British Interior House Styles by
Here is a compact and easy reference guide, filled with original drawings and diagrams in full colour, which detail the changing uses of space within houses over the centuries. The book shows developments in fashion, decoration, and furniture within different rooms and how these have steadily evolved with the passage of time. The book covers an immense range of interior styles from 1500 to 1960. In addition, there is a glossary of terms and a historical time chart. The book will prove invaluable to those who visit period homes and, at the same time, will give useful pointers to those planning to restore their own home in a particular period style.
The English Country House Explained by
Most of England's country houses are packed with masterpieces of art and antiques. They also have vast landscaped gardens, often with lakes and fountains. Recent television series and films (such as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park) have spurred on the public's interest in these grand and glamorous houses which reflect all the splendour of England's glory years. Using original colour drawings, diagrams and photographs, Trevor Yorke takes the reader on a careful tour of the country house and describes its features, exterior and interior, upstairs and downstairs. He looks at the different periods of large country houses from the mid 1500s up to 1914, explaining the changing architectural styles and the tastes of those who had them built. He describes the rooms within the main house and their role over the centuries. There is a glossary of architectural terms and a quick reference time chart, listing country house architects and the notable buildings they designed, with drawings of the period details that help to date the houses.
The 1940s and 1950s House Explained by
After a golden era of house building in the 1930's, Britain emerged from the Second World War with a desperate need to rebuild its bomb damaged towns and cities. Brighter design, careful planning and what was called 'Townscape' began to replace the traditional character of Victorian housing. The 1951 Festival of Britain was regarded as a tonic to the nation and ushered in modernity in all aspects of living.Now homes were bathed in sunlight and every where was finished in the new materials of vinyl and Formica. DIY was all the rage, and there were novel ideas in interior decor. New technology introduces the housewife to modern gadgets - cookers, vacuum cleaners and fridges.This book is ideal for those who want to learn more about the background to the period - how houses and flats were built and fitted out and the different styles of decoration. For some it may be a nostalgic trip; for others a useful starting point to renovating a period home. Trevor Yorke's numerous diagrams, drawings and photographs enhance an authoritative, but approachable text.
House and Garden - