When it comes to creating a period landscape for your Midcentury Modern home, it’s all about the garden geometry and the hardscaping. Plants are plants; they don’t care whether they’re part of a “French Chateau” garden design or an “MCM” garden design . But it’s in the shapes of constructed elements of wood, concrete, masonry, metal, that a design vocabulary asserts itself. One such component, all the more visible because of its three-dimensional qualities, is fencing.

Freestanding panels proposed to create depth and interest, and to screen backyard neighbor; translucent fiberglass with blocks of solid color. Design by SCLA; inspired by a Garrett Eckbo design, which was in turn inspired by painter Piet Mondrian.

otherwise-plain pool fence becomes dramatic statement with simple addition of bold blocks of color

When you think of a fence, what definition comes to mind? You probably see it as a practical way to keep someone (or Fido) in or out. But I urge you to think of it in broader terms. When it comes to creating enclosure for outdoor “rooms”, the subject can be interpreted anywhere from the actual physical security provided by a high fence surrounding a property’s perimeter, to just a subtle suggestion of privacy screening that doesn’t lock anything out except curious eyes from certain directions. It can be a work of art rather than just a utilitarian means to an end.

“Fencing” can mean screening just as much as enclosure. At left, a simple freestanding panel of gridded 2 x 6s helps create subtle sense of privacy from street views into outdoor dining courtyard (design by SCLA); at right, a curving free-form fence adds flair while screening pool equipment (design by Robert Royston).

The midcentury landscape architects, notably people like Garrett Eckbo and Bob Royston, used fences and other vertical elements to great effect to create this infinitely-varied range of enclosure. They found inspiration from the Expressionist painters of the early- and mid-20th century, which they translated both on the ground plane and vertically. And, just like their counterparts designing homes, they were driven by a basic premise of using off-the-shelf materials to compose inventive, bold, but affordable design suitable for the explosion of the post-war middle class.

These wavy panels above were a popular material....but since they’re made of asbestos, it’s a no-no today! Design below by SCLA uses Cor-Ten steel, a popular choice for contemporary garden design, in this proposed 5’ ht. fence/retaining wall with sedums to grow through some of the slotted cut-outs.

Note that there’s no rule that says you have to limit a fence to the property line; fences and walls can likewise be used to delineate outdoor spaces in whatever form a design theme, and circulation through and around it, suggest. A landscape architect should approach the task thinking not solely “Where does the property line run?”, but rather “What kind of subtle geometry is going on in the house that we can take inspiration from?”

Landscape plan at right (Garrett Eckbo; Harvard graduate project, 1937) shows influence of earlier French Modernist garden device of zig-zag patterns that effectively camouflage linearity of narrow city lot. Similar idea employed below (plan and perspective views), with overlapping pool fencing (design by SCLA) which adds subtle layering and depth, especially when grazed by night lighting, to otherwise flat property edge. (An existing tall brick wall, in a Classical style, had been nearly pushed over by huge beloved shade tree to be saved; cost to repair masonry presented the opportunity to propose a more-MCM-appropriate replacement.) Repaired wall would have to detour around tree; here, the stepped-back panels (connected unobtrusively in the gaps, for complete enclosure as well as to provide stability) achieve same result in a more design-deliberate manner.

In subsequent blog posts we’ll explore more aspects of fences and enclosure for Midcentury Modern gardens: appropriate materials; the different spatial experiences created by varying fence heights or amount of ‘transparency’; when you might want fences or walls to be an extension of the house’s own material vs. a design that stands in dramatic contrast. But for now when you realize you need to contain Fido in the backyard, after you’ve spent untold energy making your Atomic Ranch or International Style home perfect, outfitted with that cool Eames lounge chair you scored on Craigs List, realize that you don’t need to just accept the standard choices from the fence aisle at the orange big-box store!

— Ted Cleary, ASLA / Studio Cleary Landscape Architecture
www.studiocleary.com

I think every home in Sherwood Forest was built in 1956, with a few exceptions. If you like 1950’s brick ranch homes- you have come to the right place! SF has retro ranch homes of every variety, including some awesome mid-century moderns. Throw in some tri-level homes and you have pretty much covered the type of home in this “hood”. A few years ago, the home flippers were going wild in SF, and these entrepreneurs did some “interesting” interpretations of the 50’s ranch. If you wonder how an Arts and Crafts style porch ended up on a 50’s ranch..well now you know. The vast majority of homes are in splendid original condition with some cool Atomic Ranch makeovers!

