7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brillant Jewel of a Coffee Table book, Mar 9 2012
By zef - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors (Hardcover)
As you can see from the front cover Modernism is not just Black+White and this gorgeous book takes a leisurely stroll through 8 Mid-Century Modern houses rather than a quick look at many. Rather than just a hook-up, the extensive photos of each house will pull you into a relationship very much in the concept of Giedion's "Space-Time Architecture". The 23 page spread of the Szwarcberg Residence ( Eichler renovation designed by Mark J Marcinik , M110 Architecture) has the time to reveal itself as a throughly integrated architectural experience from the Mid-Century Modern, center mounted, front door knob to a new de-constructed, post punk Master Bathroom. The art of living is back so let this book romance you by its look at the extreme depth of Modernism.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eye Candy, Mar 13 2012
By js - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors (Hardcover)
Once again, a wonderful book that is a must-have for mid-century modern enthusiasts. There are eight homes featured in this book, all are great examples of mid-century style, yet each is very different than the next. It shows the diversity of the period.
Being the 2nd Atomic Ranch book, I do feel like this one leans a bit more towards the upscale luxury home than the first book. Although stunning and inspiring with jaw-dropping views and expanses of natural light, I do wish a couple more "working class heroes" had been featured. That said, my favorite house featured in this book is actually the most modest - a 1955 traditional ranch in Tulsa, OK. I feel that this house is such a familiar example that can be found pretty much anywhere in the country, a modest dream house that is within reach of many homeowners, rather than a gigantic McMansion with far too much square footage. This home feels like...well, *home*.
The book contains lots of useful tips. I will definitely use it as a reference when remodeling my own mid-century home. The bathroom fixture resources are particularly helpful, as it is difficult to find era-appropriate toilets, sinks, and faucets at your average big-box home store.
I do love that each home has a very different paint palette. Many mid-century homes seem to be stuck in a pink/yellow/turquoise pastel scheme, so I like that different bold options were featured, showing that personal taste and bold choices, as well as understated neutrals, and yes, period-appropriate pastels, will still all work well in these homes.
I'll continue to reference this book for inspiration throughout my own renovations. While I'll be dreaming about the 4,000+ square footer overlooking the mountains of Oregon, I'll be quite content with using the smaller, more traditional ranchers to influence my choices for my own cozy little MCM gem.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the book, May 17 2012
By Mike - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors (Hardcover)
8 very different examples of mid-century ranches. Each house is described in detail in a,separate chapter so you really get a feel for them. None of the houses are decorated too 1950's "kitch". I especially enjoyed the purple aluminum kit house from Brighton, NY. It's a very interesting house with a pleasing mix of aluminum, brick, and wood materials.