The Post-War Landscape and 1950s Housing Boom
The 1950s were a period of immense change and prosperity in the United States. Following World War II, returning soldiers and growing families created a massive demand for housing. This demand, coupled with government initiatives and advancements in construction techniques, led to rapid, large-scale home building.
The focus shifted from elaborate, highly decorated homes to more streamlined, functional, and cost-effective designs. This era fundamentally changed the way suburbs were planned and homes were built, laying the groundwork for the residential landscape we see today. Understanding this context is key to appreciating the characteristics of 1950’S home exteriors.
Factors Driving the Boom
Several factors converged to create the housing boom of the 1950s. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, famously known as the GI Bill, provided veterans with guaranteed home loans, making homeownership accessible to millions who previously couldn’t afford it. This created a massive new market for builders.
Families were also growing rapidly during the “Baby Boom,” requiring more space than traditional city apartments or older, smaller homes offered. Suburbs, with their promise of fresh air, larger lots, and perceived safety, became the ideal location for these expanding families. Mass production techniques, pioneered by builders like William Levitt, allowed homes to be constructed quickly and relatively cheaply, making the dream of homeownership a reality for the middle class.
Shift in Design Philosophy
Pre-war homes often featured intricate detailing, ornate trim, and more formal layouts. The 1950s, however, embraced a more modern and functional approach. Inspired by earlier modernist movements and responding to the need for efficient construction, designs became simpler, cleaner, and more integrated with the surrounding landscape.
While not all 1950s homes were strictly “modern,” even traditional styles adopted simpler lines and less ornamentation. The emphasis was on creating comfortable, practical living spaces tailored to the casual post-war lifestyle. This shift significantly impacted the outward appearance of homes, defining the look of 1950’S home exteriors.
Iconic Architectural Styles of the 1950s
The 1950s saw the widespread popularity of several distinct architectural styles, each contributing to the diverse yet often cohesive look of suburban neighborhoods. While influenced by earlier periods or growing architectural movements, these styles were adapted and built on a scale never before seen. They represent the core aesthetics of 1950’S home exteriors.
The Classic Ranch Style
Perhaps the most defining style of the 1950s was the Ranch home. Originating in California in the 1930s, it perfectly captured the post-war desire for casual, indoor-outdoor living and efficient construction. Rach homes were long, low-slung structures, typically single-story, with simple, often asymmetrical designs.
Their characteristic features included wide eaves, low-pitched gable or hip roofs, and large picture windows. The attached garage or carport was a standard element, reflecting the increasing importance of the automobile. Ranch homes provided open-plan interiors and a strong connection to the backyard, making them incredibly popular with young families.
Mid-Century Modern Influences
While the term “Mid-Century Modern” encompasses a broader period and includes high-design examples, its principles heavily influenced many suburban homes of the 1950s. These influences resulted in homes that featured clean lines, minimal ornament, and innovative uses of materials like glass and steel (though steel was less common in average homes).
Key exterior elements included large expanses of glass (like floor-to-ceiling windows or walls of windows), post-and-beam construction visible from the exterior, and integration with nature. While not always as dramatic as architectural masterpieces, many standard 1950s homes incorporated elements like large windows, carports, and a simplified aesthetic borrowed from true Mid-Century Modernism, shaping a segment of 1950’S home exteriors.
Split-Level Homes
Gaining significant traction in the 1950s and remaining popular into the 60s, the Split-Level home addressed the need for more space within a relatively compact footprint. These homes feature staggered floor levels, often with the main entrance opening to a landing between levels. From the exterior, this creates a distinctive multi-level appearance.
Split-levels typically incorporate elements of the Ranch style, such as low-pitched roofs and attached garages. Their varied rooflines and window placements across different levels give them a unique, segmented look. This style efficiently separated living spaces (living room, dining) from sleeping areas upstairs and often a family room or utility space on the lowest level, all visible in the exterior layout.
Colonial Revival & Other Traditional Styles
While modernist and functional styles dominated, traditional architectural influences, particularly Colonial Revival, still played a role, especially in certain regions or slightly higher-end developments. However, even these styles were simplified compared to their pre-war counterparts. Ornamentation was reduced, and layouts were often adapted for modern living.
