For People Who Don't Like Mid-Century Ranch Houses

There's a group of people out there, and apparently it's a large group, that doesn't like mid-century, ranch-style homes. I'm not sure who these people are, but my guess is they don't read this blog. But if they did, I'd point them to an article about Reconsidering the Ranch House. And if you do love mid-century ranch homes, there's some great history and info to be found. Such as:
For Cliff May, the Californian designer credited with designing the first ranch house in the 1930s, the ranch house was developed to serve three basic tenets:

Livability: Open floor plans created an informal and seamless flow between rooms. attached garages that integrate the car into modern life. For May, the ranch house offered "friendliness... informality, and gaiety.” With cross ventilation, sliding glass doors, large windows, private semi-enclosed patios and exterior corridors, the early ranch was all about "sunshine and informal outdoor living" that “connect you to the day, to the time of day and the weather of the day.” The post-and-beam construction and open floor plan allowed for a lot of light. For the first time, kitchens were opened up to an ever-shrinking dining area. Family and recreational areas were paramount, as was storage space.

Flexibility: Multi-purpose rooms could be adapted as children aged and the family's needs changed. The ranch's simple, unadorned style could accommodate all manner of styles and decor. The layout also mean that homeowners could also easily tack on additions. And the homes tended to be forward-thinking when it came to the latest in home appliances and technology.
Unpretentious Character: Simple antechambers replaced the formal foyer; unimposing exteriors were typically devoid of traditional flourishes like gables and dormers. These were homes in which families could grow and host informal parties and BBQs.

Unpretentious Character: Simple antechambers replaced the formal foyer; unimposing exteriors were typically devoid of traditional flourishes like gables and dormers. These were homes in which families could grow and host informal parties and BBQs.

I'm not really sure how you could dislike any of those things.

4 comments:

  1. Dana@Mid2ModJuly 20, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I agree with you completely. What's not to love about mid-century homes? I think you answered the question though. Pretentiousness is the sole raison d'être for McMansion tract homes. They scream, "Hey, look at me. I have columns and two stories, just like every other house on the block." (And in Texas, they probably also have a big yee-haw star on the facade. Ooops...did I say that out loud?)

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  2. Mid-Century AustinJuly 21, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    You can't see it in the photo above, but our door is currently one of those with a big Texas star worked into the glass. I can't wait to have it replaced with a Crestview Door so it looks more in line with the house.

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  3. Dana@Mid2ModJuly 21, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    I didn't notice your door, but my catty remark was aimed at those big "faux rusted" metal stars that you see on the "faux Austin stone" fronts of all the "faux mansions" around here." I guess that's what I get for being catty in the first place, huh? LOL

    I too have a door that needs to be replaced with something more modern. I've noticed a local posting on CL that's interesting. Someone in the Dallas area is making some pretty cool looking solid doors and selling them for $250. I may have to check that out.

    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/fuo/2503575061.html

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  4. Mid-Century AustinJuly 21, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Believe me, I have made many a catty comment about Texas star doors and metal hangings. Especially because the Texas star door was the favorite door of flippers in the area back in the 00s. It's cheap and ugly and that's why it has to go.

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