Forgotten Modern: California Houses 1940-1970

My brother Robbie gave me this book one fine Christmas a few years ago. When I opened it and gazed at what was inside, my heart quickened. What I found was image after image of dramatic but warm mid-century modern houses built by such less-remembered architects as Edward Fickett (who designed my neighborhood), Jack Hillmer and William Krisel. Here's a look . 

Edward Fickett, 1966, George & Marion Jacobson house #2 from Forgotten Modern photo: Alan weintraub

Dr.  Poor House, Jack Hillmer, architect.

Owings House, Mark Mills & Nathaniel Owings, Architects 1957

Dr. Williams House, Paul R. Williams, Architect. 1946

Bubeck House, Allyn E. Morris architect, 1956 

Apparently this book is now out of print, but I'm sure it will turn up at a decent price on ebay or another bookseller such as ABE books.

This is the bed.

It's really tough finding a mid-century style bed. Clean design, simple headboard, tapered legs... I've looked at a lot of vintage pieces, but they can be pricey, or too small for modern mattresses. This one from West Elm really fits the bill for me, and it's on sale right now for $799 for a queen, $899 for king.

...with this duvet cover by Orla Kiely. $179-199. This bed is pretty great, too. It's not sourced, however...

...with this duvet cover by Orla Kiely. $179-199. This bed is pretty great, too. It's not sourced, however...

Houses architects live in

I always wanted to marry an architect. These are from Houses Architects Live In, by Barbara Plumb (1977) via a favorite blog of mine. Click here for more images from vintage books, especially mid-century children's picture books.