Other styles like Cape Cods or even simplified Tudor or brick traditional homes were built, but they often incorporated 1950s elements like attached garages and larger, more picture-friendly windows. These styles offered a sense of tradition and familiarity for buyers who weren’t ready for the full departure of modern design, contributing to the variety seen in 1950’S home exteriors.
Distinctive Features of 1950s Home Exteriors
Beyond the overarching styles, several specific exterior features became highly characteristic of homes built in the 1950s. These elements were both functional and stylistic, defining the curb appeal of the era. They are key components when identifying 1950’S home exteriors.
Rooflines
Roof design in the 1950s was largely dictated by the popular styles of the time. Ranch homes featured low-pitched gable or hip roofs, often with wide overhanging eaves that provided shade and emphasized the home’s horizontal lines. Split-level homes showcased more complex, layered rooflines due to the staggered internal levels.
Mid-Century Modern influenced homes might feature flat roofs or very low-sloping shed roofs, again emphasizing clean, horizontal lines and reducing visual clutter. The simplicity and functionality of these roof designs were hallmarks of the decade’s architectural approach.
Windows and Doors
Window styles in the 1950s prioritized bringing light into the home and connecting indoors with outdoors. Large picture windows became incredibly popular, often dominating the front facade. Casement windows (crank-operated) and awning windows were also common, offering good ventilation while being relatively secure.
In warmer climates, jalousie windows (slatted glass panes that open like blinds) were sometimes used for their excellent airflow. Front doors were typically simple, often featuring a few panes of glass and sometimes a decorative screen door. Colors for doors might be brighter to add a pop against the main house color.
Garages and Carports
The rise of car ownership made the attached garage or carport an essential element of the 1950s home exterior. Unlike earlier homes where a detached garage might be found in the backyard, the 1950s garage was usually integrated into the main structure, often accessed from the driveway leading directly to the front of the house or side.
Carports, essentially roofed structures open on one or more sides, were also prevalent, particularly with Ranch and Mid-Century Modern styles. They offered shelter for vehicles while being less expensive to build than fully enclosed garages. The size and prominence of the garage or carport on the facade reflect the central role of the automobile in 1950s life and significantly impacted the look of 1950’S home exteriors.
Entrances and Porches
Front entrances in the 1950s were generally simpler and less grand than in previous eras. A small stoop or a modest covered porch was typical, especially on Ranch and Split-Level homes. These porches were often just large enough for a welcome mat and perhaps a single chair.
Mid-Century Modern entries might be more integrated into the landscape, perhaps a simple covered walkway. While large, wrap-around porches were less common than in Victorian or Colonial styles, the entry area still served as a key focal point, often highlighted by strategic use of materials or color.
Materials and Color Palettes
The choice of exterior materials and colors in the 1950s reflected both cost-effectiveness and evolving aesthetic preferences. Builders used a mix of traditional materials adapted for mass production and some newer options. The palettes tended to be softer or more earthy than later decades. Understanding these elements is crucial for appreciating the authentic appearance of 1950’S home exteriors.
Common Building Materials
Brick was a very popular material, often used for the entire house or as a prominent wainscoting or accent wall on the lower portion of the facade, combined with other materials above. Wood siding was also ubiquitous, including classic clapboard, board and batten, or sometimes vertical siding.
Stone veneer was used, often sparingly, as an accent around the entryway or on a chimney. Asbestos cement siding was another common material due to its durability and fire resistance (though its health risks were not understood at the time). Concrete block and stucco were also used, particularly in certain regions. The combination of two or three different materials on a single facade was a common technique to add visual interest.
Exterior Color Trends
The color palettes of the 1950s tended towards pastels, earthy tones, and sometimes slightly muted shades.
- Pastels: Light blues, pinks, yellows, and greens were popular, especially on Ranch and certain traditional homes.
- Earthy Tones: Beiges, browns, grays, and muted greens blended homes into the landscape.
- Contrasting Trim: Trim colors were often white or a darker, contrasting shade to make windows and architectural details stand out.
- Brighter Accents: Front doors or shutters might feature brighter, bolder colors (like red, turquoise, or bright yellow) to add personality.
