Let's talk, . . . . it is a big whoop (paraphrasing Mike Myers)

I love the modernist movement in architecture and design. "It's like buttah" (Mike Myers again). There is a lot to love, it has been around since at least the 1920s. Art Moderne, Streamline Moderne, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Modernism, 92 years!! Nine decades! Not a fad! It really shouldn't even be called modern because it is not new, it has been deeply rooted in our culture for almost a century. So why aren't the toy stores full of "modern" miniature houses and furniture that mirror the houses and furniture all around us? Google "dollhouse" and pink plastic castles and gothic Victorian houses are the vast majority of images retrieved. These are fine toys, but why aren't there more choices?

We, as a culture, have been graced with modern architecture and interior design for almost as long as we have been graced with the automobile. Google "toy cars" and you get MODERN toy cars like these:




Why do the large toy manufacturers assume that most children like modern toy cars, but not modern dollhouses? What message is being conveyed?

To me modernism in architecture and interior design represents hope in today and the future. No limits!

Ok, thanks for listening, you have been very polite. You deserve a give away, which I will announce on Sunday; it will be open to followers of this blog, and there will be five gifts for five people.

Please enjoy this small sample of images of modern architecture and interior design from the past 92 years. It is by no means complete.

1960 to today























1950s









1940s (most photos below are of displays at the Fantasy House furniture store that once existed in Los Angeles)










1930s


(above is a building designed by Raymond McGrath)











(The Architectural Review award winner for 1930)





(themodernhouse.net)


(themodernhouse.net)

1920s





(Interior of Schroder House).

Wishing you only good things, Neen