Take a step back in history to the 1950-1970 era of modern house designs, and experience a style that is still uniquely loved and admired today. Mid-century modern designs are now celebrated for their timeless and classic allure, and have become highly sought after for new houses, renovations, and restorations. Architects have remained fascinated by their layouts and house designs, and have found inspiration and retro creativity within them. This top 10 guide looks at some of the most iconic types of Modern House Designs of the 1950-1970 era, and shines a light on how they are still influencing interior design today.Modern House Designs 1950-1970: Inspiration for Retro Renovations and Restorations
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of mid-century modern house plans available on the internet. The house plans of this era have a universal, timeless appeal and are often seen to be a reflection of the mid-20th century way of life. For the purists, just about every house plan has the quintessential mid-century look of floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and an open plan living space. It is also worth noting that many house plans from the 1950-1970 era are derived from earlier post-World War II house plans.Mid-Century Modern House Plans: A Living Legacy of the Mid-20th Century
The mid-century modern era was a defining period for the house designs that we know and love today. It was a period marked by architectural groundbreakers such as Mies van der Rohe, as well as the artwork of the time that is often reflected in house designs. For many homeowners the goal is to create a home of their own that retains the mid-century modern styling. Achieving this goal can be exciting, challenging, and full of surprises as one discovers the great variety of house designs from this era. Here are some of the most iconic features of mid-century modern house designs.A Home of Their Own: Great Mid-Century Modern House Designs
Firstly, many mid-century modern house designs incorporated the idea of open-plan concept. This meant that the living, dining, and even sleeping spaces were joined together, often using kitchens that open up to larger spaces. This concept meant that minimal walls and partitions were needed, and normally combined with skylights and other openings to let natural light flow freely. Secondly, many mid-century modern house designs feature a unique design element – the post and beam structure. This type of structure allowed for large floor to ceiling windows and glass walls to be framed, while being structurally sound.Mid-Century Modern: House Answers for Homeowners
The 1950s and 1960s marked a dramatic shift in home design, from traditional and ornate to a simple and straightforward outlook. It was a time of experimentation, with designers experimenting with new materials and methods of construction, as well as revolutionizing the ways we thought of home architecture. The geometric shapes of mid-century modern homes were also a relatively new concept in home design. Geometric designs are also often associated with the era, as well as the use of modern materials such as steel, concrete, stucco, durable plastics, and wood veneers.Mid-Century Modern Home Design 1953-1965
Mid-century modern house plans often contained an array of materials and textures. The use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, brick, and concrete, helped create these unique homes in the first place. From an interior perspective, textiles, furniture, carpets, and appliances often showcased their unique vintage flavor. Mid-century modern accessories and furniture can be seen in the recurring designs of the time, such as those of Charles and Ray Eames, and Florence Knoll. These designs, especially those of the Eames' remain iconic and highly sought-after today.Mid Century Modern Vintage: House Plans, Plans for Building Projects, Textile Designs and Appliances
The mid-century modern style has many recognizable features such aslots of large windows, curved lines in floor plans and furniture, and the use of natural materials. Some other great mid-century features include the use of bold colors, the integration of technology, and unique lighting. The patterns used during this era reflect the large influence of Scandinavian, Scandinavian-American and American designs. Simple patterns featuring two or three colors are seen throughout mid-century modern furniture, textiles and home decor.Mid-Century Modern Style: Interiors, Furniture, Decorating Ideas & Architecture
The 1950-1970 era of mid-century modern house designs included the Usonian houses of California. California was the epicentre for many of the leading architects and designers of the time, and their influence can still be seen in many of the houses today. The Usonian concept is often associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, who eventually popularized it. The Usonian style of homes were based on the idea of affordability. They often incorporated principles such as small living spaces, open floor plans, and minimum building materials. In essence, they contained the dreams of creating affordable housing that was both functional and comfortable for all.California Dream Houses: Midcentury Usonian Homes
The 1950s and 1960s revolutionized American house design, and the mid-century modern era is often considered the height of American interior design. Mid-century modern houses are known for their sharp lines, the right angles, and the lack of ornate details. This style of interior design was all about bringing the outdoors in, and integrating nature with architecture. Mid-century modern houses, and the interior designs they contain, also had an elegance and style of their own. This style was created by architects such as Charles Eames, George Nelson, Florence Knoll, and many others.The Mid-Century Modern House: America's Interior Design Legacy
The mid-century modern house plans book features many of the iconic plans from the 1950-1970 era. Think of it as a time capsule of that time, with all of the design principles, features, and houseplans available for those wanting to recreate the look and feel of the era. The mid-century modern house plans book contains the plans of over forty mid-century house designs from ten of the iconic architects of the time, including Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles and Ray Eames, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Whether you could looking to buy a starter home, renovate, or redo an entire house, this book is an invaluable resource for mid-century home design.The Mid-Century Modern House Plans Book
Due to their timeless appeal, floor plans from the mid-century modern era are still popular with today's homeowners. The key is to remember to keep the designs functional, and focus on trends that could improve the sunrise and improve the interior design look. The mid-century modern era was a revolutionary period for home design, with the large floor-to-ceiling windows, the open floor plans, and the incorporation of outdoor elements into the house. Today, these features are still seen as iconic and remain trend-setters for modern house designs.Floor Plan Trends for Mid-Century Modern House Designs