Forgotten Modern: California Houses 1940-1970

My brother Robbie gave me this book one fine Christmas a few years ago. When I opened it and gazed at what was inside, my heart quickened. What I found was image after image of dramatic but warm mid-century modern houses built by such less-remembered architects as Edward Fickett (who designed my neighborhood), Jack Hillmer and William Krisel. Here's a look . 

Edward Fickett, 1966, George & Marion Jacobson house #2 from Forgotten Modern photo: Alan weintraub

Dr.  Poor House, Jack Hillmer, architect.

Owings House, Mark Mills & Nathaniel Owings, Architects 1957

Dr. Williams House, Paul R. Williams, Architect. 1946

Bubeck House, Allyn E. Morris architect, 1956 

Apparently this book is now out of print, but I'm sure it will turn up at a decent price on ebay or another bookseller such as ABE books.

MCM home in Perth, Australia

This unique modernist home was designed in 1969 by revered Bulgarian architect Iwan Iwanoff, who was responsible for a number of incredible homes in Perth at that time. These windows are what I want at the back of my MCM home. The home is owned by Mark and Christine Baxter. Read more here.

The Baxters have also chosen modern but warm danish modern pieces that match the strong design of the home. Warm woods, a splash of color, and an ART WALL!

Really gorgeous built-ins. 

The Hailey Residence

Here's a real beauty built by Richard Neutra in 1959 in the hills north of the Hollywood Reservoir, this small 1,129-square-foot house has wide open living areas, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a moveable wall that separates the living areas when needed.

At one end of the living room, a soft wall can be pushed back to reveal the den--essentially stretching the main living space from one end of the house to the other.

This is the bed.

It's really tough finding a mid-century style bed. Clean design, simple headboard, tapered legs... I've looked at a lot of vintage pieces, but they can be pricey, or too small for modern mattresses. This one from West Elm really fits the bill for me, and it's on sale right now for $799 for a queen, $899 for king.

...with this duvet cover by Orla Kiely. $179-199. This bed is pretty great, too. It's not sourced, however...

...with this duvet cover by Orla Kiely. $179-199. This bed is pretty great, too. It's not sourced, however...