Mid-Century Modernism

Mid-Century Modernism became prevalent from 1950-1960, particularly on the West Coast. It featured warm, earthy tones mixed with trendy colors like turquoise. The use of materials like plastic, resin, metal composites, laminates, and fiberglass allowed unique and creative designs to be created.

One famous designer from this period was Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer from California. He was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and developed tract housing subdivisions for average American families. His designs featured post and beam construction, open floor plans, glass walls, concrete floors, and low slope, no slope, or A-frame roofs.

The furniture of this time was developed by designers like Eero Saarinen, Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi. Eero Saarinen was a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer who worked with Knoll to create pieces like the Tulip Chair. He also worked with Charles & Ray Eames, a married couple responsible for many of the most iconic furniture of this time.

Current Examples

Also, check out this video on the development of the Mid-Century Modernism style: