13 Magnificent Midcentury Modern Homes (2024)

Design Styles

Midcentury Modern

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Updated on 03/25/22

Trending Videos

13 Magnificent Midcentury Modern Homes (2)

What makes authentic, midcentury modern homes so irresistible after all of these years? Perhaps it is because of their radically simplified shapes. Think sleek lines or organic curves, often punctuated by large windows that unified interior spaces with the great outdoors.

The midcentury design movement, which kicked off in the 1940s and wrapped up in the early 1960s, celebrates the marriage of form and function with minimal and often modestly designed residential architecture and home decor. It also was the period that ushered in the era of home enjoyment, which endures to this day. For the first time, average homeowners started personalizing their living spaces both inside and outside, to reflect their taste and lifestyle. Maybe this celebration of self at home is why midcentury modern homes are still an architectural favorite. To get our gist, behold the following examples.

01 of 13
Charming Midcentury Cabin

The typical midcentury house is known for its single floor and close to the ground design often punctuated by sizable windows. However A-frame homes, like this California cabin featured on Glamping Hub, were equally popular as second homes. Thisabode has an open floor plan, two floors with the upper being loft-style, and of course large windows. The yard's minimal landscaping is also rooted in the midcentury aesthetic. The outdoor space feels like an extension of the dwelling because of is glass-covered facade.
15 A-Frame House Interior Ideas to Inspire You
Continue to 2 of 13 below
02 of 13
Classic Two-Story Midcentury Modern House

Here is aclassic midcentury residence built-in 1951 and recently updated by architect, Carib Daniel Martin. The home's exterior bears a few of the standard details of the classic style. Note the large groupings of windows, a low-pitch gable roof parallel to the front facade, and a mix of siding materials, brick, wood, and metal, which all add visually appealing patterns and textures. The interior features an open-living arrangement topped off with high vaulted ceilings.
See Also
19 Mid-Century Homes - Exterior and Interior Examples & Ideas (Photos)For Sale: Hillside Gardens II, London N6 | The Modern House Mid century modern homes – the ultimate design guide Mid Life: the best mid-century modern homes for sale | Journal | The Modern House
Continue to 3 of 13 below
03 of 13
Sleek and Modern Remodeled Ranch House

Professional house flipper James Judge restored this midcentury modern ranch to its former, gorgeous glory. Blue and white paint punched up the brick exterior. The sleek turf and pebble yard combined with stylish frosted fencing take the home's curb appeal to a new chic level.The frosting on this proverbial cupcake is the extra-large street number—making this abode a real traffic stopper.
Continue to 4 of 13 below
04 of 13
Sprawling Midcentury Modern Ranch House

Built-in 1962, this midcentury modern beauty shared by Terrie O'Connor Realtorsis a sprawling ranch house brimming with Mad Men appeal. Glass walls and clerestory windows both hallmarks of high-end ranchers, flood the interior with natural light during the day. The interior features an open concept, which if you are not in the know, became a thing during the modernist movement.
Continue to 5 of 13 below
05 of 13
Woodland Home Inspired by a Midcentury Ski Chalet

Back in the 1950s, Scandinavian chic was just as widely accessible as it is today. This midcentury cabin spotted onGlamping Hub, is reminiscent of a nordic ski chalet. Its exterior features a dramatic pitched roof and ceiling tall windows. The latter marries a gorgeous outdoor view with the main indoor living area. A deck made of cedar carves out a highly enjoyable outdoor room that is perfect for summer dining or kicking back with a hot cider in the fall.
Continue to 6 of 13 below
06 of 13
Midcentury Ranch House

The Ranch-style house is a midcentury classic. The small single floor house quickly became a staple in southern California in the 1940s and then spread out east. Ranchers like this example from Glamping Hubhave striking low profiles because of their nearly flat angled roofs and close to the ground construction.
Continue to 7 of 13 below
07 of 13
Gorgeous Retro Remodel

Here is another stunning retro remodel by James Judge. The goal of this project was to retain the abode's original, modernist charm while adding brand spanking new details correct to the era. Note the clever use of wood slat panels. The ones directly in front of the home, offer shade and privacy, while the slats on the roof conceal an unattractive ACcondenser—ingenious right? Everyone home should have outdoor lighting. Here a globe pendant brightens up the street number at night while lending a little Don Draper style.
Continue to 8 of 13 below
See Also
Exterior Mid-Century Modern House – Elevating Curb Appeal with Timeless Designs
08 of 13
Midcentury Dome Home Built for Sustainable Living

