Mid-Century California

Oh to live in California in the mid century.   With the shiny big cars, the beaches and surfers, a new architecture, the allure of Hollywood, palm trees and melamine, California really was the land of enchantment.  The mid-century signified post war happy change  and there was no happier a place than California.  As a leader in the movement, Mid-century modern style especially in residential architecture was also referred to as the California Modern style.  The rest of the country was watching California set the style and trends of the mid-century American lifestyle.

The furniture, accessories, and architecture really became the banners for mid-century California.  Advancements in technology produced furniture styles that had never been seen before:  molded fiberglass in pop colors and bent wood and wire frames.  Names such as Eames, Herman Miller, George Nelson and Knoll became a part of the American household vocabulary.

Architecture was focusing on new home styles with open floor plans catered to family living and entertaining.  With post and beam structures, expanses of glass and less walls were possible changing the look of the home, seemingly bringing the outdoors in.  In the arid climates of California, this was much desired and now attainable.  Captured by the photography of Julius Shulman, the case study houses by Neutra and others have retained their fame and status.

I don’t know that any other era has influenced modern design as much as the mid-century and no other other part of the country has enjoyed as much notoriety as California especially back in its heyday.  Here’s a look of some of the iconic pieces of mid-century California along with new mid-century California inspirations :

Mid-Century… by alluminare

Have any favorite California Modern inspired designs or objects?  We would love to see them!

Article by Michelle Salz-Smith ASID

Michelle is a licensed, award-winning Interior Designer enjoying her life in Southern California, but only after her many adventures in the Midwest and then the South. Michelle wears many hats: designer, wifey, blogger, teacher and red wine lover. When she isn't hanging out at Alluminare, she is sharing her musings and celebrating the inspired life on her blog, www.studio-surface.blogspot.com.

has written 26 awesome articles for Alluminare.