How Mid-Century Modern Design Revolutionised Our Homes
Mid-century modern design, emerging in the 1940s/50s, revolutionised architecture, focusing on simplicity and innovation. A renewed sense of optimism emerged after World War 2, and combined with technological advances, the design of our homes started to change. What were once Victorian homes with ornamentation, defined rooms and small windows, now Mid-Century Modern homes emerged with flat roofs, zero ornamentation, open plans and expansive windows.
The Roof
Many homes prior to the mid-century often used hipped or hip-and-gable roofs with terracotta or slate roof tiles. However, Mid-Century Homes departed from this in favour of flat or low-sloping gable roofs, made possible by the emerging material advances happening at the time. This flat roof would become an icon for the design movement.
Expansive Windows
Another iconic aspect of Mid-Century houses is the use of windows, more specifically, walls of windows. There was a real desire to connect with the outdoors during this period, and the expansive windows and glass allowed just that. With structure becoming more lightweight, and walls were not needed for load bearing, this allowed a vast amount of windows to be used.
Open Plan
Victorian homes had a room for dining, a room for living, a room for the kitchen… However, Mid-Century Modern architects opened the plan up, allowing for the entire family to be in one room together, vastly shifting our lifestyle. However, it wasn’t always as open-plan as today's homes, with open joinery creating some separation and sunken lounges or obscured parts of the kitchen.
Materials and Colours
More natural materials such as timber and stone were being used more often, such as timber lining interior walls and ceilings, stone fireplaces, and, at times, bricks used both externally and internally. This was mixed with more manufactured materials, such as chrome and stainless steel. While natural and muted colours are associated with Mid-Century Modern homes, architects at the time were not afraid to use bold colours, picture coral carpets and vibrant orange walls.
Keep it Simple
Mies Van Der Rohe’s phrase, “Less is More” is at the heart of Mid-Century architecture. The ornate ceiling roses, iron lacework and intricate and decorative furniture pieces from the Victorian era were simplified, with a focus on clean lines, functionality, simple forms and zero ornamentation.
Gardens
Prior to the 1940s, there was a very English approach to the garden. However, they wouldn’t always fare too well in the February heatwaves in Australia. An advancement in the propagation of indigenous plants in the 1950s meant greater accessibility to natives and the Australian garden to come into its own. Being able to connect with your garden from inside your home, as well as physically experiencing it when outside, amplifies the importance of the design of the garden.
Mid-Century design has had a huge impact on architecture, with a real timelessness to these principles. It’s not uncommon to have contemporary homes with flat roofs, extensive use of glass, open plans, a natural and neutral material palette, simplicity and connection to the garden. Unfortunately, many mid-century homes in Australia, and in particular Melbourne, have been demolished, with a slow uptake in their heritage value. However, with a renewed interest in this style of home, the hope is that Mid-Century Modern houses can be preserved for future generations to experience.
Featuring Kinder House by Wilko Architecture, Frankston Mid-Century by MRTN Architects and Kirriemuir House by Studio 101 Architects.
Production, photography and words by Anthony Richardson.
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