Atomic Ranch Fall 2023

editor's letter ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT THE LIFELONG PURSUIT OF A PASSION—in this case, Mid Century Modern anything—is the continual process of learning and uncovering new stories, new names and new aspects. As a mentor to other editors, I’ve often found that when one assumes the helm of editor, there is pressure to be the smartest person in the room on that topic. Your worst fear is not being able to answer someone’s question about who an architect is, how to repair a vintage radio or what year a particular piece of glass was made. The impostor syndrome is real! Truth is, we’re all always learning! And what a beautiful thing it is that there is always a name or date or history to uncover about this movement that…

Mod Index: John Yeon, The Spirit of Place as Form Learn more about the life and major works of John Yeon, one of the great pioneers of modernist architecture in the Pacific Northwest. Rooms + Essentials: Bedding to Spruce Up Your Bedroom Create cozy mid-century style with duvet covers and bedding that will refresh your bedroom, whether you prefer neutrals or color. Browse our top picks from around the Web. House Tour: A Mid-Century Seattle Escape This cozy 1950s Seattle rambler showcases a blend of authentic vintage wares with affordable reproductions. Cool Stuff: 7 Essential Furnishings for a Formal Fall Dining Room Get your dining room ready for hosting guests this season with funky, formal and Brutalist-inspired furniture and décor picks. Follow us online on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest daily!…

curb appeal BEFORE SETTLING INTO THEIR HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA, HOME, Chad Baker and Tina Clement spent several years on the hunt for their dream home. Not just any mid-century modern would do—they sought one with as much of its original features and period charm intact. They found that in this home built in 1963 by James Nelson Sherrill, AIA. In addition to boasting an original kitchen, the home’s façade saw little change from when it was built. Chad and Tina were able to instead focus on maintaining the home’s originality. All of their renovation choices were vetted against the question of timelessness. “I’m a purist. I don’t like to disturb anything that has made an ‘object’ what it is,”Chad says. NATURALISTIC APPROACH Framed by the beautiful wooded landscape behind it,…

modern makers WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE wrote, “To thine own self be true.” If anyone applies those words seriously to their craft, it would be ceramicist and artist Kate Schroeder. Inspired by Mid Century Modern style, Kate creates nostalgic-looking miniatures made with pure joy and lots of heart. Her tiny Malm fireplaces have a viral following on social media. “For me, Mid Century Modern design is the pinnacle of design, specifically because of the focus on functionality in design and our everyday lives,” Kate says. “I am drawn to the combination of organic and geometric shapes, bold colors and clean aesthetic.” Her work is inspired by a deep understanding of why we collect certain objects and their emotional impact on our mental health. Kate incorporates elements of craft, architecture, design and fine…

Who says you can’t turn the kitchen of a 1909 Craftsman into a modern cook space reflecting your personal style? That’s exactly what the homeowners of this Portland, Oregon, antique gem did, and they partnered with Howells Architecture + Design to do it. The owners always had a penchant for Mid Century Modern furniture. When the time came to renovate the rather generic and poorly functioning old kitchen, they decided to make a bold move. “We agreed on a kitchen that would be bold and different,” says architect Michael Howells. “The clients were gutsy; they didn’t want anything generic and conventional, and their furniture had a modern vibe, which was our jumping off point.” A HARMONIOUS GOAL The project kicked off with a complete gutting of the 180-square-foot space. All…

It’s not every day that the home of a Mid Century Modern design icon is for sale—let alone one they designed for themselves. Such was the case when the family home of Adrian Pearsall hit the market in 2013. Toni Crevo and her husband, David Koral, found themselves purchasing the sprawling Mid Mod estate in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, “as is” from the Pearsall family. Toni admits they were not quite sure at first what they were walking into, but as time passed the state of the home became clearer. “It was very obvious on the day we closed that it was more of a project than we thought,” she says. Shortly after purchase, Toni and David began the process of lovingly restoring the home. Toni says their mission was to…