automotive design: Mid-Century Modern

For those of you that follow my blog, or know me personally, this "hobby" of mine will come as no surprise. My passion for Mid-Century America goes much deeper than the automotive industry and has culminated in an apartment full of stylishly designed, well-crafted furniture, kitchenware, and clothes.

The term "Mid-Century Modern" refers to architectural, interior, product, and digital designs that thrived through the 1930's to 1960's. Some of the most influential designers of this era include Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, and Paul McCobb. The organic and simplistic lines characteristic of Mid-Century Modern are synonymous with Scandanavian design elements of this time period.

This movement was prominent on the West Coast and in large, "trendy" cities, which attracted designers and collectors. While LA and Chicago rank 1st and 2nd for concentration of mid-century architecture, Raleigh, NC is an unexpected 3rd. Much of this has to due with the NC State College of Design, the professors and lecturers drawn to the program by CoD Dean, Henry Kamphoefner and colleagues. The College itself is based on Bauhaus design principles (also a substantial influence on Mid-Century Design). Another notable source of influence to Raleigh's position in the Mid-Century Modern scene is the wealth of notable NC furniture manufacturers such as Haywood, Lane, Broyhill, and Drexel.

This fall Raleigh's Mid-Century Modern heritage has been flowing into the public arena through multiple outlets. On September 25, Triangle Modernists Houses hosted their annual tour of selected architectural jewels in the Raleigh area. NC State's Gregg Museum is hosting "Southern Roots of Mid-Century Modern" (August 19-December 18). Additionally, Mid-Century Modern private dealers are flourishing as Gen-Y is reconnecting with items from their parents' and grandparents' homes.

Below are images of pieces I collected with my boyfriend from dealers, thrift stores, flea markets, craigslist, and our parents. There's nothing more exciting than the thrill of finding a piece where the owners did not know what they were parting with and getting a real deal. I've also included an exterior picture of our building, the Beckanna. Our furniture has found a comfortable home in this 1960's uptown apartment.