10 Iconic Mid-Century Homes in Los Angeles (2024)

byMarie Albao/September 18, 2023/inHome, Ideas

Los Angeles, often referred to as the epicenter of architectural innovation, boasts a rich history of mid-century modern homes. These have left an indelible mark on the world of design and continue to inspire architects and enthusiasts alike. Also, these homes, characterized by their clean lines, open spaces, and seamless integration with nature, emerged as a response to the post-World War II era and have since become timeless icons of modern living.

In this article, we will explore ten of the most famous mid-century homes in Los Angeles that have helped shape the city’s architectural identity.

  1. The Stahl House
  2. The Eames House
  3. The Bass House
  4. The Lovell Health House
  5. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence
  6. The Kaufmann House
  7. Case Study #20: The Bailey House
  8. Case Study #16: A Serene Oasis in Bel Air
  9. The Schindler House
  10. Case Study #21: The Bailey House

10 Iconic Mid-Century Homes in Los Angeles (1)

1. The Stahl House: A Monument to Modernist Vision

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Located at 1635 Woods Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA, the Stahl House (Case Study #22) is an epitome of modernity and Japanese minimalism. A collaboration between Clarence and Carlotta Stahl, who had the vision for the home, and architect Pierre Koenig, this house has been recognized as one of LA’s historic cultural monuments. Besides, it is listed as one of the top architectural structures in America. Furthermore, its elegant exteriors and iconic Eames Lounge Chair make it a symbol of architectural excellence.

2. The Eames House: Home to Iconic Designs

Situated at 203 Chautauqua Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA, the Eames House (Case Study #8) is not only a mid-century modern masterpiece but also the birthplace of iconic designs like the Eames Lounge Chair. Designed and built by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, this home is known for its modernity, Japanese minimalism, and innovative modular construction.

10 Iconic Mid-Century Homes in Los Angeles (3)

3. The Bass House: A Unique Wood-Clad Gem

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Located at 2275 Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, CA 91001, USA, the Bass House (Case House #20B) stands out as a unique gem among mid-century modern homes in Los Angeles. Designed by Buff, Straub & Hensman in 1958, it deviates from the prevalent steel construction with its distinctive use of wood as the primary building material. To add, this home seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, exemplifying the principle of bringing the outside in.

4. The Lovell Health House: A Modernist Pioneer

Designed by Richard Neutra in 1929, the Lovell Health House in Los Feliz predates the mid-century movement but greatly influenced it. With its innovative use of space, interconnected rooms, and strong geometric lines, this home served as a precursor to mid-century modern design principles.

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5. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence: An Organic Marvel

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Designed by John Lautner in 1963, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Beverly Crest seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Also, its concrete roof seems to float above the living spaces. And its distinctive design has been featured in movies and magazines, making it an emblem of architectural innovation.

6. The Kaufmann House: Desert Modernism in Palm Springs

Designed by Richard Neutra in 1946, the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs is a striking example of desert modernism. In addition, its horizontal lines, flat roof, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls blur the lines between the interior and the arid desert landscape.

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7. Bailey House: A Mid-Century Family Home

Designed by Richard Neutra in 1947, the Bailey House (Case Study #20), located at 219 Chautauqua Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA, is an intriguing example of mid-century modern architecture. Further, crafted as a family home that could evolve with its occupants, it features simple rectangular shapes and a captivating curved glass staircase.

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8. Case Study #16: A Serene Oasis in Bel Air

Tucked away in the serene hills of Bel Air at 1811 Bel Air Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077, USA, Case Study #16 is a remarkable creation by Craig Ellwood. As the last surviving member of a trio designed by Ellwood as part of the Case Study program, this house is a city landmark recognized for its innovative design. Moreover, it features oversized translucent floor-to-ceiling glass panels and exposed steel framing.

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9. The Schindler House: A Mid-Century Pioneer

Designed by Rudolph M. Schindler in 1921, the Schindler House in West Hollywood set the stage for mid-century modern design principles. As well, its innovative use of space, interconnected rooms, and strong geometric lines paved the way for the mid-century movement.

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10. Case Study #21: The Bailey House

Another prominent member of the Case Study House program, the Bailey House (Case Study #21), designed by Pierre Koenig in 1958, exemplifies mid-century modern design principles. Also, perched on a hill in the Laurel Canyon area, this house boasts an open floor plan, sleek steel structure, and walls of glass that invite nature into the living spaces. Additionally, it’s a testament to Koenig’s talent and vision.

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Los Angeles’s mid-century modern homes are not just architectural marvels but also cultural touchstones that continue to inspire designers, homeowners, and aficionados worldwide. These homes, with their forward-thinking designs, innovative use of materials, and deep connections to the California landscape, have left an enduring legacy. Also these shape the city’s architectural identity and standing as testaments to the enduring allure of mid-century modernism. Exploring these homes allows us to not only appreciate their aesthetic beauty but also to gain insight into the spirit of innovation and creativity that has defined Los Angeles for decades. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply appreciate architectural excellence, these iconic homes are a must-visit to experience the essence of mid-century modern living in Los Angeles.

