Mid-century mod calling…

My fascination, *cough* obsession, with mid-century modern homes all started when I walked into my first bazaar (Chapel St Bazaar, Melbourne – if I remember correctly) and it grew from there…

I would find myself pottering through vintage baazars around Victoria, hunting down anything “mid-century” or “retro” on Gumtree and obsessively texting sellers trying to nab a bargain. Years later I found myself in California – the epitome of mid-century homes and bazaars. I eagerly hunted around LA and Palm Springs for homes I’d seen on Pinterest, and cruised the backstreets of LA (literally just hours before my flight back to Melbourne was due to take off) to scout for vintage shops I’d seen on Instagram…even though I knew bringing anything home would be virtually impossible!

Nowadays, I just keep filling my home with treasures I find here and there and catching up on all my favourite blogs and Instagram accounts… Here are a few of my faves. I hope they bring you as much joy as they do to me!

‘Villa Planchart’ Caracas, Venezuela – 1953 by Gio Ponti

A “Florentine Villa” is how Ponti once described this architectural masterpiece (and we sure can see why!). Situated in the most stunning natural landscape, set atop a hill in Caracas, Venezuela – this completely mind blowing home is a visual wonder. With eye candy around every corner, (hello! stripes mixed with glass mosaics, brass and oversized terrazzo flooring!), the architectural elements of Villa Planchart have been so carefully curated that the mix of colour, clash of pattern and abundance of natural materials makes for a surprisingly calming interior.

All images via ELLE France

‘Cree House’ California, USA – 1955 by Albert Frey

Albert Frey was well known for his modernist architecture throughout Palm Springs, the MECCA of midcentury mod homes and my one true pa.ra.dise! Oozing with soft timber simplicity – yet still sophisticated, there is nothing tacky about the amount of timber panelling in this dreamy home, if anything gimme MORE!

The styling is eclectic, a perfect mix of modern and retro with loads of artisanal pieces (I’d like one of everything please and thank you!). The current owner spent a year meticulously restoring the home to its former glory, and oh boy do I like what I see. With the dreamiest, tonal colour palette and unbelievable backdrop – this place is literally my EVERYTHING!

All images via The Spaces

‘Roxy Roth Residence’ Los Angeles, USA – 1946 by Rudolph Schindler

It’s not often you come across a mid-century stunner that’s had ALL it’s orginal features conserved, so you can image how special the Roxy Roth Residence is in the mid-century mod ‘circle’.

The current owner has seriously taken care of this incredible design by Schindler, who also used California as his architectural playground, designing homes scattered throughout La La Land. Don’t be fooled though, there’s nothing ‘typical LA’ about this place nestled on a hill overlooking Studio City. Schindler sure knew what he was doing; filled with natural light thanks to his prococious use of windows and skylights, angular timber lined ceilings have been mixed with hardwood floors and stone throughout, creating a home with an emphasis on minimilisim and at one with the outdoors.

All images via The Spaces

‘Residence’ California, USA 1957 – by Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman

You could be forgiven for thinking this midcentury abode was situated in the outskirts of Melbourne (especially throughout the hills of the Dandenong’s, where I’m lucky enough to call home!).

Residing in California, this AH-MAZING ode to mid-century modern features stunning wood-panelling e-ve-ry-where! I’m talking ceilings, walls, cabinetry and even outside where the garden has been integrated for maximum outdoor entertaining (YES PLEASE). Ginormous glass windows (a cleaners nightmare IMHO but they sure do look the part!) and many of the typical midcentury touches I’ve come to adore and expect throughout modern architecture have all been carefully curated to create the perfect place to call home. When can I move in!?

All images via The Spaces

‘Featherston House’ Ivanhoe, Australia – 1967 by Robin Boyd

Last but not least, two of my all time fave mid-century designers have to be Grant and Mary Featherston and what better combo than Featherston and Robin Boyd, one of the most iconic Australian architects of our time. Once described as a ‘national treasure and a true classic’, this one is a little closer to home and has just had a massive refurb. I mean, look at those floor to ceiling glass windows! And not to mention the exposed brick walls and wooden rafters – how could you EVER go wrong? Even though we have a soft spot for the original design, this modern – yet super tasteful update has us all giddy and wanting more!