What is mid-century modern?

What is mid-century modern?

The mid-century modern movement started in the 1930s with architects simplifying and streamlining home designs and doing more to connect interior spaces with the outdoors through the use of porches, patios and other outdoor living spaces. The movement peaked during the 1950s with houses of that period typified by features such as terrazzo floors, pocket doors, flush built-in wall cabinets, open floor plans and interiors that generally lacked the adornment common in the preceding art deco and art nouveau periods. Most home designs were low slung and incorporated elements of the Bauhaus movement, California ranch architecture and generally efficient design.

This story was originally published December 13, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What is mid-century modern? ."