Check out Minimalist Interior Design: Pros and Cons for more inspirational ideas.

10 Iconic Mid-Century Homes in Los Angeles (12)

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10 Iconic Mid-Century Homes in Los Angeles (2024)

FAQs

What is the famous mid century house in Los Angeles? ›

The Eames House: Home to Iconic Designs

Situated at 203 Chautauqua Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90272, USA, the Eames House (Case Study #8) is not only a mid-century modern masterpiece but also the birthplace of iconic designs like the Eames Lounge Chair.

What is the most famous house in Los Angeles? ›

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is often referred to as the most famous private home in the world (that's not a palace or government mansion), but Stahl House is surely Los Angele's most famous home.

Where are the most mid-century modern homes? ›

As we mentioned above, New York City is a mid century modern hotspot! Featuring iconic MCM builds by the top architects of the period, NYC is home to more mid century modern buildings than any other city in the U.S. (5,937, to be exact). From the Seagram's building by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe to the Solomon R.

What does a mid century home look like? ›

Key Elements

The geometric lines of the house are regular and rigorous. Flat roofs are common, though modern ranch-style houses had gable roofs. Large windows. Sliding-glass doors and other expansive panes of glass allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.

Who owns the $300 million dollar house in LA? ›

Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z paid a whopping $US200 million ($300 million) for their new home in California, making it the most expensive house ever sold in that state, according to TMZ.

Who owns the $250 million dollar house in LA? ›

Casa Encantada's current owners, financier Gary Winnick and his wife, children's author and artist Karen Winnick, purchased the abode for $94 million in 2000.

What is the oldest house in Los Angeles? ›

Built in 1818 by L.A.'s Mayor, Don Francisco Avila, the Avila Adobe is the oldest existing house in Los Angeles. Commandeered by the U.S. Navy during the Mexican-American War in 1847, the house today is a museum preserved to look as it did in the 1840s.

Where do the richest live in LA? ›

The top neighborhoods are probably Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, and Malibu. But all the richest areas featured in this article can boast at least some celebrities as their privacy and exclusivity make them attractive to the rich and famous.

What area do most celebrities live in LA? ›

The Beverly Hills Post Office area and the Trousdale Estates are particularly favored by celebrities. Beverly Hills neighborhoods that are popular with celebrities include Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills Flats, Beverly Park, Mullholand Estates, Benedict Canyon, and Coldwater Canyon.

What age is a mid-century home? ›

How Mid-Century Compares to Styles of the 1800s and 2000s
Also Known AsKey Elements
1930-1970Mid-CenturyWarm colors, minimalist, function over form, tapered legs, Danish inspired, Bauhaus inspired
1970-2020ContemporaryNeutral colors, soft lines + comfy textures, natural elements
1 more row

Are mid-century homes expensive? ›

A mid-century modern home costs $200 to $500 per square foot to build because you may need custom materials and features, like windows or roofs, that cost more per square foot. A true MCM home typically has around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, so your total project cost could range from $300,000 to $1,250,000.

Is mid-century modern in style 2024? ›

We took a little break from midcentury modern, but Kropovinsky says he sees it inching its way back in—though with a fresher take this time around. There is a new focus on organic curves and classic charm, and that will come back in 2024.

What kind of roofs do mid-century modern homes have? ›

While metal roofing may be appropriate for some mid-century modern homes, your mid-century modern home exterior may lend itself more to a traditional shingle-style roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and generally provide about 20 years of protection for a mid-century home.

Do mid-century homes have baseboards? ›

Mid-Century Modern homes feature clean, unadorned baseboards, with gentle curves to provide a simple accent rather than an eye-catching statement.

What is the really expensive house in LA? ›

27740 Pacific Coast Highway / $177M. This oceanfront estate in Paradise Cove Bluffs set the record as the most expensive home in Los Angeles (and California) in October 2021. At the time of sale, the purchase was second in the United States only to the $238M New York penthouse purchase by billionaire Ken Griffin.

What is the famous LA modernist house? ›

Located in the Hollywood Hills above Chateau Marmont and just west of Laurel Canyon, the Stahl House is architect Pierre Koenig's entry into the program, which was designed as a kind of experiment in residential architecture — and, in retrospect, represents perhaps the greatest confluence of modernist architects ever.

What Los Angeles mansion is known as the one? ›

The One is a private residence in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, United States. It is a compound of a main residence and three smaller houses in the modernist style and was developed by Nile Niami. The property is 105,000 square feet (9,800 m2) on 3.8 acres (1.5 ha).

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