Did you know that Sherwood Forest is divided into two school districts? It is primarily zoned for Myers Park High School but the southeastern sections are zoned for East Mecklenburg High School. I am happy to report that the McClintoch Middle School is getting a new school. The East Meck schools have been a bit neglected and this new facility is a great upgrade!
SF is a large neighborhood with lots of hills and McMullen Creek running through it. It is a great walking neighborhood and as of late, road bikes have been using the neighborhood as a bike course. It is a great neighborhood for kids and one of the few places I see kids playing in the yards. At the “park” located on Addison Rd, there is a large public open field that kids use for impromptu soccer matches. Great for a game of fetch with Fido, too.

SF is a diverse neighborhood! There are still many original owners that have lived here since the 1950’s. Young couples have started buying in Sherwood Forest, leaving their smaller urban homes in search for a larger home with a yard. It is common to see young Mom’s out walking in groups in the mornings with their strollers. Empty nesters and the LGBT community also call Sherwood Forest home.

There are currently 13 homes for sale in Sherwood Forest with prices ranging from $180K to $350K. There are some tremendous values with some prices at 2002 levels. Sherwood Forest is centrally located, walking/biking distance to the Cotswold Mall, minutes to Southpark and easy commute to Uptown Charlotte.

Want more info? Feel free to contact MCR.

Eero Saarinen (August 20, 1910 – September 1, 1961) was a Finnish American architect and industrial designer of the 20th century famous for varying his style according to the demands of the project: simple, sweeping, arching structural curves or machine-like rationalism.

Saarinen’s Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of his most well known designs, even though he did not live to see it completed in 1965.

Eero Sarinen shared the same birthday as his father, Eliel Saarinen. Saarinen emigrated to the United States of America in 1923 at the age of thirteen. He grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where his father was a teacher at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and he took courses in sculpture and furniture design there. He had a close relationship with fellow students Charles and Ray Eames, and became good friends with Florence Knoll (née Schust).

Beginning in September 1929, he studied sculpture at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, France. He then went on to study at the Yale School of Architecture, completing his studies in 1934. Subsequently, he toured Europe and North Africa for a year and returned for a year to his native Finland, after which he returned to Cranbrook to work for his father and teach at the academy. He became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 1940. Saarinen was recruited by his friend, who was also an architect, to join the military service in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Saarinen was assigned to draw illustrations for bomb disassembly manuals and to provide designs for the Situation Room in the White House. Saarinen worked full time for the OSS until 1944. After his father’s death in 1950, Saarinen founded his own architect’s office, “Eero Saarinen and Associates”. Eero Saarinen died of a brain tumor in 1961 at the age of 51.

Here are also some great high-lights of Saarinen’s career:

Main terminal of Dulles International Airport at night

Interior of the MIT Chapel

The Swedish Theatre at night

The Tulip chair was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1955 and 1956 for the Knoll company of New York City. It was designed primarily as a chair to match the complementary dining table. The chair has the smooth lines of modernism and was experimental with materials for its time. The chair is considered a classic of industrial design.

The chair is often considered “space age” for its futuristic use of curves and artificial materials. The design was popularized by its use on the original Star Trek television series (1966–69).

And finally… the “Womb” chair and ottoman (1948)

There are so many more works by Saarinen out there. He is a true influence on our modern day architecture and design.

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I have known, like many of my readers, that modern homes are on the rise. Here are some key and overly enticing reasons as to why. But first I wanted to reach out to my friends and fans to see why THEY thought modern homes are on the rise.

Like us on FB to join the conversation!

Here are some of their reactions:

Tarun Tejpal said,
“Deleveraging: the culture of being in debt until you die is over. People cannot afford to buy huge houses and fill up each room with useless stuff. In addition, you get more for your money from older homes that are built better and stronger. The last 10 years builders were mass producing homes with cheaper materials and labor with lower quality.”

Shannon Raffetto DiPadova said,
“Out with McMansions with loads of wasted space and in with timeless, well thought out and functional design.”

Brian Hook said,
“Two words: Mad Men”

Indu Vaidyanathan said,
“Time to go back to basics! learn from the past! clean….simple, functional and efficient!”

