Expert: Rikki Nyman - 12/29/2008

Question
Hi Rikki,
What style would you label the multitude of red brick homes built by Hallcraft from 1940 - 1965 in Phoenix?
Becky


Answer
Hey Becky -

;-)  I love those little Hallcraft houses.  I didn't think of this myself, but there is a group on Flickr that came up with a good designation: Storybook Ranches.

They are ranches, of course, but often have the extra scallops and trim that make them distinctive. They lend themselves to the knotty pine interiors with more traditional Early American-style furnishings that the majority of Americans preferred during the post-WWII period.

Though many people think of the "atomic" or "mid century modern" style as defining the period from 1940 to 1965, the majority liked more comfortable, cozy furnishings. As mentioned, knotty pine was big, brick, stenciling, folk art, chintz, wrought iron accessories ... a cozy, homey style was more common, especially among the middle-class, than the modern "Mad Men" style of decor.

Hope this helps,
Rikki
www.antiquehomestyle.com
www.midcenturyhomestyle.com