The 1950s ranch house design is one of the most iconic Art Deco styles of the era. Influenced by Spanish Colonial and Native American styles of architecture, this style is characterized by its low-slung walls and low-pitched roofs, typically gabled and with exposed beams. The interiors of these houses were often brightly colored and eclectic, and the rooms were kept open with only a few walls separating them. Furniture followed suit, often featuring curved lines and bright colors. The 1950s Ranch House Design was often flanked by two or more outdoor patios, giving the owners their own private respite from the world.1950s Ranch House Design
1950s Ranch House Design
The 1950s Balcony House Design was another iconic Art Deco style popular during this era. This design style was characterized by the integration of a balcony into the home’s design. The balconies, often wide and welcoming, were typically deep set, and the edges usually had ornate supporting arches. This style could be seen both on the exterior and interior of the home, with the balcony structures usually framing the outdoor patio or interior windows. The furniture used in these homes was often strong, colorful, and ornate, typically featuring curved lines and intricate patterns.Balcony House Design of the 1950s
Balcony House Design of the 1950s
The Contemporary 1950s House Design was a new spin on the classic Art Deco style. Designs were simpler and more modern, giving the homes a more progressive feel. The architecture was often marked by geometric designs, and the interiors were cleaner. The interiors featured more subdued colors, and the furniture used was often angular in shape and minimalist in design. These houses were sometimes characterized by simpler materials like brick and wood, giving them a more earthy feel than their predecessors.Contemporary 1950s House Design
Contemporary 1950s House Design
One of the most beloved Art Deco styles of the 1950s was the Bungalow House Design. The Bungalow House Design usually only had one story and was usually rectangular in shape. The interiors were often quite small but were often incredibly cozy and welcoming. Walls often had intricate patterns carved into them, and furniture was usually very light and delicate. Color was an important part of the decor, often featuring bright and cheerful tones. These houses were popular for their simplicity, affordability, and coziness.1950s Bungalow House Design
1950s Bungalow House Design
The Craftsman House Design was a popular Art Deco option for many homeowners during the 1950s. This style typically featured strong wooden accents and a lot of intricate detailing. Rooms were often designed to be cozy and inviting, with more focus placed on the craftsmanship of the pieces than on the aesthetics. Color schemes were typically muted and warm, often consisting of deeper browns and grays. These houses were some of the most intricately designed of the era, and they remain popular today.1950s Craftsman House Design
1950s Craftsman House Design
The Cape Cod House Design was another popular Art Deco style of the 1950s. This style was inspired by the traditional New England style with its clapboard siding, steep roofs, and ocular windows. These homes were built with practicality in mind, featuring a lot of rooms built off of the main living space for more utilitarian purposes. Furniture followed suit, usually featuring simple and rectangular shapes, and the colors were often kept light and neutral. These homes were perfect for those who wanted a cozy and functional house.1950s Cape Cod House Design
1950s Cape Cod House Design
The Colonial House Design of the 1950s was a unique Art Deco style influenced by Georgian and Federal architecture. These homes featured large windows, steep roofs, and symmetrical balconies. The interiors were typically quite spacious, featuring lots of intricate detailing and strong colors. Furniture in these homes was often ornate and luxurious, with lots of texture and color. The Colonial House Design was seen as a symbol of wealth and status.1950s Colonial House Design
1950s Colonial House Design
The Raised Ranch House Design was a popular Art Deco style of this era. This style was defined by its layout that featured a split-level design, often with one side of the house raised higher than the other. This style was seen as efficient and practical, since it could house two stories while still preserving a small footprint. The interiors were quite spacious and were often decorated in a more modern style. The furniture was usually quite simple, featuring geometric shapes and bright colors.Raised Ranch House Design of the 1950s
Raised Ranch House Design of the 1950s
The Mediterranean House Design of the 1950s combined the Art Deco style with European influences. This style was characterized by its curved roof lines, vibrant colors, and expansive outdoor living spaces. Interiors were often decorated with lots of intricate detailing and tile work, and furniture featured curved lines and bright colors. These homes often featured floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light and gave the homeowners a view of their outdoor space.1950s Mediterranean House Design
1950s Mediterranean House Design
The Tudor House Design was another iconic Art Deco style popular during this era. These houses were often characterized by their half-timbered construction, steeply pitched roofs, and dormer windows. Interiors featured wooden panelling, stained glass windows, and exposed beams. The furniture used was often very heavy and ornate, usually featuring deep and dark colors. These houses were a popular choice for those looking for a grand and luxurious style.1950s Tudor House Design
1950s Tudor House Design
Traditional 1950s Council House Design in the UK
The 1950s Council House design is a striking example of classic British architecture, with its iconic red-brick façades and expansive rooms. These houses, built by local councils on behalf of their housing associations, represented a mass effort to address the shortages of
affordable housing
that followed World War II.
Built with the working-class in mind, these houses featured large dark-wood window frames and a traditional rectangular design. The houses often had a
front garden
with a low brick wall and thick shrubbery for privacy. The interior of the houses were equally representative of the time period, with thin wooden doors and oak furniture a common feature. Kitchens often had cupboard doors coated in formica and metal taps.
An iconic feature of 1950s Council House designs were the large bay windows, which allowed for more natural light and a greater connection with the gardens. The exterior walls were usually yellow bricks, with a smooth finish to achieve a clean, modern look. Combined with the front-facing doors, this gave these houses a characteristic charm that was missing from other homes in Britain during the 1950s.
The houses also featured a
dormer window
on the upper floor, and a distinctive wood-paneled porch, with the door usually located in the center of the porch. The roof was usually a flat asphalt composition, with a minimalistic aesthetic.
Interior Design
Interiors were typically kept relatively neutral in colour with walls painted in off-white tones. Flooring was often vinyl, typically in a light grey hue, with polished wood stairs. Fireplaces were also a notable feature, with brass tiling often used to frame the openings.
Modernization of 1950s Council House Design
Today, many 1950s Council Houses still stand, many of which have been modernized and refurbished for contemporary living. Interior design has drastically improved, with brighter colours and wooden floors replacing the duller, more traditional vinyl floors. Natural materials, such as stone and wood, are used more frequently to give a more contemporary feel, as well as to provide a greater connection with the outdoors.
Conclusion
1950s Council Houses remain an iconic part of British architecture, with their characteristic brick walls and large bay windows. Although many of these houses have been modernized over the years, the traditional elements remain, making them popular among those looking for a nostalgic reminder of the past.