Stephanie Taylor said,
“let’s see…. it is the rare breed with all the shoeboxes across the land… the creative types who appreciate true design desire these homes the most!”

Gregory Frisbee said,
“One word: sustainable.”

Sue Ann Davis said,
“I love my mid century!”

1. MORE FOR YOUR MONEY
As Tarun said above, our modern day culture does not want to have a mortgage for the rest of their lives. People are looking to purchase smaller houses, but with a smaller house you still need an open feel. (Even rich celebrities are picking up on this! Check Tori Spellings new home) This is where modern homes come in. Gregory is also right when stating “sustainability.” There are a lot of homes out there that are being wiped out to build (as Shannon said) McMansions. In the long run it is more lucrative to purchase a MCM home and put in a few key renovations for upkeep.

2. OPEN FLOOR PLAN
Our generation is full of creative individuals. They are looking for clean, simple, functional and efficient (As Indu said). This is where the open floor plan of a modern home is invaluable. An open floor plan leaves more room for light, a good flow of energy through the home, and easier access for many people. When researching modern home plans, a lot of people choose open floor plans in the contemporary style just for the sake of sheer convenience. When they have small children, it is easier to see across the home and make sure that their children are safe without having to constantly be in the same room. There are plenty of reasons for choosing a floor plan that is open, but this is actually a popular reason. Read more about Open Floor Plans Here.

3. ENERGY EFFICIENT
Modern homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, with their sleek designs. If you’re buying a new modern home they have the advantage of the most up to date building materials and fixtures. Some new modern homes even have energy-efficient features such solar panels to run the HVAC system and to heat hot water. Check out this home that runs completely on solar power!

4. NOSTALGIA
There’s something of a revival of interest neighborhoods built in the 1950s and 1960s, which are hitting the 50-year mark when they can be considered officially “historic.” Because of this midcentury buildings are starting to have a nostalgic draw. The draw with historic homes, like the MCMs in the years following WWII, is that our economy was booming. It was a time where the latest technology was becoming common in every household and every citizen was becoming a home owner.

5. POPULAR MEDIA
Like Brian said, Mad Men. We cannot deny the media influence in the past decade. We have all, in a way, become infatuated with a time and place. Popular culture has rediscovered midcentury design, with the rise of shelter magazines such as Dwell and the popularity of TV shows such as “Mad Men” and “Pan Am” glamorizing the era. Not to mention many many more which you can find here:  Buy A Modern Home and Become Famous!

Take a look at these famous modern establishments!

THE BIG LEBOWSKI
The modern house in Malibu occupied by Jackie Treehorn in the classic film ‘The Big Lebowski’ is located in Los Angeles. Designed by architect John Lautner, who has homes often featured in film settings. An example of American Organic Architecture, the residence is built into the sandstone hillside of Benedict Canyon and intended to mimic a cave. This home also appeared in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle and Bandits.

THE INCREDIBLES

The adorable movie, The Incredibles, is one of the finest examples of mid-century modernism in animated cinema. Every detail in the architecture to the furniture to the decor is an idealized depiction of an American suburban residence in the 1960s. If you haven’t seen this movie with MCM in mind go ahead and check it out again!

CAR COMMERCIALS

Car commercials have a healthy obsession with modern homes. Modern homes are featured more often than you can imagine! Above is for the new Chrysler.

Here we have a Nissan where they feature a good portion of the interior of the home.

And here we have Hyundai!

Yet another example by Lexus! And I’m just showing you a taste of the homes used in car commercials!

TWILIGHT – THE CULLEN RESIDENCE

Yes, you may be tired of the whole Twilight Saga as am I, but you cannot deny the incredible design of The Cullen Home, which is in Vancouver, Canada. The five-bedroom home was designed by Arthur Erickson and was completely renovated in 2001. It has a rooms with 20-foot ceilings, massive picture windows and lots of blonde wood. The modern kitchen has a curved fireplace and gleaming countertops. The master suite includes a bathroom with a soaking tub and glass cabinet shower. For warmer weather there is also a pool outdoors. The movie is almost worth watching to catch glimpses of this home!

So what do you think now? Would you like to own a home that you could get PAID to show off? If you don’t believe me check this out…

HOMELAND

Homeland, winner of two golden globes, is filmed right here in Charlotte, NC. Actually, I know the person who is paid by the creators to use the home.

