Why is mid-century modern style so hot?

The properties featured in this email update have a commonality: All have mid-century modern provenance or–at a minimum–reference points. The mid-century modern (or “mid-mod”) style has become the most-desirable home style in Los Angeles, with authentic homes selling for record prices. For years, L.A.’s diverse group of Spanish-style homes ruled the roost, commanding the highest prices and the #1 most-requested style sought by buyers. But just like the time is changing this weekend, the style preferences of this decade’s buyers have changed, too.

A general swing in design toward clean lines and light materials has made Spanish influence feel heavy and dark. Today’s buyers speak often about wanting a lack for formality, an open floor plan, a “modern” way of living (exemplified by the listing pictured and hot-linked). The original mid-mod movement in America spoke to these concerns in the 1950′s and 60′s and is in a full-blown renaissance now.

The back-story: Mid-mod architecture’s original goal was to bring a new, modern way of living into America’s post-WWII suburbs. The style emphasized creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors in. Many mid-mod houses utilized then-groundbreaking post and beam architectural design that eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls seemingly made of glass. Function was as important as form in mid-mod designs, with an emphasis placed specifically on targeting the needs of the average American family.

Today, there’s nothing “average” about a good mid-century home. But they stay true to the original effort, which happens to be the way today’s buyers see themselves living. How long will this preference last and what’s next? Federalist? Andalusian? Storybook? I’ll keep you posted on what buyers are requesting.