Modernism Reborn: Mid-Century American Houses

Thankfully, there is a great resurgence of interest in modern architecture, leading to restorations and hence life being lived anew in modern houses. This book gathers mid-century designs that are austere and simple, use natural materials, and address space as a positive and layers of furniture and trimmings as a negative. Modern houses are comfortable in their juncture of light and open floor plans; they yield timeless designs that remain "modern" 50 to 60 years after the fact when other designs are headed toward being "antique." This well-designed volume is as comfortable and straightforward as the modern houses it celebrates. Quality photographs of each house in its setting, as an interior, and as a tribute to a philosophy join with an informed and useful text that supports but never upstages the designs. As a result, readers get a very nice pairing of the Modern Movement and the houses it built. A good feature: if a house is managed by an historic trust and is open to visitors, its availability and its web site are included. Recommended. David Bryant, New Canaan Lib., CT

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