Who else LOVES midcentury modern?

[Anonymous]

I don't know why this idea takes me back to a wonderful time in my life. I always loved that show the wonder years. Memories are so special and somehow, would be happy to raise my kids in a home like these.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/where-we-live/post/getting-the-mad-men-look-how-far-will-you-go/2012/02/27/gIQAKINJeR_blog.html?hpid=z10

[Anonymous]

Hate it. It looks really, really cheap if not done right. Right, of course, means extraordinarily expensive design, materials, location (preferably overlooking something spectacular like the Pacific Ocean), and impeccable furnishings (again museum quality). The generic, cheapo Bethesda modern mess hardly qualifies.

[Anonymous]

pp, you think THAT house looks cheap? Good God, you're crazy, no offense. And can you give an example of a cheapo Bethesda modern?

[Anonymous]

love it. don draper and i would have gotten on famously.

[Anonymous]

I can appreciate it, but I am not excited by it at all.

[Anonymous]

Also love it, but grew up on the west coast and exposed to a lot of mid-mod growing up.

[Anonymous]

I love it too! By my little cape cod would look funny in this style, plus we don't have the money to redo our house. But love it!

[Anonymous]

I love it, but for my own home I prefer pre-War architecture mixed with mid-C (and mid-C inspired) furnishings. That's the ultimate combination to me, especially because I prefer more dense, urban settings and so much iconic mid-C architecture is suburban or rural. Mid-C apartment buildings have a certain charm, but I prefer pre-Wars.

[Anonymous]

Love it! Actually, this IS our style and that is why we bought the fixer upper rambler on a wooded lot aspiring to eventually be able to renovate to accomplish our vision. Thanks for the inspiring pics! I think some of this will work in our house, except we are 2-3 years away from being able to afford such a reno. We are also from the West coast, WA and CA and that type of style is pretty prevalent there on wooded hilly lots. Here in DC area we are finding that this is not the desired style for many home buyers, this is the place where colonial and craftsman homes go at a premium. We were a bit worried that after putting money into the modern renovation we may end up with the narrow pool of potential buyers if we must sell. I am glad to see we are not alone!

[Anonymous]

Hate it. My father loves this stuff and there are some "museum quality" pieces in my parent's house (they are in their mid-70s) but mixed with more traditional stuff. I grew up in this mismash and just detest that style the most. My parents have some pieces that I see going for mulit-thousands at "used" shops. I would give it away for free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hate it. It looks really, really cheap if not done right. Right, of course, means extraordinarily expensive design, materials, location (preferably overlooking something spectacular like the Pacific Ocean), and impeccable furnishings (again museum quality). The generic, cheapo Bethesda modern mess hardly qualifies.

It must be hard on you, PP, going through life with a churning hatred of imperfectly executed midcentury modern.

[Anonymous]

It's very nice if properly done, with good materials and good furnishings. But I'd be concerned if I had young kids. It seems to be that the moden look (or the minimalist look) don't work with the mess kids may make. Personally, I'd prefer something a bit more classic (prewar) even "rustic", so that the mess kids make actually add to the "charm."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's very nice if properly done, with good materials and good furnishings. But I'd be concerned if I had young kids. It seems to be that the moden look (or the minimalist look) don't work with the mess kids may make. Personally, I'd prefer something a bit more classic (prewar) even "rustic", so that the mess kids make actually add to the "charm."

I find the opposite. A lot of MCM, including Danish, styles have rounded edges and use durable materials (e.g., teak). Also, in terms of architecture, a lot of young families prefer the open layout of ranch homes, and having everyone on the same floor is great when the kids are young.

[Anonymous]

As someone who grew up with this type of architecture and now lives in a mid-century house, I love it. I think it is warm with out being cluttered and these houses have the open floor plan that is desired today (and nice large windows!) with the nice big wooded lots that can only be found for way more than I can afford or much further out of dc than I am willing to live.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love it! Actually, this IS our style and that is why we bought the fixer upper rambler on a wooded lot aspiring to eventually be able to renovate to accomplish our vision. Thanks for the inspiring pics! I think some of this will work in our house, except we are 2-3 years away from being able to afford such a reno. We are also from the West coast, WA and CA and that type of style is pretty prevalent there on wooded hilly lots. Here in DC area we are finding that this is not the desired style for many home buyers, this is the place where colonial and craftsman homes go at a premium. We were a bit worried that after putting money into the modern renovation we may end up with the narrow pool of potential buyers if we must sell. I am glad to see we are not alone!

I think that these homes are much easier/fun to renovate too. The modular look makes additions look seamless. Try to stick to the original style, even if it means going to a 1960's style railing. Some architects will not understand your goals, so clip pictures.
Best of luck.