The 1950s is remembered for its classic California ranch-style houses. These houses are characterized by their single-story design, open floor plan, large windows, and functional sliding patio doors. During this era, the California ranch-style house was considered the height of modern sophistication. This style of house also quickly became popular among Americans due to its affordability and its simplicity in terms of decorating. The interior design of these homes were heavily influenced by Art Deco and featured a range of woodwork and texture finishes along with bold colors and dramatic furniture pieces. Some of the famous California ranch-style houses include the Philip M. Stern House and the Bechtel House. Other popular design elements of the 1950s California ranch-style house include large open natural wood beams, expansive windows, built-in custom cabinetry, and sunken living rooms. Inside these homes, classic Art Deco fixtures and furnishings were often used in order to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. While some homes featured the classic modernist look, others had a more traditional and romantic feel. Regardless of the style chosen, furniture pieces were often kept to a minimum in order to create a sense of spaciousness and modernity. 1950s California Ranch Style House Design
1950s California Ranch Style House Design
The 1950s were a time of immense innovation in architecture and interior design. During this time, the renowned mid-century modern style of house design rose to prominence in the United States. This style of house is defined by its clean lines, open plan, minimal fixtures, and metal accents. These houses were the creation of iconic architects such as Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who sought to turn living spaces into a works of art. Inside a 1950s mid-century modern house, Art Deco was the prevailing style of interior design. The furniture was often minimal and built from natural materials such as plastic, chrome and wood. Abstract paintings and abstract sculptures were used to add color and pattern to the space. Art Deco rugs and lighting fixtures were also popular for accenting the floors and walls. 1950s Mid Century Modern House Design
1950s Mid Century Modern House Design
The 1950s saw the emergence of the classic Cape Cod style of house design. This style of house is characterized by its Gothic Revival-style elements, including peaked roofs, steep gables, and shutters. The interior design of these homes drew upon the Art Deco style of design as well as the early American aesthetic. The interior design of the Cape Cod houses was kept simple yet elegant. Wood was the primary material used in the interior decoration. However, classic Art Deco fixtures such as geometric floor rugs and lighting were also popular during this time. The furniture, while kept minimal, was typically upholstered in fabrics with bold geometric patterns. Abstract paintings and sculptures were also common in these homes, while bright colors were often used for accent pieces. 1950s Cape Cod House Design
1950s Cape Cod House Design
The 1950s saw the emergence of the California Craftsman-style house. This style of house is characterized by its large triangular gables, steeply pitched roofs, and generously sized windows. Inside these homes, classic Art Deco elements were heavily featured alongside the more traditional Craftsman theme. The California Craftsman interior design was often kept simple and elegant. Furnishings typically included lush leather armchairs, timeless wood tables, and light-colored upholstered sofas and chairs. Classic Art Deco fixtures were often used to accentuate the room, while natural and abstract paintings decorated the walls. For the floors, geometric rugs and tiled floors were popular choices. 1950s California Craftsman House Design
1950s California Craftsman House Design
The 1950s saw the rise of modernist house design, which is characterized by its stark, block-like structures and its minimalist use of materials. This style of house was often designed by renowned architects such as Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. The interior design of the modernist houses of this era was subtle yet stylish. Pops of color were used to add flair and personality to the space, with Art Deco fixtures such as geometric rugs, light fixtures and furniture pieces providing the primary accents. Abstract paintings were also popular in these homes, while natural materials such as wood and metal were used to add texture to the space. 1950s Modernist House Design
1950s Modernist House Design
The 1950s saw a surge in beach house interior designs, which were heavily influenced by the Art Deco style of design. These beach houses were often characterized by their bright and airy interiors as well as their abundance of natural materials. The beach house interiors of this era featured wooden floors and walls, nautical-themed decorations, bright furniture pieces, and classic Art Deco decor. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen were used to upholster furniture items, while vibrant rugs and abstract art pieces added texture and color to the space. 1950s Beach House Interior Design
1950s Beach House Interior Design