Here in this video clip from a couple weeks ago you can see the home used in Homeland.

Are you interested in seeing your home in a commercial, print ad or a movie? There are helpful sites like Filming Locations which connect the film industry to home owners.

What unique media outlets have you seen companies use MCM? Tell me about it on Facebook, mention it on Twitter, or share it on Google+!

This is the largest Modernism event in the world and has already sold out many of it’s tours and parties.

Modernism Week is filled with a variety of events including architectural tours, films, lectures, an architectural symposium, educational events, and chic, fun parties in cool mid-century modern homes and boutique hotels.

The events are lavish and exciting. Here are a few events, films, lectures, parties, and tours that look to be fun and interesting. Enjoy!

Opening Night Cocktail Reception
Arthur Elrod House, 1968, John Lautner, architect

One of the most remarkable houses in America, the Elrod House on Southridge in Palm Springs has panoramic views of the San Jacinto mountains. Its conical concrete roof hovers above the circular living room and provides a dramatic space from which to enjoy the desert below. The west glass facade opens electronically and bisects the pool, famous in a scene from the movie Diamonds are Forever.
READ MORE… 

Sunnylands Tours

These guided tours of the historic Annenberg Estate and grounds provide the first public access to Sunnylands. A limited number of visitors will experience the 1966 residence designed by A. Quincy Jones and restored over the last two years and will explore the 200-acre estate with its nine-hole golf course.
READ MORE… 

Mid-Century Mermaids: A History

Vintage Roadside, the husband & wife team of Jeff Kunkle and Kelly Burg, have spent years researching, documenting, and sharing the history behind America’s mid-century mom-and-pop businesses. For Modernism Week 2012 they debut a new presentation focusing on a 1960s phenomenon – the mermaid attraction! They will be joined in their presentation by friend and aquatic performer extraordinaire, Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid. For a show-stopping finale Vintage Roadside will present a true Modernism Week first – a live mermaid and fire eating performance by Marina!
READ MORE… 

Bird’s Nest: Herzog and de Meuron in China
(2008, Directors Christoph Schaub and Michael Schindhelm, 88 minutes)

Many events for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games took place in the brand new 100,000-seat National Stadium. Design plans for this massive structure began in 2003, when Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron were selected by the Chinese government to design the new stadium, which because of its curved steel-net walls was soon dubbed by locals as the “bird’s nest.”
READ MORE… 

Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island 
(2012, Director Jake Gorst, 82 minutes)

Reception With Director at TRIO Restaurant following film
*Screened in glorious High Definition

Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island explores the work of the region’s best post-war architects and designers, including Albert Frey, Wallace Harrison, Herbert Beckhard, Frank Lloyd Wright, Horace Gifford, Edward Durrell Stone, Marcel Breuer, Andrew Geller, Philip Johnson, John Hejduk, Charles Gwathmey, Barbara and Julian Neski, and others. The film features interviews with architects and historians, as well as friends, families and clients of these influential designers.
READ MORE…

Preserving Eichler Houses
Lecture by Alan Hess, architect, architecture historian, and writer and Susan Secoy Jensen, architect

Combining the talents of some of the nation’s leading modern architects, new technologies, mass production techniques, and progressive ideas about diversity and community, Joseph Eichler redefined developer’s housing.  Today, the spirit of community is back.  A new generation of owners have found that these mid-century modern icons are timeless in their ability to engage their occupants in indoor-outdoor living.  Hess and Secoy will discuss historic and current trends relative to mid-century modern residential design.
READ MORE…

COLOR + MODERNISM
Lecture by Paul Aferiat and Peter Stamberg, architects

The built environment was highly colored from ancient times through the early years of Modernism. Paul Aferiat and Peter Stamberg discuss color theory, the history of color in architecture, why color disappeared from architecture and ways in which they use color in their work.
READ MORE… 

PSPF Retro Martini Party

The Maranz House, also known as the “Gull Wing House,” was designed by architect Val Powelson in 1960.  Sited on the Tamarisk Country Club, the home’s three-pointed star floor plan is a midcentury architectural wonder rarely open to the public.  The Maranz House appears on the cover of the book Palm Springs Weekend and became part of television history in 2003 when it served as the backdrop for the reality TV show “Boy Meets Boy.”
READ MORE…