Arguably, the dome home is one of the most visionary types of midcentury, residential structures. Architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller conceived these highly efficient adobes for sustainable living. Their spherical shape makes the most of their footprint by providing more livable square footage than traditional homes. These curved homes are also more energy-efficient thanks to their surface area to volume ratio.
This pitch-perfect example of a dome home was built in 1953. It is a historical masterpiece dubbed the Sunflower.It wasdesigned by James Dresser a former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice. One of its unique exterior features is the peaked, geometricwindows that allow in natural light while blocking harsh direct rays. This video by Modern Mode Realty Networkshares more about this one of a kind home.
Continue to 9 of 13 below
09 of 13
Midcentury Modern Home With Lots of Curb Appeal

Way beforexeriscaping became a thing, homeowners living in warm climates had gravel-covered yards throughout the '50s, '60s, and '70s. This midcentury home remodeled by James Judge includes a new modernist-inspired landscape suited to the area's dry and steamy weather.
Continue to 10 of 13 below
10 of 13
Midcentury Modern Butterfly Roof

A butterfly roof, which mimics the shape of the insect's wing, is another common feature seen on some midcentury homes like this one spotted on Palm Spring Homes. The exterior feature typically paired with tall windows, extended the ceiling height inside to dramatic levels. Note the circular driveway—once a staple for large estates become a covetable feature for midcentury suburbanites with sizable yards.
Continue to 11 of 13 below
11 of 13
House in a Midcentury Modern Subdivision

There are many neighborhoods across the country filled with classic Midcentury homes, some restored to their original splendor.
Arapahoe Acres in a town called Englewood in Colorado is one example. Construction of theclassic middle-class abodes populating the neighborhood started in 1949 and wrapped up in 1957.
The work of Frank Lloyd Wright deeply inspired the designed of these homes like this, for instance, photographed by Butterbean. The house has a low slung roof, and a window covered front, both hallmarks of midcentury residential architecture. Take a closer look at the facade and notice that the structure is made up of reinforced concrete blocks and steel window frames. Both building materials were considered thoroughly modern at the time.
Continue to 12 of 13 below
12 of 13
Standard Midcentury Modest House

Any suburban neighborhood that is at least 75 years old has a few modest midcentury houses with traditional peaked roofs and attached garages. Additional standard features in these structures, which were typically less than 1200 square feet, includepicture windows and a well-landscaped, yet simple front yard and driveway.
Continue to 13 of 13 below
13 of 13
Midcentury House With a Flat Roof

Palm Springs is known for its magnificent and luxurious midcentury houses—some with flat roofs as shown. It is important to note that houses with level toppers are only suited for warm climates. That is because flat roofs do not encourage drainage and have complicated gutter systems. Both can be a problem when it comes to four-season areas that deal with deadleaves and snow.

Midcentury Modern Home Failures

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction as an Interior Design Expert

As an interior design expert with a deep understanding of home improvement and design, I have accumulated over a decade of experience in the field. I began my career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine, where I honed my expertise in the latest design trends and techniques. Throughout my career, I have contributed content for reputable brands such as The Spruce and Realtor.com. Additionally, I have been invited to speak at various conferences, further demonstrating my knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Midcentury Modern Design Styles

Midcentury modern design is a highly popular and enduring architectural style that emerged in the 1940s and lasted until the early 1960s. It is characterized by its celebration of form and function, with a focus on minimalism and modest design. The movement emphasizes clean lines, sleek shapes, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces through the use of large windows.

Radically Simplified Shapes: One of the defining features of midcentury modern design is its radically simplified shapes. Whether it's sleek lines or organic curves, the emphasis is on clean and simple forms that create a sense of harmony and balance.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Midcentury modern homes often feature large windows that seamlessly connect interior spaces with the surrounding natural environment. This integration allows for an abundance of natural light and creates a feeling of openness and connection to the outdoors.

Personalization of Living Spaces: The midcentury modern design movement marked a shift in the way average homeowners approached their living spaces. For the first time, homeowners started to personalize their homes to reflect their own taste and lifestyle. This celebration of self-expression at home is one of the reasons why midcentury modern homes continue to be a favorite among architects and homeowners alike.

Examples of Midcentury Modern Homes

This article showcases various examples of midcentury modern homes, each with its own unique characteristics and design elements. Here are some key concepts and features highlighted in the examples:

Charming Midcentury Cabin: This California cabin features an open floor plan, loft-style upper floor, and large windows, which are all characteristic of midcentury design. The minimal landscaping and glass-covered facade create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Classic Two-Story Midcentury Modern House: This residence, built in 1951 and recently updated by architect Carib Daniel Martin, embodies the classic midcentury modern style. It features large groupings of windows, a low-pitch gable roof, and a mix of siding materials that add visual interest.

Sleek and Modern Remodeled Ranch House: This ranch house, restored by house flipper James Judge, showcases the midcentury modern aesthetic with its blue and white exterior, sleek turf and pebble yard, and frosted fencing.

