Check out the Orlando supplier!

http://www.moderndesign.org/2011/01/mid-century-decorative-concrete-screen.html?m=1

Paint Colors!

I think we all know that feeling when we walk into an older home and immediately shrink from the dated and sad aura it gives off.

I have found that unless there is a smell (sometimes there is,..)  usually it is caused primarily by paint colors (or wood panelling, but that is a whole other topic.)

As many of us tend to shrink back at the colors from the 1950s-1960s it can be a bit tricky with midcentury homes to keep them modern but also authentic. Avocado kitchens and orange living rooms can be a truly frightening prospect!

So how do we solve this?

Like any other historic period we have to try to find colors that are somewhat period without being offensively so. Usually with midcentury this means a neutral with some pops of bright color.

(as a side note, paint colors will ALWAYS become outdated. They simply will. never fool yourself that some current trend will always be wanted or liked. This is why I recommend using paint or fabrics to add bright colors.)

So what colors worked 50 years ago? You name it! Midcentury design was very colorful, Let's look at some images and articles!

http://www.madformidcentury.com/2013/01/mid-century-modern-color-palette-trends.html#.VyKe3fkrLIU



http://www.eichlernetwork.com/article/hues-say-you

http://abduzeedo.com/mid-century-modern-illustration-style

http://theglamoroushousewife.com/2013/09/home-decor-of-the-1950s/

Some of these colors are amazing, but the combinations can be a bit awful. So lets see some examples of modern fun usage without drowning in that dated feeling 

Much better isn't it? 

http://www.zillow.com/blog/color-palettes-mid-century-modern-171154/

http://color.about.com/od/colorstyle/tp/Top-10-Colors-for-Mid-Century-Style.htm

The beauty is in the details.

Accessories!

So much of what makes mid-century design great is in the details! So tonight I start off with one of my favorite features about my own house, the dining room light fixture!

Geometric shapes are central to mid century design. The glass spheres add color and softness by diffusing the light from the tall bulbs while the lights at the bottom shine directly onto the dining room table. 

As seen below, glass spheres are a common feature in mid century chandeliers as are cylinders.

What is Midcentury Orlando?

There are many many many websites in the world about midcentury design and architecture. So why am I starting another one?

I want to examine the things near and dear to me, not just show off some million dollar homes. Sure, those famous mid century designers are important, but what about those who could not afford to buy a Frank Lloyd Wright home? I want to show the world that these features and designs are available right here, can be seen everyday on your own street.

Florida has its own style, not just in Miami Art Deco or Sarasota Modern, but right here, in our little suburbs of Orlando.

So what are the features of these homes? Below are some links to general midcentury modern design information.

I personally love a few key features we see around here.

1. Solid block construction. Love them or hate them, cinderblocks make for solid homes that can withstands hurricanes! They also help keep the house cool in the summer.

2. Single story floorplans: i don't know about other people, but I am CLUMSY. Stairs scare me, I love a big sprawling flat house!

3. Unique design: A few things I want to examine in the future are diagonal carports, vaulted wood ceilings, flat roofs, Color schemes, landscaping, geometric design elements.

http://preservation.myfloridahistory.org/identifying-american-architectural-styles-midcentury-modern/


Do you have a midcentury home you would like featured or just have some questions about? Contact me today!