PS ModCom Iconic Open House
Ship of the Desert
Architects Earl Webster and Adrian Wilson

Built in 1936 the house was christened “Ship of the Desert” by artist Millard Sheets in the 1937 cover story for Sunset Magazine, calling it “one of the most interesting new homes in the west”.
READ MORE…

Interior Guided Tours of the Vintage 
Airstreams & Trailers

Tour the interiors of this amazing collection of one of a kind, restored vintage travel trailers! Trailer owners will be on hand to talk about their trailer’s history, restoration, and travels. This show will also feature a variety of fun retail booths with travel trailer related gifts, art, T-shirts and jewelry. The Vintage Trailer Show is brought to you by Airstream Life Magazine & Modernism Week.
READ MORE…

I really wish I could make it this year because all of the events, tours, parties, etc look amazing! Who knows… maybe someone will surprised me with a belated birthday gift in the form of a round trip ticket to Palm Springs.

Have you ever been to a Modernism event? Have you ever attended Modernism Week?? Tell me about your experience on Facebook, mention it on Twitter, or share it on Google+!

While looking for a lunch spot in Raleigh we stumbled on this new construction modernist gem that the owners invited us in to have a look. Boy, people in Raleigh sure are friendly. This home was designed and built by Tonic. The Jonathan and Ilsy Chappell Residence is a beautiful and great example of the kind of work that Tonic does. Here is an inside look of this home. Enjoy!

The couple had recently moved in, so Ilsy was trying to do some last minute arranging.

The suspended ceiling light fixture was actually from the mind of Ilsy, who saw something similar when she was in Las Vegas.

Loving her closet. Who wouldn’t love all that closet space??

A big “Thank You” to Jonathan and Ilsy for letting me into their home to satisfy my modernist appetite. I hope you enjoyed this home as much as I did! What was your favorite aspect? Be sure to post which one was your favorite on Facebook, mention it on Twitter, or share it on Google+!

FOR SALE: 1069 5th Ave CT NW, Hickory, NC 28601 – $239,900

In the Hillcrest neighborhood lies this clean lined Mid-Century Modern Home designed by, Hickory Architect, Jim Sherrill. Remodeled over the last few years with all Bamboo flooring, wood blinds throughout, and zodiac countertops in kitchen.This home is adorned with Louis Pousen lighting above the breakfast table & dining room, California closets in all bedrooms, all replaced windows (2007-2009), new stainless appliances, new landscaping and new concrete driveway. This Hickory home is loaded with character and architectural presence featuring a butterfly roof. To truly appreciate this house it is a “must see” in person. But for now enjoy the pictures!

Listing courtesy of
Donna Austin at Coldwell Banker Boyd & Hassell
MLS# 9562384

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Northcrest is, a couple of miles up I-85 off Northcrest Road, a little architectural secret full of mid-century modern homes. The neighborhood is a sprawling, swim/tennis community with beautiful pines and azaleas. Enjoy!

Vanessa has literally transformed this neighborhood into the jewel it is. She lives in a refurbished MCM and has renovated a few others. Through her marketing she has brought buyers in that are giving these homes a new fresh look.

Here is a new construction gem in Northcrest. The architecture appears to be one that will not go unnoticed.

I’m a sucker for decorative blocks. As you can see from one of my previous posts.

I couldn’t pass up this mail box when I saw it. I love the unique build of it. It was hard to not notice it!

I hope you enjoyed these homes as much as I did! Did you have a favorite door color or unique siding? Be sure to post which one was your favorite on Facebook, mention it on Twitter, or share it on Google+!

Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on domoRealty & Vanessa Reilly!

I had noticed multiple Mid-Century Modern homes for sale in Salisbury. I was curious about the homes and wanted to check it out. Come to find out there are a lot of great homes there and the town has a proactive historic preservation society.

The homes in Salisbury are worth checking out. You can spend as little as $300,000 on a beautiful MCM home right by the golf course! Check out my Modern Home Search to see the homes listed in Salisbury – You will be amazed!

Here are some of the homes I captured by the golf course in Salisbury. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed these homes as much as I did! Did you have a favorite? It’s hard not to with all of these great homes. Be sure to post which one was your favorite on Facebook, mention it on Twitter, or share it on Google+!