Sprawling Midcentury Modern Ranch House: Built in 1962, this ranch house is flooded with natural light through its glass walls and clerestory windows. The open concept interior is a hallmark of the modernist movement.

Woodland Home Inspired by a Midcentury Ski Chalet: This midcentury cabin features a dramatic pitched roof, tall windows, and a cedar deck that extends the living area outdoors.

Midcentury Ranch House: The ranch-style house, popularized in the midcentury period, is characterized by its low profile, flat angled roof, and close-to-the-ground construction.

Gorgeous Retro Remodel: This retro remodel by James Judge retains the original modernist charm while adding new details true to the era. The use of wood slat panels, outdoor lighting, and a globe pendant adds to the overall aesthetic.

Midcentury Dome Home Built for Sustainable Living: Dome homes, like this example designed by James Dresser, offer efficient and sustainable living. The spherical shape maximizes livable square footage, while peaked geometric windows provide natural light.

Midcentury Modern Home With Lots of Curb Appeal: This midcentury home, remodeled by James Judge, features a modernist-inspired landscape suited to the area's dry and steamy weather.

Midcentury Modern Butterfly Roof: The butterfly roof, paired with tall windows, creates dramatic ceiling heights inside. The circular driveway adds a covetable feature for midcentury suburbanites.

House in a Midcentury Modern Subdivision: Classic midcentury homes in neighborhoods like Arapahoe Acres in Colorado were inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. These homes feature low slung roofs, window-covered fronts, and the use of modern building materials.

Standard Midcentury Modest House: Modest midcentury houses often have traditional peaked roofs, attached garages, picture windows, and well-landscaped front yards.

Midcentury House With a Flat Roof: Palm Springs is known for its luxurious midcentury houses, some of which have flat roofs. However, flat roofs are more suitable for warm climates due to drainage and gutter issues.

By analyzing these examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of the key design elements and characteristics that define midcentury modern homes. This style continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and ability to seamlessly merge form and function.

13 Magnificent Midcentury Modern Homes (2024)

FAQs

Where is the highest concentration of mid-century modern homes? ›

Palm Springs actually has the largest concentration of mid-century architecture in the world!

Explore More ›

What city has the best mid-century modern homes? ›

As we mentioned above, New York City is a mid century modern hotspot! Featuring iconic MCM builds by the top architects of the period, NYC is home to more mid century modern buildings than any other city in the U.S. (5,937, to be exact). From the Seagram's building by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe to the Solomon R.

Tell Me More ›

What state has the best mid-century homes? ›

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has one of the highest concentrations of preserved midcentury-modern homes in the world, as the style's emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is perfectly suited for the area's desert climate.

Keep Reading ›

Do mid century modern homes sell well? ›

AR: Are MCM homes a good investment? TF: Mid Century Modern homes often sell for a premium in comparison with their more customary neighbors (say, a standard Mid Century Ranch). But it's also of interest to a narrower pool of buyers who are aficionados of the style.

Read On ›

How much does it cost to build mid century modern home? ›

A mid-century modern home costs $200 to $500 per square foot to build because you may need custom materials and features, like windows or roofs, that cost more per square foot. A true MCM home typically has around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, so your total project cost could range from $300,000 to $1,250,000.

Discover More Details ›

Why are mid-century modern homes so popular? ›

With large numbers of people moving to the suburbs, there was a demand for modern living spaces. Architecture and furniture prior to this period were often ornate, time-consuming to create, and more attractive than functional.

Show Me More ›

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern homes? ›

Midcentury decor refers to a more ornate style, such as Art Deco, and some might argue this includes Art Nouveau. Midcentury modern decor refers to a style with more of a utilitarian aesthetic incorporating clean lines and basic shapes.

Know More ›

Which US state has the most modern houses? ›

These three home styles dominate 99% of all home styles in almost every state. These states are made up of these three home styles in different proportions. For instance, California is composed of 44% modern, 31% ranch and 2% contemporary. North Carolina consists of 81% ranch, 11% modern and 11% contemporary.

Keep Reading ›

What kind of roofs do mid-century modern homes have? ›

Mid-century modern residential architecture—which refers specifically to homes designed and built in the early 1900s through the 1950s—often featured pitched roofs, typically with relatively low slopes, that emphasize the form and volume of the structure.

Is mid-century modern over? ›

Defined by simple, functional, and wooden furniture, midcentury modern still remains a popular interior design choice today. Now, we see many replicas of midcentury modern furniture on the market, but the real deal is still extremely popular (and valuable!), too.

Get More Info ›

Why is mid-century modern so expensive? ›

The main reason behind having such a big price tag is the quality of materials and their ergonomics. Danish and Scandinavian pieces that have been produced in the '50s and '60s were made in high-end factories such as Carl Hanson & Son and Slagelse Mobelfabrik.