Photography: Judith Barclay
When you think of a historic home, what comes to mind? In the United States, “historic” tends to be associated with the period right around the formation of the country, so building structures of the pre-colonial/colonial period come to mind. Anyone who lives in or has visited the plains or southwest regions of the country think of historic as much farther back since original pueblos and mesas dating centuries back are part of the landscape. Time ticks by so there are historic buildings that are part of the US architectural legacy that look nothing like colonial structures, expanding what traditional American style includes.
The modernist movement that was counter – culture at the time gave birth to structures of clean lines, new materials and minimalism that were purposely very different from the structures preceding them. The mid-century modern homes featured here are great examples of homes designed under the historical influence of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Modernism since the mid-century period has certainly evolved but that period does show a distinct mark of departure and a new way a structure can compliment while being immersed in its environment.
A modern ranch style home blending in with its surroundings.
With modern materials, the color choices seem to do one of two things – purposely stand out from or purposely blend in with nature. I always see modern homes as tree houses when their colors are muted in a way to camouflage them into their environment. Then the stark whites or bright oranges appear as presentations of structure that are beacons from the exterior and while inside, the natural surroundings are the focal point of the space, typically having lots of picture glass to enjoy the landscape outside. Modern design is about utility and perspective and I don’t see that ever dying in terms of architectural style but how it’s interpreted will always give rise to new concepts to appreciate.
Bright orange is a striking juxtaposition to this wooded environment.
A bright white beacon with lots of glass bringing the outside in.
The homes featured in this article were admired on a visit to Princeton, New Jersey which has a beautiful stock of mid-century modern homes. More great examples of this period of architecture may be explored throughout the state by referencing a great list provided at Patch.com.
