized pieces on the market these days that it’s easy to carry a mid-century aesthetic into childrens’ bedrooms and playrooms.
The art arrangement is a variation on the classic modern grid, alternating horizontal and vertical rectangular frames. It’s a nice way to keep the family photos on display in a tight, modern way.
4. Atomic Flair in the Blue Ridge Mountains: For blogger and vintage maven Jenny Mitchell, this house was love at first sight.
Her eye for atomic style and talent for finding thrifted treasures have resulted in a fun and cheerful home that blends old and new seamlessly.
While a self-described “minimalist-maximalist,” Mitchell knew that all this patio needed was two bright butterfly chairs to give it a big mid-century pop of style.
5. 1962 Custom Eichler House Renovation: Located on San Francisco Bay, this home’s original mid-century charm had been wiped out by a misguided 1980s renovation. Designer Gary Hutton was able to get his hands on the original plans and bring this home back to its original glory.
Nothing brings out a mid-century home’s best like one of the best mid-century furniture and art collections around. Here we’re looking over a Nelson Marshmallow Sofa to an original Andy Warhol.
Saarinen Executive Chairs, a Florence Knoll table and a PH Pendant create the ultimate mid-century dining area.
Finally, a rare Eames game table with a large piece by Sarah Morris in the background creates a vibrant corner. As for the head on the table, I have no idea. Does anyone know its history? Please share in the Comments section. See more of this home
Thank you so much to Becky Harris and Houzz for this great information!
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