The Post-War period saw a surge in house designs that embraced the stark modernist look developed by architects during the war-torn 1940s. These homes were based on the principles of minimalism with an emphasis on functionality and practicality. The interior design of these homes was often sparse, featuring minimal furniture pieces and simple decors. Art Deco fixtures were also used in order to add flair to the space. The furniture in these post-war homes was kept minimal and often featured natural materials such as wood. However, sleek metals accents and geometric shapes were also used to provide the space with a modern touch. Bold colors were often used for the furniture pieces while abstract and natural paintings were popular as wall decorations. 1950s Post-War House Design
1950s Post-War House Design
The 1950s saw the emergence of the classic ranch-style house, which is characterized by its single-story design, open floor plan, large windows, and functional sliding patio doors. The 1950s ranch-style house was very popular in the American landscape and often relied on the simplistic Art Deco style for their interiors. The furniture pieces in these ranch-style homes were often kept minimal, with the use of natural materials and subtle colors. However, bold colors and Art Deco fixtures were often used to accentuate the living space. Abstract pieces of art were also used to add a modern touch to the space, while geometric rugs and light fixtures lent a timeless appeal to the room. 1950s Ranch Style House Design
1950s Ranch Style House Design
The 1950s saw the rise of the coastal house design, which is characterized by its beachy vibes and airy interiors. The interiors of these homes were heavily influenced by the Art Deco style of design yet often included modern fixtures and furnishings. The furniture in these homes typically featured natural materials such as wood, wicker, and rattan. These were often paired with classic Art Deco fixtures such as geometric floor rugs and light fixtures. For the walls, abstract and nautical-inspired paintings were popular choices, while bright colors were also used to add a splash of color to the space. 1950s Coastal House Design
1950s Coastal House Design
The 1950s saw the rise of the iconic Hacienda style of house design. This style of house was inspired by the traditional Spanish haciendas, and featured an open-plan design, stucco walls, and terracotta tiles. The interior design of these homes was heavily influenced by the Art Deco style of design. This was coupled with the heavy reliance on natural materials such as wood and stone in order to achieve a timeless yet modern look. Inside the Hacienda-style homes of the 1950s, Art Deco fixtures and furnishings were often used in order to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Furniture pieces were kept minimal yet elegant, with the use of natural fabrics such as cotton and linen as well as bright colors in order to add a touch of flair to the space. Abstract and nautical paintings were also popular during this time in order to bring a dash of character to the living space. 1950s Hacienda Style House Design
1950s Hacienda Style House Design
Unexpected Sophistication of 1950s Beach House Design
Few designs stand the test of time like the beach house of the 1950s. From the uncompromising Mid-Century Modern-style architecture to its cozy, private nooks for starting conversations, the charm emanating from mid-century design still captivates even to this day.
The mid-century modern approach to beach house design was grounded in an open structure and full window walls that provided an uncluttered yet interconnected space to breathe. Texture was an essential part of 1950s design, whether through the extensive use of wood, strong wall design, furniture, and material palette.
The Refined Take on Utility and Comfort
The 1950s were marked by an increased focus on comfort and utility - values that the beach house of this era championed. The beach house of the 1950s embodied an approach that balanced utility and comfort without sacrificing on visual design.
Every inch of the 1950s' beach house communicated form and function. For instance, furniture pieces incorporated elements such as curved edges or slanting legs inspired by newer and sleeker materials of the Modern movement. Each panel used in window and door construction was carefully considered and balanced to provide the best combination of lighting and ventilation.
A Simple Yet Bold Aesthetic
The bold aesthetic of a 1950s beach house like no other, incorporating bold shapes and curves, including a mix of colors to suit each individual’s taste. Cabinets were made with the finest construction methods, floors used the most complex shapes to perfectly frame the exterior and interior of the house.
1950s beach houses made full use of natural materials, including numerous wood elements, all of which allowed homes to adjust and blend with the environment around them, creating a full sense of indoor/outdoor living. The use of rich textures added a soft touch to the design which could also be seen in the furniture and accessories chosen.
Overall, the 1950s beach house was a bold yet refined take on classic mid-century modern design, with added utility and comfort driving the aesthetic. It remains an influential piece of design that captivates and inspires even to this day.
