Midcentury modern living rooms that have stood the test of time

Midcentury modern living rooms were among our most repinned Pinterest posts in 2020 from futuristic conversation pits to modern takes of the modernist style. But will 2021 see the aesthetic finally go out of fashion? Or will its reign continue as we spend more time in our homes?

Take a look at our most repinned midcentury living rooms below – and make up your own mind.

Palm Springs landmark Frey House II

A natural rock formation is a dramatic focal point inside Frey House II – the eponymous property designed by Palm Springs architect Albert Frey. Inbuilt seating and cabinetry facilitates conversation and provides a neutral framework for living that emphasises the landscape beyond floor-to-ceiling glass.

Villa Dollander by Henri and Jean Prouvé

Prouvé pioneered the prefab, and his houses have become collector’s items, coveted whenever they come to market. Villa Dollander combines the intrigue of 1950s interiors with the promise of ownership, which got you clicking.

Bill Bradshaw-designed home in Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s a far cry from the sunny climes of California, where the likes of Richard Neutra were building their iconic designs. But British architect Bill Bradshaw distilled the clean lines and truth-to-materials of the international style into this post-war midcentury home.

Benjamin Fishstein’s midcentury modern house in California

Soaring beams and walls of glass are on offer at Benjamin Fishtein’s California home, which has a cool white colour palette peppered with design classics by the likes of Eames and a rugged teak end table.

A Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Connecticut home

Allan J Gelbin was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, and he picked up a trick or two from his famous tutor. This Connecticut home features an extra-long living room and dining room framed by ribbon windows and a huge fieldstone fireplace.

An architect’s woodland home in Michigan

Architect Tivadar Balogh designed this midcentury modern living room for his wife Dorothy. It has soaring timber walls and – you guessed it – towering ribbon windows that peek onto the woodland surrounds. Furniture and built-ins date from the house’s completion, though the upholstery is a bit of a room splitter.

Restored Craig Ellwood house in San Diego

Cork floors, wood panelling and bright pops of colour are on offer at Gerry and Charles Bobertz House which has undergone a total restoration to polish its bones. The owners have loving reinstated Ellwood’s original vision, albeit for modern living.

Fletcher House by Hall & Mackenzie in New Zealand

Hall and Mackenzie Architects designed Fletcher House as a ‘work of art’ for John Fletcher of Fletcher Construction. Being in the trade himself, the builder-turned-developer demanded the upmost quality for his family home, as seen by the rich glowing timbers used across its living room, especially in the custom cabinetry. Imagine curling up in front of that roaring fire with a design book or two…

Jazz icon Dave Brubeck’s Connecticut home

American pianist David Brubeck was a pioneer of ‘cool jazz’ and celebrated his first million-selling record by building this house for his family. He tapped friend Beverley David Thorne to design the Connecticut property, putting a huge double-height living room at its heart. The home is a time-capsule that’s been in the Brubeck family for over half a century and hasn’t been changed, meaning the curving fireplace and key lime carpeting are all original – though not for everyone. Peer towards the back of the room and you’ll spy Japanese shoji screens from his time touring the country.

Weaving House by Mark Hampton in Florida

Neutral colours are making a come-back this year as the effects of the pandemic ripple out in unexpected ways. This home by Mark Hampton is inspired by the sandy beaches of the Florida coast, offset by autumnal pops of ochre and brown. Its soothing interiors connect across the decades.

Richard Neutra’s Wilkins House in South Pasadena

Who doesn’t love a cork tile? This material was a favourite of Richard Neutra’s who used it alongside red brick, concrete and lots and lots of glass.

A sleek John F Galbraith home in the Pasadena hills

Looking at this John Galbraith-designed living room, it’s easy to see why the midcentury style is so popular. From the octagonal table to the racing green oak armchair, there is an inherent easiness and maturity that belies the style’s sense of play.