Learn to Love a Mid-Century Modern House (2024)

By Courtney Pittman

Thinking about building a mid-century modern house? Check out these retro-style designs. Showcasing uncomplicated floor plans, modern amenities, and sleek lines, mid-century modern homes feel contemporary and cool. Explore our roundup below.

Discover our collection of mid-century modern house plans

What is a Mid-Century Modern House?

Mid-century modern architecture became popular thanks to architects like Frank Lloyd Wright (check out this article from Architectural Digest). This architecture style features contemporary open layouts, large windows, simple roof lines, and head-turning exteriors.

Outdoor living spaces are another design detail that take center stage in mid-century modern homes. Look for porches, patios, and decks in many of these plans.

Streamlined Mid-Century Modern House PlanStreamlined Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Front Exterior

Streamlined Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Main Level

Here’s a design that gives you mid-century modern curb appeal with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and simple roof lines. Inside, the floor plan presents a bit of separation between the kitchen and the living spaces. The handy mudroom is ready to hold items. Don’t miss the generous covered porch and the sundeck.

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Outdoor LivingMid-Century Modern House with Outdoor Living - Front Exterior

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Outdoor Living - Main Level

This mid-century modern house plan offers streamlined style with bold curb appeal and an airy layout. The well-equipped kitchen features a central island and a spacious pantry. Nearby, the living room and the dining area open directly to the rear patio. Highlights of the primary suite include a big walk-in closet, a private office, and access to its own deck.

Small Mid-Century Modern House PlanSmall Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Front Exterior

Small Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Main Level

Stylish and efficient, this three-bedroom house plan is all about modern living. An open floor plan creates easy flow between the main living areas. Check out the pantry and the big island in the kitchen.

A roomy walk-in closet and a luxurious shower highlight the primary suite. Enjoy outdoor living in front and also on the back porch.

Modest Mid-Century House PlanModest Mid-Century House Plan - Front Exterior

Modest Mid-Century House Plan - Main Level

Looking for a budget-friendly design? Here’s a good one. Making the most of its small footprint, this mid-century modern house gives you a smart floor plan. The open layout feels spacious and bright with big windows. The versatile study is a nice detail. Nice weather? A generously-sized porch and deck deliver plenty of outdoor living space.

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Three-Car GarageMid-Century Modern House Plan with Three-Car Garage - Front Exterior

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Three-Car Garage - Main Level

Need extra room for storage? This handsome mid-century modern house plan features a sizeable three-car garage. The thoughtful kitchen boasts an island that overlooks the dining area and the great room.

Nearby, two sets of sliding glass doors open to the covered deck and the covered patio. The primary suite enjoys outdoor living with direct access to a private patio.

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Contemporary StyleMid-Century Modern House Plan with Contemporary Style - Front Exterior

Mid-Century Modern House Plan with Contemporary Style - Main Level

Here’s a mid-century modern house plan with timeless curb appeal. Inside, the open layout places the kitchen, the great room, and the dining area together at the center of the home. The primary suite shows off a big walk-in closet and enjoys privacy at the back of the plan. A flexible study could become a home office or a fourth bedroom. Relax on the large covered patio.

Mid-Century Modern House Plan for Narrow LotMid-Century Modern House Plan for Narrow Lot - Front Exterior

Mid-Century Modern House Plan for Narrow Lot - Main Level

Building on a narrow lot? No problem. This mid-century modern house plan showcases a slim footprint and loads of style. The smart floor plan revolves around the living room and the open kitchen, where a snack bar creates a casual vibe. Two bedrooms share a full bath at the front of the home, while the primary suite rests at the back.

Small Mid-Century Modern House PlanSmall Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Front Exterior

Small Mid-Century Modern House Plan - Main Level

Here's a mid-century modern house plan that makes an impression inside and out. A dramatic roof and lots of texture grace the exterior, while a space-efficient layout waits inside. Open to the great room, the kitchen shines with a bar top and a big pantry.

Three bedrooms, including the primary suite, sit on the right side of the plan. A patio out back invites you to relax.

Discover our collection of mid-century modern house plans

Learn to Love a Mid-Century Modern House (2024)

FAQs

Why do people like mid-century modern so much? ›

Mid-century design combines natural materials with industrial manmade materials. So you can expect to see wood, metal, marble, and glass mixed with plastic, lucite, fiberglass, and vinyl. This combination of materials helps keep the retro style feeling contemporary even today.

How would you describe a mid-century modern house? ›

Characterized by flat planes, large glass windows and open space, these homes -- built from 1945 to the 1980s -- featured simplicity and an integration with nature, encouraging residents to explore the world in new ways.

Is mid-century modern in style 2024? ›

We took a little break from midcentury modern, but Kropovinsky says he sees it inching its way back in—though with a fresher take this time around. There is a new focus on organic curves and classic charm, and that will come back in 2024.

Is mid-century modern still in style? ›

Midcentury modern is a design style that arrived in the mid-20th century. Defined by simple, functional, and wooden furniture, midcentury modern still remains a popular interior design choice today.

Why do Millennials love mid-century? ›

Mid-Century modern allows Millenials to personalize with unique pieces to fit their lifestyle. And, want to know the best part of all of this? Guess where else you can design a space that is unique and tailored to your lifestyle?

Why are mid-century homes popular? ›

“I think it's really the materials, the open flowing spaces, and the real sunny feel to them that draws people to the architectural style to this day,” explains Ike, who lives in a midcentury-modern home himself in San Diego. Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned at this Palm Springs home by architect William Krisel.

What year homes are considered mid-century modern? ›

Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.

What is the most popular decorating style in 2024? ›

Nature-inspired reigns supreme as designers, homeowners, and businesses gravitate towards bringing the outdoors in. We're talking lush greenery, earthy colors, eco-friendly materials, and an oh-so-soothing atmosphere. It's fitting, too, as sustainability is also cementing its spot in 2024's interior design trends.

Is mid-century modern making a comeback? ›

The enduring appeal of 20th-century furniture design is evident in its latest resurgence. It's not the first time this design trend has come full circle, and it certainly won't be the last. Clean lines, functional layouts, and an emphasis on unique materials make them a timeless choice for designers and homeowners.

What home decor is trending for 2024? ›

Expect to see more indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials like stone and wood and large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the barrier between the interior and exterior."

What style goes well with mid-century modern? ›

Because of its functionality, sleek lines, and no-frills designs, midcentury modern style pairs well with other styles. Scandinavian and industrial styles, in particular, are great matches, but mixing with rustic and farmhouse styles demands a certain confidence.

How to decorate MCM? ›

Mid-Century Modern is usually decorated in warm autumn colors, like yellow gold, burnt orange, and mustard, along with greens and other earthy tones. Consider these colors when picking out furniture. Combine wood, Mid-Century style furniture with pops of greens, yellow, or orange.

What color is mid-century modern? ›

Combine organic, warm colors and sleek, industrial white and blue-gray hues with pops of red to capture the spirit of midcentury modern style.

Why do people like mid-century homes? ›

“I think it's really the materials, the open flowing spaces, and the real sunny feel to them that draws people to the architectural style to this day,” explains Ike, who lives in a midcentury-modern home himself in San Diego.

Is mid-century modern overdone? ›

Let us clarify: it's not the look itself that feels overdone, but the application of it. In our current contrast-obsessed design world, going all-in on any one look feels… well, a bit dated.

When was mid-century modern most popular? ›

Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.

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