Preserving the Art of Home

When you love midcentury architecture, there is a passion that accompanies it, a desire to save the elements that set it apart, the unique pieces of period charm. This is where preservation begins. Many owners of Midcentury Modern homes see themselves as stewards. They are the protectors of their home’s future and the purveyors of its history. Despite being the mid mod equivalent of a knight in shining armor, these homeowners moonlight as normal people who do normal things. They bring in piles of mail, make dinners that spill and splash, wash loads of laundry and curl up on the couch to watch movies.

So how does preservation line up with normal everyday life, let alone personalization?

Look no further, because the homeowners in this issue have mastered this delicate balance.

In Minnesota, a family of four has turned a two-bedroom house into a dream come true (page 30), while in Michigan a family blends together with perfectly quirky twists (page 42). Plus, an interior designer proves that a mid mod home can boast incredible vintage furnishings without feeling like a museum (page 54).

Making a midcentury house feel like a cozy, welcoming home doesn’t need to feel like a battle, so if armor isn’t your style, don’t fret. Preserve your home by remembering to celebrate the elements that initially sparked your appreciation—look up at those clerestory windows more often and dust off the breezeblocks—then enjoy the process of filling it with furnishings that bring both joy and functionality.