Saw your other thread. (No, don't paint it.) That is a gorgeous house. Don't rush anything. Live with things a bit. Don't "update" or make any structural changes for cosmetic reasons.

When it comes time for landscaping, make sure your plantings are historically accurate to go with the house. It the little details like that that will make or break the whole look and feel of the house. Emphasize green texture with strategically placed plants such as hosta and evergreens for that desired serene feel. Avoid planting colorful 'cottage flowers' which would feel too cluttery with a home like this.

Wishing you the best of progress and I hope you keep us all updated with the decorating.

I think it is a spectacular house. I might be tempted to do FLOR carpet tiles or a room sized rug in the living room to suppress the colorful stone floor a bit. However, the house is a nicely done example of MCM with maybe just a bit of Googie thrown in with that crazy railing.

Wow, love the wall of windows in the back. Is that the family room?

Laurie

I think it's great, and I agree about the landscaping. You want plants that will complement the architecture--bold shapes, not too much color.

I'd resist any urges to "soften" it. Think dramatic, not cute.

Thanks for the gardening tips! That strip of sun in the front yard is the most sun we get on the whole property. So far we have gone mostly with hostas and a few shade plants. The place was nicely laid out with pachysandra as borders. Lots of ivy had overgrown the place as well. Checking out the garden web area for ideas is on my list. I had a feeling the yard should be minimalist as far as flowers. Helps with keeping plant maintenance down!

Didn't see this before...I think I shall faint. Where is it located? My taste runs *exactly* in that direction, and if I'd found myself so lucky as to become the caretaker of a house like that, I'd make it a life project to pass on to the next generation.

If no one has mentioned this before, look at the several issues of the magazine "Modernism" before doing *anything*. They have extremely useful, heavy-photo-content articles on interior and exterior/landscape design of modernist buildings, commercial/organizational and residential.

I agree, it's a muscular house, not one that needs softening. btw, I don't see googie in the railing, I see strong use of extremely acute triangles. Different from the usual slanted railing on 50s houses. I love how the light plays on the slats.

This is a fabulous building, one that saves its drama for its owners, which I especially adore. I have art I'm already dying to put up in that house of yours :)

... *sigh* off to find that first thread...

OH, I see what rail was being referred to as googie (just went to the first thread)--o.k., well maybe, but I could still see the inside stair rail (is that what you meant, palimpsest?) as high-modernist in a more international frame. Could see it easily in Latin America, for instance. Don't want to send swick in any lessening direction!

To. die. for.

LOVE IT. The built-ins are fabulous. As to the garden...lots of cool books out there. Remember that ebay link I provided? pdxmod has lots of gardening/landscaping books as well.

As I said before...I started researching this stuff when my sis bought an Eichler in Palo Alto. I think you should look at MCM landscape design books...but also Japanese garden style books. And you need at least one truly fabulous japanese maple on your property...

So cool! The master and the exterior back are amazing!

Yes I meant the interior railing. Its white, the stairway is swoopy and the design is fanciful.

Oh mjsee, yesssss, I had the same thought about the Japanese maple on the property! Ok - I have another picture to take of the side of the house that is a little zen area just waiting for some TLC.

I'm off to take a look at some more links to read -- thanks flyleft!