Midcentury Bliss

Part of what’s known colloquially as the Stilt Homes in Sherman Oaks, California, the home currently for sale at 3631 Oakfield Drive is enveloped by trees for added privacy.

The installation illuminates the Farnsworth House with latticed red lasers that extend out into the natural surroundings.

“Everything was in fairly bad repair,” says Jessy Moss, recalling her first impression of seeing the 1961 post-and-beam home on Zillow. But one feature that caught her eye—and hinted to her that the house might be worth a visit—was the cluster of circular pavers that enlivened the driveway. Later, after she and her husband, Steve Jocz, bought the home, they had new concrete pavers laid in a similar pattern.

This single-family residence in Bloomfield, Michigan, known as the Treehaus, embodies the iconic style of midcentury modernism. Thanks to a thoughtful renovation, this rare dwelling has been restored to its original state of refined elegance.

The deceptively simple design makes it a well-recognized masterpiece of midcentury design.

Wood paneling provides a pop of contrast on the front side of the home. The two-car garage is to the left.

The kitchen sits just off the living room area for easy entertaining. The roller shades are from J Geiger.

The home features built-ins like this bookshelf in the living space.

The three Left-Twist Cube's are by Frank Gehry.

Expansive walls of glass and sliding doors that lead to the large exterior patio create a strong sense of indoor/outdoor living.

The Waymire Residence has a stunning profile with classic midcentury lines, and is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.

Designed by the "Father of the California Ranch Home," Cliff May prefab homes, like this 1950s dwelling here, were completed in just a few days after the concrete slabs were poured.

"We didn't realize the exterior was straight-grain redwood," says Craig Bassam of the house he shares with Scott Fellows. "It was covered in layers of gray paint." Bassam replaced the terrace's concrete pavers with bluestone and removed a concrete-block wall.

The original house is shaped like an L, with a butterfly roof. The architects first took note of Emery's key material moves, which include the white-framed windows, a brick foundation, and dark hardwood cladding on the exterior.