Information on remodeling, updating and preserving mid-century modern buildings, including Eichler and Alliance homes

Insulate Your Mid-Century Modern Home

This post first ran in 2017. In the mid-20th century, there seemed to be little reason to insulate a new California home. Mild winters and summers, combined with seemingly plentiful, inexpensive energy meant homeowners could crank up the heat without breaking the bank or worrying about their carbon footprint. In the 21st century, however, we

Eichler vs. Alliance: What’s the Difference?

This post first ran in 2016. Most people who pay attention to contemporary American architecture have heard of Eichler homes. Developer Joseph Eichler’s dream of bringing beautiful, affordable modern design to the masses was spurred by his admiration of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s soaring architectural designs, and the homes he built throughout California beginning in the late

What to Look for When Buying (or Selling) a Mid-Century Modern Home

A version of this post first ran in 2016. A few years ago, I asked Marin/Sonoma Realtor Elizabeth Meyers for advice about what to think about when buying or selling mid-century modern homes. The advice she gave still holds true. Special Considerations for Mid-Century Modern Homes While much of the advice on buying and selling

Five Ideas for Cooling Your Mid-Century Modern Home

This post first ran in 2018. Summer is just around the corner, and while many of us are looking forward to lazy days by the pool with a good book (and lots of sunscreen), we’re also thinking about how we’re going to keep cool without breaking the bank or destroying the earth. Cooling

Eichler vs. Alliance: What’s the Difference?

This post first ran in 2016. Most people who pay attention to contemporary American architecture have heard of Eichler homes. Developer Joseph Eichler’s dream of bringing beautiful, affordable modern design to the masses was spurred by his admiration of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s soaring architectural designs, and the homes he built throughout California beginning in the late

What to Look for When Buying (or Selling) a Mid-Century Modern Home

A version of this post first ran in 2016. With Covid-19 restrictions, lots of people are reassessing their housing needs, and either remodeling or up- or downsizing. A few years ago, I asked Marin/Sonoma Realtor Elizabeth Meyers for advice about what to think about when buying or selling mid-century modern homes. The advice she gave

Insulate Your Mid-Century Modern Home

This post first ran in 2017. In the mid-20th century, there seemed to be little reason to insulate a new California home. Mild winters and summers, combined with seemingly plentiful, inexpensive energy meant homeowners could crank up the heat without breaking the bank or worrying about their carbon footprint. In the 21st century, however, we

Renovating Your Mid-Century Modern Home – Advice from a Realtor

This post first ran in 2016. Mid-century modern homes have been enjoying something of a renaissance over the past few years. Originally intended as functional, affordable family homes, they’ve become sought-after properties, thanks to their unique style and their location in some of the Bay Area’s most desirable communities. If you’re lucky enough to own

Five Ideas for Cooling Your Mid-Century Modern Home

This post first ran in 2018. Summer is almost here, and while many of us are looking forward to lazy days by the pool with a good book (and lots of sunscreen), we’re also thinking about how we’re going to keep cool without breaking the bank or destroying the earth. Cooling a mid-century

Pillars of Modern Design: Clean, Functional, Sustainable

This post first ran in 2018. As an architect, I’ve long been drawn to modern design, both in my work and my personal life. Modern design is more than an aesthetic, it’s a way of approaching design from the standpoint of how we live now. Clean, Simple, Elegant Technically speaking, modern design is