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  Mid-Century Modern Architecture Mid-century Modern Architecture was known for having flat roofs, angular details, and asymmetrical profiles. They had expansive walls of glass, clean lines, and wide open floor plans. It was very popular on the West Coast. They were the first to use bi-level structures and were known for connecting the indoor spaces to the outdoors.  Color Scheme The color scheme of this period is very warm and earthly tones. Mainly olive green, burnt umber, pumpkin, and mustard yellow. These colors created nature-inspired interiors. This period also included more trendy colors such as pink, gray, turquoise, black, and yellow.  Furnishings Furnishings during this period were mainly made of plastic, resin, metal composites, laminates, and fiberglass. All these materials allowed for endless creativity in furniture design. Many unique furniture shapes were created at this time. The most well-known furniture designers of this time were Eero Saarinen, Ch...

  Modernism in America Although Modernism began in France and Germany, it quickly spread to the rest of the world, including America. The Modernist Movement occurred after World War II. The war had a devastating impact on Europe, and many designers fled Europe and came to the United States. Although Modernism existed before the war, it changed post-war. Before the war, Modernism was theoretical and idealistic. After the war, it became more practical and applied.  Frank Lloyd Wright One of the most well-known Modernist architects is Frank Lloyd Wright. His work was mainly during the 1920s and 1930s and didn’t fit into the current “International Style”. Frank Lloyd Wright has designed buildings all over the United States. Some of his designs in California include the Hollyhock House and La Miniatura. The Hollyhock House was built in 1921 and made mainly from concrete. It also contained elaborate terraces and gardens. La Miniatura was the most successful of his houses built d...

  Rise of the Decorator The rise of the Decorators began in 1925 at the World’s Fair in Paris. There were two main groups: the functionalists and the decorators. The decorators were known as “decorateur” or “ensemblier”, which means someone who chooses and combines objects to create an ensemble and makes aesthetic choices. Functionalists focused on form and theory. They did not promote the use of accessories and furnishings. During this period, Interior Decorating was formed. There was a growing need for people who could design interior spaces to match the exterior design of the building. Interior Decorators at this time were mainly hired by wealthy people who wanted a design to reflect their wealth.  Elsie de Wolfe Elsie de Wolfe was an American actress who pursued Interior Decorating. She helped interior design become a separate entity from architecture and opened the way for women to enter the profession. She is known for restoring Victorian interiors into lighter and b...