Mid Life: the best mid-century modern homes for sale | Journal | The Modern House (2024)

FAQs

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.

Even some 60 years since its heyday, the style has endured and serves as the inspiration for many of today's most prominent trends. Instantly recognizable, homes built with midcentury modern designs continue to attract buyers who are looking for a contemporary layout with stylish finishes.

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.

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.

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

Mid-century modern is “not even a trend anymore — it's the dominant aesthetic,” says Dunning, who curated an exhibit last year on modern chairs for the Palm Springs Art Museum in California. “It's either fascinating or depressing that we haven't replaced [it] with anything better.

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.

Instead of looking to the past, the country was in a period of transition that had everyone looking to the future. "What makes this a unique style is the amassing of various elements under a rubric of efficiently constructing modern, designed homes so that middle-class families could live in a work of art," John says.

Mid-Century Modern homes feature clean, unadorned baseboards, with gentle curves to provide a simple accent rather than an eye-catching statement.

Home design trends are ever-evolving, shaped by a combination of aesthetics, lifestyle changes, and historical influences. One design trend that has made a significant comeback and is currently at the forefront is Mid-century modern (MCM) design.

What age is a mid-century home? ›

Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.

Rarity and demand for specific mid-century pieces

Pieces that are unique or limited in production may be more expensive compared to those that are more common or mass-produced. Additionally, if a piece has become sought after by collectors due to its popularity, it may also fetch a higher price than comparable pieces.

By incorporating these Mid-Century Modern design components into your farmhouse interior design, you can create a unique and stylish look that is both modern and rustic. The key is to keep the overall aesthetic warm and inviting, while incorporating Mid-Century Modern design elements in a subtle and understated way.

Renowned for its iconic Eichler-style houses, Palm Springs is a wonderful getaway destination, especially if you're a mid-century modern architecture enthusiast. And when cruising around Sacramento, you may notice the mid-century neighborhood South Land Park Hills, which boasts 62 Eichlers.