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Mid-Century Cheat Sheet

It was the 1950's. The war was over, the economy was booming, and more than 1.1 million new homes were being built each year to accommodate the housing needs of the bustling middle class. You or your client might own one. Here's how to tell.

Not all builders and remodelers realize that more than 20 million homeowners in the US own cottages, rambling ranches, or modern gems from the American mid-century and are looking for a period-appropriate solution to their remodeling needs. The mid-century modern movement is stronger than ever; do you speak the language?

What is "Mid-Century Modern?"

Mid-Century modern (MCM) is an architectural, interior and product design style that generally describes post-war developments from roughly 1945 to 1965. This style is characterized by geometric design, absence of decoration, and an embrace of modern building materials and technology.

What are elements of MCM design?

This style emphasized:

Ample windows and walls of glass
Open floor-plans
Atriums or sunrooms
Matched or repeated indoor/outdoor elements
Post and beam structure
Low pitch or flat roofs
Angular or geometric facade
Birch slab doors and birch plywood paneling
Marmoleum and Formica
Wood or concrete flooring

Functional elements targeted the needs of the average American family.

Who the heck is Eichler?

Pioneering builder and real estate developer Joseph Eichler was instrumental in bringing Mid-Century Modern architecture to subdivisions in California and select housing developments on the east coast. His designs are best known for their long, low profiles and walls of glass. Eichler homes have recently enjoyed a surge in popularity and are generally priced between $700,000 and $1.4M. Similar homes across the United States are currently in demand to either be renovated or built new.

Other well-known designers of the mid-century modern era include: Eames, Haver, Alexander, Streng, Cliff May, McCobb, Neutra, Stenger, Fehr, Granger, Saarinen, Schindler, Shull, Wengler, Wexler and Wright.

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