Mid-Century Modern Houses for Sale – CIRCA Old Houses (2024)

FAQs

What city has the best mid-century modern homes? ›

As we mentioned above, New York City is a mid century modern hotspot! Featuring iconic MCM builds by the top architects of the period, NYC is home to more mid century modern buildings than any other city in the U.S. (5,937, to be exact). From the Seagram's building by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe to the Solomon R.

Home-building prices vary widely based on location. Building a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs, California, where this style is prominent in the community, will cost far more than building a similar home in the Midwest.

Even some 60 years since its heyday, the style has endured and serves as the inspiration for many of today's most prominent trends. Instantly recognizable, homes built with midcentury modern designs continue to attract buyers who are looking for a contemporary layout with stylish finishes.

Old homes have better-quality construction

Even the walls are likely different. In an older home they're probably built with plaster and lathe, making them structurally stronger than the drywall construction of modern homes. These older materials also provide a better sound barrier and insulation.

Instead of looking to the past, the country was in a period of transition that had everyone looking to the future. "What makes this a unique style is the amassing of various elements under a rubric of efficiently constructing modern, designed homes so that middle-class families could live in a work of art," John says.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has one of the highest concentrations of preserved midcentury-modern homes in the world, as the style's emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is perfectly suited for the area's desert climate.

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

Midcentury decor refers to a more ornate style, such as Art Deco, and some might argue this includes Art Nouveau. Midcentury modern decor refers to a style with more of a utilitarian aesthetic incorporating clean lines and basic shapes.

Most homes are getting multiple offers and selling for over asking price within a few days of hitting the market. We are seeing some really nice Mid Century Modern homes selling for as much as 25% over asking price, with the average over asking sales price being around 10%.

Home design trends are ever-evolving, shaped by a combination of aesthetics, lifestyle changes, and historical influences. One design trend that has made a significant comeback and is currently at the forefront is Mid-century modern (MCM) design.

Is mid-century modern still in style? ›

What is it about mid-century modern furniture that makes it so enduring and desirable? Home design trends may come and go, but classic lines are always in style.

Maintenance costs

Due to their age, some midcentury modern homes may require more upkeep than newer properties. Thoroughly inspecting the home's electrical wiring, plumbing and insulation might help identify any potential costs for down the road.

Palm Springs is renowned for having the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the country, and its reputation is well-deserved: in this desert oasis, you'll find architectural show-offs like Elvis's Honeymoon Hideaway, which boasts a boomerang roofline and octagonal floating glass bedroom.

Mid-Century Modern homes feature clean, unadorned baseboards, with gentle curves to provide a simple accent rather than an eye-catching statement.

Disadvantages To Living In A Modern Home

One of the biggest drawbacks of living in a modern home is the cost. Because these homes are often filled with high-end finishes and appliances, they can be quite pricey. Additionally, modern homes require more upkeep than traditional homes.

Many midcentury modern homes were designed with energy efficiency in mind, placing great emphasis on natural light, enhanced airflow and insulating materials.

Modern buildings use materials like asbestos, lead, etc., which are very hazardous and are not recyclable or disposable, these materials harm the environment and promote global warming and pollution.

Mid-century modern is “not even a trend anymore — it's the dominant aesthetic,” says Dunning, who curated an exhibit last year on modern chairs for the Palm Springs Art Museum in California. “It's either fascinating or depressing that we haven't replaced [it] with anything better.