Architecture
10 Midcentury Features to Treasure
Before you trash that geometric tile or kitschy wallpaper, find out whether your home's blasts from the past are gems in disguise
Whoever thinks time travel is not possible should come work with me sometime. I recently had a great blast from the past when I was called by new owners to look at a house they had just purchased. On the phone the house was described as a "fixer," and the owners were stumped about where to begin.
It turns out the fixer was more of a keeper. The house was a midcentury classic, fairly unusual for the area in which it was located. The previous owner had the property for 40 years, and many of the original details were still there. This type of thing always causes heart palpitations for me, so you can imagine my excitement as I thought about sharing my observations with midcentury fans on Houzz.
It was very interesting to see real details of this iconic architecture versus translated details that have been watered down. I noted some of my favorite details as I walked through the house.
The following details in other homes define a midcentury aesthetic to my eye.
It turns out the fixer was more of a keeper. The house was a midcentury classic, fairly unusual for the area in which it was located. The previous owner had the property for 40 years, and many of the original details were still there. This type of thing always causes heart palpitations for me, so you can imagine my excitement as I thought about sharing my observations with midcentury fans on Houzz.
It was very interesting to see real details of this iconic architecture versus translated details that have been watered down. I noted some of my favorite details as I walked through the house.
The following details in other homes define a midcentury aesthetic to my eye.
Textured exterior wall. As I walked up the drive, I noticed a horizontal stone accent wall just next to the front door, very similar to this one. There really is nothing like stone to give a textured layer of detail.
Entry water feature. I looked around after I rang the doorbell and noticed an original water feature just to the side of the front door. The water feature was low and geometric and reminded me of The Rat Pack in the '60s.
Terrazzo floors. Once I was welcomed inside, I stepped onto the most beautiful white terrazzo floors. Oh, just pinch me! The terrazzo floors ran through the large entry and the main hallways of the U-shaped house.
Sixties wallpaper. On an accent wall in the living room was a kitchy wallpaper in a fun color. The pattern was faded but unmistakably 1960s.
Oversize windows. The living room was oversize and acted as living room and family room. The high ceilings were pitched out toward the view. The ceiling extended beyond the sliders and continued outside, which made the gables appear endless.
Transom windows. The next room was a dining area. There was a wall that separated it from the kitchen. The wall had transom windows at the top, which let beautiful light into the kitchen. The low and long windows added to the modern aesthetic.
Retro tile. Just as I was thinking about all the great midcentury details, I turned the corner of the main hall and discovered '60s-inspired tile in a small powder room. "That's definitely staying," I thought. The colors were blue and green and so charming. What a blast! Turns out the little "fixer" just needed some fresh paint and new furniture. Wow, do I love my job!
Tell us about your midcentury home. Does it have any original details?
Tell us about your midcentury home. Does it have any original details?