By Bess Hochman
The Mid-Century Modern look is showing up everywhere. Its strong comeback has been on display from the sets of “Mad Men” to countless other television and movie sets to premier architectural and design magazines.
The definition of Mid-Century Modern is widely disputed. Its broad definition is the architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20th century, about 1935 to 1965. Some argue that the period is actually limited to 1947 to 1957.
Originally, Mid-Century Modernism started with an ambition to mass-produce housing that was affordable, efficient, and driven by an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. It is a much more timeless look than contemporary architecture.
Light-filled, open floor plans with an emphasis on indoor and outdoor living make Mid-Century Modern architecture easy to live in. This style home reflects how we live today. Many architects and building contractors are being asked to renovate existing homes in the style of Mid-Century Modern design.
These homes have a more playful side than pure Modernist structures. In Mid-Century Modern homes, pitched roofs and ornamental screens are often included. These homes often have a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor areas and many include natural materials such as wood and stone to provide a more homey and comfortable look.
Vintage furniture built in the Mid-Century Modern era can sell for amazing prices these days. With the resurgence of its popularity, many iconic Mid-Century style pieces are being reproduced and updated using current fabrics and materials.
The furniture created during the Mid-Century Modern period offered geometric shapes, organic curves, clean lines and the use of traditional and unique resources. The demand by collectors for original one-of-a-kind pieces from this era is huge.
Much of the furniture served multiple purposes. Many pieces were built to stack, fold or bend. Pieces were often interchangeable.
Baby-boomers grew up with the Mid-Century Modern designs; however, currently Generation X and Millennials are the most prevalent buyers of the Mid-Century design. Millennials appreciate the clean crisp lines that are characteristic of this period.
The trend toward urban living also may be part of what keeps the Mid-Century look alive. Millennials are more mobile and Mid-Century Modern designs all play into that way of living.
Many builders are looking in those areas that already have existing Mid-Century Modern homes for the opportunity to renovate these original structures keeping the open floor plan and abundance of glass.
Southern California generally known as the cradle of Mid-Century Modern architecture is a great place to find and renovate these timeless gems. Buyers can enjoy the indoor/outdoor lifestyle now knowing they have made a solid investment for the future.
Contact Bess at 310.291.4111 or Bess.CenturyCityNews@yahoo.com.
For a free courtesy consultation, or information regarding mortgage brokers, contact Bess Hochman, a top Westside Real Estate Broker for over 20 years. Bess is also distinguished by holding a law degree. This article expresses the opinion of the author. You are advised to consult attorneys & others experts specializing in the issues referenced in this article.
“Bess is a master negotiator!” says Michael Donaldson, attorney and author of “Negotiating For Dummies.”