Later in the decade, as the Mid-Century Modern influence grew stronger, slightly bolder or more saturated colors might appear, but the overall tendency remained towards a softer, more integrated look compared to the vibrant palettes of the 1960s and 70s.
Integrating Outdoors: Landscaping and Patios
The 1950s saw a growing emphasis on integrating the home with its outdoor space, particularly the backyard. The large lots in suburban developments provided ample room for children to play and families to relax. This connection was a significant aspect of 1950’S home exteriors and lifestyle.
Emphasis on Usable Outdoor Space
Ranch homes, in particular, were designed with easy access to the backyard from living areas, often through large windows or sliding doors. The backyard became an extension of the living space. While elaborate gardens were less common than in earlier eras, simple “foundation plantings” (shrubs around the base of the house) were typical.
Lawns were central to the 1950s suburban aesthetic – expansive, well-maintained green spaces for recreation. Concrete patios became a standard feature, providing a clean, durable surface for outdoor furniture and entertaining. The focus was on creating functional, low-maintenance outdoor areas that complemented the casual lifestyle promoted by the 1950’S home exteriors.
Preserving and Updating 1950s Exteriors
Homes built in the 1950s are now 70+ years old and often require maintenance or updating. Owners of these properties frequently face the decision of how to preserve the original character while incorporating modern amenities and energy efficiency. Understanding the original design intent is crucial when working with 1950’S home exteriors.
Maintaining Original Charm
For those who appreciate the distinct look of the 1950s, preserving the original exterior is a priority. This involves maintaining existing materials, repainting with historically appropriate color palettes, and repairing or replacing elements like windows or doors with options that match the original style.
Keeping the scale and proportion of replacements in line with the original design is key. For instance, replacing large picture windows with smaller, ill-proportioned ones can drastically alter the intended look. Similarly, choosing modern garage doors that clash with the home’s style can detract from its curb appeal.
Sensitive Modernization
Many homeowners wish to update their 1950s homes for modern comfort and efficiency without completely erasing their history. Sensitive modernization involves making improvements that complement rather than compete with the original architecture. This might involve updating insulation, replacing windows with more energy-efficient models (while trying to maintain the original look), or updating exterior finishes.
Roof Updates
Replacing an old roof is a common necessity. Choosing roofing materials and colors that are sympathetic to the 1950s aesthetic is important. Asphalt shingles in appropriate colors (grays, browns, or muted greens) are often suitable. For Mid-Century Modern influenced homes with low-slope or flat roofs, modern roofing technologies can provide durability while maintaining the original profile.
Window Replacement
While replacing original windows improves energy efficiency, it’s vital to select replacement windows that respect the home’s style. For 1950s homes, this might mean maintaining the size and placement of large picture windows, choosing casement or awning styles where appropriate, and considering the grid patterns (or lack thereof) of the originals. Materials like vinyl or fiberglass can be used, but the visual appearance should be a close match.
Paint and Siding
Repainting or replacing siding offers a significant opportunity to refresh and protect the exterior. If replacing siding, choosing a material and profile similar to the original (e.g., clapboard for wood-sided homes, or mimicking the look of asbestos siding with modern fiber cement) helps maintain authenticity. Selecting exterior paint colors based on 1950s palettes can dramatically enhance the home’s curb appeal and historic feel. Considering the relationship between the main color, trim color, and accent colors (like the front door) is essential for capturing the era’s look.
Conclusion
The 1950’S home exteriors are a fascinating reflection of a pivotal decade in American history. Shaped by economic boom, social change, and evolving architectural ideas, these homes prioritized functionality, affordability, and a connection to the outdoors. From the sprawling Ranch to the multi-level Split-Level and the clean lines influenced by Mid-Century Modernism, the styles of the 1950s created suburban landscapes that defined an era.
Characteristic features like low-pitched roofs, large picture windows, integrated garages, and simple entryways, combined with palettes of pastels or earthy tones, give these homes their enduring charm. Today, preserving the original character of these homes while thoughtfully integrating modern updates allows homeowners to enjoy the comfort and style of the 1950s while meeting contemporary needs. The legacy of 1950’S home exteriors continues to influence residential design and remains a beloved chapter in architectural history.