5 Inspiring Midcentury Modern Homes (2024)

Midcentury Homes

Midcentury Homes

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Modern Style

Modern Style

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Regional Modern

Gorgeous updates honor the original spirit of 5 great midcentury homes from California to Cape Cod

Becky HarrisOctober 17, 2011

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

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The term Midcentury 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.

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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.

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This new custom cantilevered cabinet plays with a classic midcentury color palette and blocky geometry, but has a fresh look.

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A collection of ceramics is a nod to the history of midcentury pottery in California.

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Hammer Architects

2. Midcentury 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

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 midcentury wing and the new construction.

See the rest of this home | More about Cape Cod/Boston’s Regional Modernism

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

3. Family-friendly Midcentury 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.

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

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 midcentury aesthetic into childrens’ bedrooms and playrooms.

Learn More About Cherner Chairs

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

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.

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Jenny Mitchell

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 midcentury pop of style.

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Gary Hutton Design

5. 1962 Custom Eichler House Renovation: Located on San Francisco Bay, this home’s original midcentury 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.

Gary Hutton Design

Nothing brings out a midcentury home’s best like one of the best midcentury furniture and art collections around. Here we’re looking over a Nelson Marshmallow Sofa to an original Andy Warhol.

Gary Hutton Design

Saarinen Executive Chairs, a Florence Knoll table and a PH Pendant create the ultimate midcentury dining area.

Gary Hutton Design

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.

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5 Inspiring Midcentury Modern Homes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous MCM house? ›

Eames House in Los Angeles, California

As one of the most iconic private residences in American midcentury design, the Eames House was completed in 1949 to serve as the home and studio for the husband-and-wife partnership of Charles and Ray Eames. Also known as Case Study House No.

What influenced mid-century modern homes? ›

Scientific advances made possible the use of new materials, from polyester to formica, and inspired a futuristic aesthetic. At the same time, Scandinavian Design, with its sleek lines and minimalism, became popular and came to influence the iconic look that defined Mid-Century style.

Where are the best mid-century modern houses? ›

In this article, we will explore 10 captivating Mid-Century Modern houses that exemplify the elegance and innovation of this iconic architectural style.
  • Farnsworth House, Illinois. ...
  • Kaufmann House, California. ...
  • Eames House, California. ...
  • Stahl House, California. ...
  • The Glass House, Connecticut. ...
  • Eichler Homes, California.
Sep 2, 2023

What city has the best mid-century modern homes? ›

As we mentioned above, New York City is a mid century modern hotspot! Featuring iconic MCM builds by the top architects of the period, NYC is home to more mid century modern buildings than any other city in the U.S. (5,937, to be exact). From the Seagram's building by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe to the Solomon R.

Is MCM still in style? ›

Is Midcentury Modern Still in Style? Midcentury modern is still in style, as its elements of functionality, clean lines, and natural materials are very popular in today's designs.

Why is MCM furniture so expensive? ›

Rarity and demand for specific mid-century pieces

Pieces that are unique or limited in production may be more expensive compared to those that are more common or mass-produced. Additionally, if a piece has become sought after by collectors due to its popularity, it may also fetch a higher price than comparable pieces.

Who is the father of mid-century modern architecture? ›

The history of midcentury-modern architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright is undeniably the most influential figure on the period. Hallmarks of his buildings—site-specific designs, the consideration for flow between the spaces, and his dedication to the use of wood paneling—are all prominent features of midcentury-modern homes.

What are the problems with mid-century modern homes? ›

Aside from the heating and cooling costs, the homes tend to be uncomfortable because of drafty walls and windows and cold pockets due to inadequate mechanical systems. Here are some tips to improve the comfort of your midcentury modern home without losing any of the design vibe.

What state has the best mid-century homes? ›

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has one of the highest concentrations of preserved midcentury-modern homes in the world, as the style's emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is perfectly suited for the area's desert climate.

What state has the most mid-century modern homes? ›

Mid-Century Modern homes are extremely popular within Southern California. In fact, Palm Springs is home to the largest collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture in the United States. Built between 1945 and the early 1970s, these homes became popular during the post-World War II period.

Are mid-century homes expensive? ›

There are currently 186 homes for sale matching mid century in Los Angeles at a median listing price of $1.2M. Some of these homes are "Hot Homes," meaning they're likely to sell quickly. Most homes for sale in Los Angeles stay on the market for 48 days and receive 3 offers.

How much does it cost to build mid-century modern home? ›

A mid-century modern home costs $200 to $500 per square foot to build because you may need custom materials and features, like windows or roofs, that cost more per square foot. A true MCM home typically has around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, so your total project cost could range from $300,000 to $1,250,000.

What age is a mid-century home? ›

How Mid-Century Compares to Styles of the 1800s and 2000s
Also Known AsKey Elements
1930-1970Mid-CenturyWarm colors, minimalist, function over form, tapered legs, Danish inspired, Bauhaus inspired
1970-2020ContemporaryNeutral colors, soft lines + comfy textures, natural elements
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What is the most popular MCM wood? ›

Oak is widely used in mid-century modern furniture and is still hugely popular today. One thing you can be certain of when you buy oak furniture is that it'll be in your family for generations so long as you give it the right care.

What makes a home MCM? ›

A midcentury modern house plan is characterized by a very wide, low footprint with large, open spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in. Although midcentury modern architecture boomed all across America from 1945 to 1969, it's seen a major resurgence in recent years.

What does MCM house stand for? ›

Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.

What years are MCM houses? ›

The century referred to in mid-century modern is the 20th, specifically the years immediately following the Second World War, from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s.

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