Mid Century Modern

Erin just bought a house in Cheyenne.  It's a mid century modern home, build in 1952.  Mid century modern is defined as "an architectural, furniture, and product design from the middle of the twentieth century."  Her house certainly fits the bill.

Erin's cozy brick house has been completely remodeled, but it still retains elements of the original design.  The updated galley-style kitchen utilizes the same footprint that it has always occupied.  No walls were knocked down in this remodel!  The back entry, just one step down from the kitchen, includes laundry facilities, as well as the furnace, hot water heater, and ample storage.  Mid century architects must have been known for their practicality.

The house was originally billed as a three bedroom house, but one bedroom has undoubtedly been used as a den or office for decades.  In fact, the original window has been replaced with sliding glass doors that lead out to the covered patio.

Everywhere you look, from the large picture window and brick fireplace in the living room, to the arched doorways that lead from one room to the next, those mid century modern elements are obvious. The long hallways with their abundance of closets, and the expansive original hardwood floors, are clear indicators that broadcast "mid century modern" to everyone who enters.  Even the updated bathroom can't completely hide its roots: the light switch is located in the hallway just outside the door, floor-to-ceiling cupboards still offer a wealth of storage, and that classic light fixture still provides ample illumination.

When Bill and Meagan accompanied Erin on her house hunt back in May, the girls stepped into the house first, while Bill and the real estate agent remained in the front yard for a few minutes.  Erin was examining the living and dining rooms when Meagan yelled something like, "Erin, you've got to see this!"  She had walked into the den and discovered the expansive back yard that beckoned through the sliding glass doors.  Meagan was so excited that she snapped a picture immediately and texted it to me.

I'm not sure if Erin bought the house because she loved its architectural details, or because she loved the pond in the back yard.  One thing is for sure: that pond is not a product of mid twentieth century design!

Erin has lived in her updated, mid century modern house for about a month now.  Anyone who steps inside can easily guess its age, even though parts of the house have changed drastically since it was first built.  Erin has decorated the house with a few mid century touches, a clock here, a lamp there, but she has also decked the walls with several pieces of brightly colored, contemporary artwork.  Her furnishings are a welcoming mix of antique, contemporary, and mid century family hand-me-downs.  Altogether, Erin has created a comfortable home.

As I was helping Erin get settled in her new home last month, I suddenly realized something quite profound.  I'm just as "mid century modern" as her house!  Anyone who looks at me closely can guess that I was born in the fifties. But, over the years, I've endured several repairs and remodels: a few surgeries, fillings in my teeth, glasses, haircuts.  My knobby fingers show my age.  My values are a result of the times I lived in and the family that influenced my growth.  But I gave up those fifties clothing styles long, long ago, and I've modernized with the times:  I'm just as computer-savvy as anyone else who lives in the twenty-first century, and I am well-acquainted with my cell phone and microwave. 

Just as Erin's house has evolved over the years, so have I.  My background is still evident, but I'm not the same person I used to be.  I've gained a great amount of knowledge since I was born.  With God's help, I've sloughed off much of the shyness that plagued me as a child and even well into adulthood.  I've ventured into new territory, becoming an educator as well as a learner, writing songs and a blog and maybe a book or two pretty soon.  Change is a necessary, sometimes challenging, part of life.  It's quite an adventure!  I can hardly wait to see where God leads me next.

I don't know if that old saying really fits:  "I'm not getting older, I'm getting better."  So, instead, I'll just say, "Mid century modern, that's me!"

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