What Do Mid-Century Modern Homes Look Like? There are two kinds of mid century modern homes – ranch and split-level, dating from 1935 – 1975. The mid century modern house images featured in this article reflect the beauty of these homes that blend the interior with the exterior.
What Does A Mid Century Modern House Look Like?
Below are some common criteria that have determined the look of a mid-century modern home and answer the simple question of what do mid-century modern homes look like?
Geography
Geographic areas highly influenced the materials used for building mid-century modern homes. In Washington D.C., a hub for mid-century modern style, veneer stone, and local Carderock stone, a mixture of gray and brownstone, was commonly used in construction. Many of the ranch houses are built of brick, but in the southern states, you can find homes built of stucco or concrete blocks. Wood siding was used as well and horizontally installed, as clapboard or installed vertically as a board and batten.
Low-Pitched Roofs
Low-pitched roofs were more common than low-pitched gables. Since these kinds of houses have minimal attic space, they do not use dormers. The houses more expensively designed had roof overhangs with rafters exposed. The more modest style homes had minimal roof overhangs with either an open eave or a closed eave soffit. Asphalt shingles topped the roof.
Ranch-Style Layout
Ranch-style homes had linear window designs that emphasized the close-to-the-ground design of the ranch home. Other window types used were awning, hopper, casement, and double-hung. Every ranch and the split level home had a picture window. These windows were made so a portion of the window could be opened for ventilation and had an area of fixed glass for looking out the window.
Recessed Entrances
Entrances were practical and looked welcoming. The simplest were recessed beneath the main roof. The more complex designs had a porch at the front of the house or the entrance tucked beneath the main roof. An entrance might also be in the corner at the intersection of the two wings and protected by the main roof form. The recessed entry of either a ranch or split-level home had various cladding material added to make it stand out as an entry.
What Is Mid Century Modern Architecture?
The mid century modern mansion had a specific architectural design popularized in the 1930s through the 1960s. The style originated in Europe and was brought to America by well-known architects who also had key roles in the Bauhaus movement. The characteristics of mid-century modern are a clean, minimalist aesthetic, an emphasis on getting the outdoors to seem to come into the indoors, and the presence of angular structures.
Minimalist Aesthetic Designs
Dynan Construction Management
Minimalist aesthetic designs included clean lines, flat planes, with little outside decor. Monochromatic brickwork and some splash of color here and there. It is a no-fuss approach to design and focuses on functionality.
Emphasis On The Outdoors
Emphasis on the outdoors is the main feature of the mid-century modern house. The large windows and open floor plan designs provide scenic views and seem to bring nature inside. Sliding glass doors encourage people to step outside to explore their surroundings further.
Angular structures
Angular structures include geometric forms and asymmetrical compositions in the designs. These modern homes show little historical influence and don’t have visual formality.
What is Mid Century Modern Design Specifically?
The mid-century style has its roots in architecture and furnishings. Everything about the home should be practical, structured, and durable, with some added design flourishes for interest. For these homes, one should pay attention to the natural elements of each room from the exposed beams to the wood paneling and untouched brick walls. Making these elements stand out will bring the outdoors right inside. Character can be added to each room, making use of items with abstract prints, patterns, and modern art. These homes need to have emphasis put on the casual and uncluttered way of life.
Mid-Century Modern Colors
Colors should reflect the energy and direction of these homes and should be in various bright hues. The bright colors should emphasize the period of optimism in the 1950s, and the natural woods, oranges, greens, and earthy tones offer the sophistication of the 1960s and 1970s. Among other colors that work well are sunny yellow, turquoise, and primary colors. Just splash them all around the rooms.
This look became very popular among the Scandinavian designers of the era, as they sought the warm and cozy feel of wooden furniture for their cold northern winters.
The Danish Hans J. Wegner had several exemplary pieces in this style, including the wishbone chair and the round chair.
Another Dane, Finn Juhl, also produced classics of this look, notably the chieftain chair and the 45 chair
So, What Do Mid-Century Modern Homes Look Like?
Well, hopefully, you now have a good idea of the appearance and features of a mid-century modern house. Go out and share your newly discovered architectural knowledge!
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