Do you ask yourself if the home you own  – or the one you consider acquiring – is actually modern? The following design elements may exemplify more Mid-Century than Contemporary Modern, but can be observed in either:

TYPICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS

EXTERIOR flat or slightly angled roof, no shingles pronounced roof overhang extensive use of glass no ornamentation geometric, angular appearance smooth stucco, brick, stone or wood as exterior finish subtle color contrasts, often using a subdued natural palette (if not repainted) planters under breezeways and inside walls, or used as separators INTERIORS open, flowing floorplans with room partitioning sometimes by planters, half-walls or screens unified central area, including living and dining room exposed wooden or steel posts and beams sparse interiors skylit hallways flooring materials such as hardwood, cork, linoleum or terrazzo; no carpeting lots of glass to create a connection between in- and outside use of laminates, formica, aluminum, stainless steel, flagstone or concrete

SOUTHEAST-FLORIDA SPECIFIC Southeast Florida brought its own tropical flavors to Mid-Century Modern, creating a derivate sometimes referred to as MiMo or Miami Modern. Forms were borrowed from Space Age, and colors sometimes from the Art Deco palette. Elements typical of Mid-Century Modern in Southeast Florida often have the function to collect cooling breezes: floor-to-ceiling jalousie windows cantilevered canopies and overhangs exterior staircases exterior catwalks walls punctuated by cutouts, so-called brise-soleils

Not so often in Contemporary, but frequently in Mid-Century Modern you will encounter a mish-mash of elements instead of clean design, especially if you deal with a property that has to be de-renovated. If you do consider restoring a modern home, researching the original building specifications, consulting with a specialist and identifying previous remodeling will be tremendously helpful in returning the building to its original greatness. Think of the rewards: the daily joy of not only looking at, but living in an architectural gem.