Focus — Landscapes & Architecture
The Midcentury Modern
Nina A. Koziol
Editor’s Note: This ongoing series provides insight into various architectural styles of Midwestern houses over the past 150 years along with the plants and landscape practices in use at the time the homes were built. Our goal is to help you be better informed when discussing projects with your clients. Context-sensitive landscape design that preserves historic character can increase property values.
roofs, wide, overhanging eaves, and exposed roof beams, inside and out. Builders often used natural materials—wood or stone, as well as brick and concrete block. Some of the houses feature expansive glass walls, clean lines and wideopen floor plans. Large windows and glass patio doors helped marry the landscape to the house.
Take a drive through just about any city or suburb
In the 1950s and 60s, magazine covers often featured sleek houses and trim landscapes—no fussy planting beds, no flowering shrubs hugging the foundation—in other words, no frills. Instead, readers saw well-defined outdoor spaces, floor-level patios, sweeping lawns, backyard patios and
in the Midwest and you’ll likely find many “midcentury modern” houses. These low-slung homes, built after World War II, are generally characterized by flat or low-pitched
Looking Back
