4 Reasons Mid-Century Homes in the San Fernando Valley Remain Desirable
Mid-Century homes in Valley neighborhoods remain popular for their appealing benefits.
The design of what we now call mid-century modern homes came about after World War Two when architects offered a minimalist yet highly functional approach to the home. Gone were the rich details of previous craftsman style homes from the early 20th century and the opulent Victorian designs.
Read on to discover the attraction when they were built and why there’s a renewed interest in mid-century modern homes from Sherman Oaks and Northridge to Granada Hills and Reseda.
Connection with Nature
Mid-century modern homes were built using the easy to get materials of concrete, cement and steel. And lots of glass.
This allowed the inside of the home to connect with the outside by designing floor-to-ceiling glass walls. I always say this style of home lets us take advantage of the beautiful weather in Southern California.
Compare that with the architecture of earlier times and even the traditional two-story single family homes where the windows are much smaller.
If you own a mid-century modern, know that the view to the outside adds value.
Consider this if you’re thinking of selling in the near future:
Where does the view lead?
Use attractive plants and trees with wispy branches to create a positive ambiance.
Living Art
To me, mid-century homes are like works of living art that people want to care for. This time period was influenced by the work of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The window space along with the lines on the outside and inside give an optimistic type of feeling.
If you own a home from this era, use appealing storage containers and neat bookshelves to keep areas free from clutter. Especially if you’re thinking about ever selling one—make sure guests have a nice view of the walls and windows so they truly appreciate the house as art.
Open Spaces
Entertaining becomes easy with the open floor plan. The construction with post and beam ceilings reveals woodwork without interior supporting walls that can get in the way of having a group of people in.
Families with younger children can appreciate this plan since going in and out is easy with the lack of steps. And that brings me to another key point.
A House for Many Life Stages
A mid-century modern is appealing for younger families starting out and seniors who want to downsize from larger homes with stairs. Couples and singles who like a minimalist lifestyle will find the style appealing.
Mid-Century Architects in the Valley
There are similarities in the style and yet the homes reflect the thinking of the designers. Here are five architects who influenced the Valley from the late 1940s into the 1960s.
Joseph Eichler
Neighborhood: Granada Hills, Balboa Highlands
He’s described as a “merchant builder”—a developer who formed subdivisions and built homes on a large scale. Curbed LA says his work led to an era of “efficient, functional California cool” residences.
Edward Fickett
Neighborhood: Reseda, White Oak and Saticoy
Fickett was truly from Los Angeles. He was a fourth-generation Angelino who built 10,000 homes in the San Fernando Valley alone. The Los Angeles Conservancy comments that his homes had, “L-shaped floor plans; glass walls; and playful rooflines. Part of his acumen was his ability to design for land that many considered unbuildable.”
Palmer and Krisel
Neighborhood: Devonshire and Reseda in Northridge.
During the 1950s, this architectural duo was working with seven out of the 10 largest homebuilders in the United States. Krisel is given credit for designing 30,000 homes in Southern California alone. The trademark was making the homes affordable, varying the orientation and roofline while integrating indoor and outdoor living.
Charles DuBois
Neighborhood: Woodland Hills, Woodside
His designs are described as “rambling” contemporary ranch buildings on curvy streets with a horizontal orientation. One of his homes in Woodland Hills that was built and designed in 1960 came with a “vintage bomb shelter,” a talked about accessory in the early years of the Cold War.
William Mellenthin
He’s known for the unusual Birdhouse ranch homes that were built in the valley from the 1940s to the 1960s. He built small birdhouses and cupolas into the roofs and constructed around 3,000 homes in the Valley.
You can see that a home isn’t just a home.
For homeowners who want to maintain the appeal and charm, I recommend using a store called Mid Century LA in North Hollywood for furnishings and accessories to stay true to the time period and the layout of your home.
Let me know if you want ideas for staging to either entertain or if you’re interested in selling. Mid-century homes are often on larger lots than other houses so that may have a nice impact on the market value.
Buyers of mid-century include younger couples and families who like the minimalist look and design. I have a Buyer’s Guide available on my website.
I’ll be glad to offer a valuation if you’re a homeowner considering to sell or chat if you’re a buyer and wondering which neighborhood and type of home is right for your needs.
Call or email to get in touch.