Comments on: modern take on modernism

By: kelly

kelly — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 00:46:41 +0000

Funny how an ocean between us made the modernism movement so different… it struck our shores in a large way a bit later than in Europe (really started appearing en masse in mid- late-1940s), but was largely practiced by Europeans coming to America for something different. As a result, modernism in America was mroe about hope, rebuilding, and the future in an optimistic, post-war society. Although we certainly have our share of stark, minimal, white boxes, much of what I love about modernism in the US (especially in the west) is the warmth of design, the connection with the outdoors, and the relaxed lifestyle. Perhaps a visit to my humble abode (a modern ranch built in 1957) might alter your perspective a bit… I’ll bake the cupcakes!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 08:49:14 +0000

I love this house and style of architecture. I think it encompasses the range of design movements that I love best, from late Arts and Crafts, Art Deco to Scandinavian and North American Mid-Century Modern. I’m not sure about the wisdom of flat roofs in England but I think that all the windows would result in nice and naturally lit interiors. Sadly there aren’t many of these houses where we live. There are a depressingly large number of faux old new build developments, my least favourite type of house.

By: Suzi

Suzi — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 13:26:28 +0000

It´s really a great read. I agree, that most people are wanting machine made things, because they are perfect, made in a minute and mostly cheaper. And it´s so sad, that nowadays handcrafting things are not very popular anymore. I mean handcrafting like knitting and sewing and embroidering. If we buy a table from a joiner, we are willing to pay a lot of money, because it´s handmade – but are we willing to pay the same lot of money for a handknitted blanket, even it has some wrong stitches in it? And why are so many handcrafters perfectionists – is it our own ambition or because of appreciation and the compliment “this sweater doesn´t look handknitted!”.
You gave me many stimulations to think about my own intentions and attitudes – thank you very much!

By: mollychicken

mollychicken — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 10:41:53 +0000

Yes, those windows – Why do you think I’m selling it Jane ?

By: karin

karin — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 08:08:57 +0000

what a great read! I’m sitting here with a cup of tea on a Sunday morning feeling so inspired and well, enlightened!

By: Chap

Chap — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 06:31:33 +0000

I must say that house reminds me of looking through mangroves to see a ship. After living around ships for a good long while, the look of this house makes more sense and is more homey.

I’m sure it’s an accidental effect.

By: petulant

petulant — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:20:04 +0000

Here in the Potteries, the whole industry is built on the idea of obliterating all evidence of the human hand crafting the work. And yet, there are so many different skills from so many different individuals involved in making a simple tea set.

It’s interesting (and sad) that we value that industrial perfection more, even now; and that as a result the skills are dying out in this country as we instead purchase cheaper imports made with more sophisticated technology and fewer people.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 17:09:25 +0000

I have to say that I love these modernist buildings. I live in a 1960s bungalow which I also adore.

But if I won the lottery, I’d move tomorrow!

By: Tamara

Tamara — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 16:05:56 +0000

Great read! And I just knew it was yours without even looking. Thanks for all your inspiration on so many levels. TH

By: Tamara

Tamara — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 15:51:42 +0000

Great read! And I just knew it was yours without even looking. Thanks for all your inspiration on so many levels. TH