Modernism in America: Part 2

15 April 2023

The Style of Modernism has many different aspects to it including one of the most popular parts of the style called Mid-Century Modern. The style of Mid-Century modern has many famous trademarks and characteristics such as the asymmetrical profiles and the combination of outside and inside and how they are interwoven within the architecture.

The picture above was a project done by Joseph Eichler. The characteristics are seen in this image relate to the Mid Century style because of the sloped roofs, the expanding walls of glass, and the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The image above is an interior done by Joseph Eichler and an important characteristic seen in this image is the use of color. In Mid-Century Modern design there is a specific color scheme of mustard yellow, rust orange, gray, olive green, turquoise, ect. The colors seen in this interior space are rust orange in the walls and olive green and mustard yellow seen in the couches. Another indicator of Mid-century modern design is the famous furniture used in this room such as the Eames Chair and the Eames Sofa.

The chair above is a Mid-Century Modern staple called the Eames Chair created by Charles and Ray Eames, two monumental Mid-Century Modern architects at the time. This chair is seen throughout many Mid-Century Modern houses today. Another aspect of this room is the asymmetrical fireplace which is seen in many houses with this same style. 

The Mid-Century Modern movement was founded by many famous architects we know today such as Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi. There were also two well-known Mid-Century Modern firms that rose up at the time whose names were Knoll and Herman Miller.

The furniture created at this time leaned more towards materials that are malluable such as plastic, metal composites, laminates, fiberglass, and much more to create creative organic furniture that is different from Modernism and the defined lines and inorganic forms used to create furniture.

Mid-century Modern houses are still being created today, especially on the west coast. The difference you will see in architecture now rather than 50 years ago is the progression of materials used to achieve the design that is wanted. As you can see in this image the use of black steel and a specific type of wood is used to appeal to today's take on mid-century modern. 

The style of mid-century modern is still in full swing today. New pieces of furniture are being created and designed, even original midcentury modern furniture is being revamped and created new for a more modern approach. Furniture designers have taken the style and created more variations of the classic mid-century modern.

In the image above you can see the famous bubble lamps (1950) and the chairs around the dining table are both original mid-century modern pieces of furniture. Many designs today lean more toward bright white and spacious design which is contrasting with the darker mid-century modern designs, however, these can be combined like we see in this room pictured above. 

One Step Further: Charles and Ray Eames

 

Charles and Ray Eames were two monumental designers and architects during the mid-century modern movement. Charles Eames studied architecture at Washington University. While Ray Eames studied at Bennet Womens College and Cranbrook Academy to become an artist and filmmaker. The couple created many pieces with the firm Herman Miller. The two had an immense influence on the style of the everyday lifestyle of the American family.

Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair

La Chaise

Extra Videos:

https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/styles/what-is-mid-century-modern-style

https://www.roveconcepts.com/mid-century-modern-living-room.html

https://www.rostarchitects.com/articles/2020/11/3/ten-things-you-should-know-about-famous-modern-architect-richard-neutra

https://scottsimpsondesignbuild.com/modern-home-design-and-build/