A Brief History of Mid-Century Homes

Between 1940 and 1970, many of the world’s most evolved architects flocked to the West bringing with them a new style of design to Southern California homes. This type of architecture became known as desert modernism and no where is there a higher concentration of these mid-century homes than in Palm Springs.

Ideal for desert living, these mid-century homes minimize the separation between indoors and outdoors. In fact, the signature of mid-century homes is their simple, single-story design inspired by vast expanses of desert sand on which they are built. Some of the other characteristics of the modern mid-century homes include the following:

• See-through houses with floor to ceiling glass exterior walls
• Low, oversized flat roofs
• Open-beamed ceilings
• Clean lines
• Simple landscapes

Architect Joseph Eichler, advanced the style having built 11,000 mid-century homes in California alone. He also influenced many other architects. In recent years, mid-century homes have grown in popularity, especially from new younger residents moving to Palm Springs.  For those who invest in this style, there are ways to maintain the design integrity both inside and out.  Some ways to compliment mid-century homes is in the landscaping. 

Mid-century home landscaping tips:

• Select plants that require little water and maintain year-round foliage
• Repeat these types of plants throughout the landscape
• Mix materials including glass, rock and wood to create a varied texture
• Consider the use of a fountain or other water feature
• All elements should carry from front yard to back yard

When decorating mid-century homes the same principle applies:

• Unify interior design around one common theme or color
• Organize objects, textures and colors into zones or functional areas
• Select an object to serve as a focal point then create a design around it
• Measure your space and think about scale
• Think 'less is more,' look for opportunities to accessorize, and resist the temptation for being overly 'matchy

Interested in buying or selling a home in the Coachella Valley area? Contact Patrick Stewart Properties.