Before I seriously got into architecture and interior design, I usually associated the "mid-century modern" look with the late 1960s to early 1970s, probably because I grew up watching a lot of older TV shows shot in 1970's LA. True, the mid-century modern aesthetic was still very big at that time, but the overall MCM movement originated much, much earlier- practically at the tail end of World War II.
In the relative post-war "utopia" of late-1940s America, the futuristic, optimistic mid-century modern aesthetic rapidly soared in popularity. One such example of early mid-century modern architecture is this beautiful 1948 home in Los Feliz, a stylish, cozy, and authentic gem in every respect.
This is ground-floor, foundational mid-century modernism on display, and the home has aged like fine wine. MCM home realtor @mattmorgus had a ball touring this classic home in the stylish, historic Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles . Barring a few modern appliances and small updates here and there, the home looks like it has barely been touched over the last 76 years- a true living time capsule from its panel lighting to its terrazzo floors .
What really struck me about this home is how stylistically distinct it is. Even without knowing the date, you can kinda tell that this isn't just a mid-century modern home, but an early mid-century modern home. A lot of the telltale elements of MCM design are already present here, like the big floor-to-ceiling windows, wood paneling, colorfully tiled bathrooms, and built-in furniture. However, a lot of later MCM homes have a sleeker, more "futuristic" edge that would evolve over the next few years into the 1950s, which this home doesn't have yet (at least not in my admittedly untrained estimation). It feels very 1940s LA, and that living room in particular has a classic " film noir " vibe to it that I really love.
A Controversial Bathroom Choice
This house is full of interesting details, but by far, the most interesting talking points were those two near-identical bathrooms with their original tile, painted frosted glass, and - weirdest of all - walk-down showers. The walk-down showers were definitely a first for me!
Matt's followers were divided over those showers. Half of them praised its originality and thought it was a great idea... and the other half thought it was a death trap. In a perfect world, I think I'd love these showers, but as a very clumsy, slip-prone person, I sadly find myself in the "death trap" camp - yeah, even with the handrails. Throw some non-slip mats on the stairs, and then maybe we can talk!
Of course, I've got nothing to fear from these showers, because at over $2 million, this home's well outside my budget. Besides, the property's Zillow listing currently shows a "contingent" status as of July 5, so unless that sale falls through, the new owner's locked in. Hopefully whoever it is will continue to preserve the home's authentic early mid-century modern beauty as faithfully as its previous owners have - down to the weird, walk-down showers!
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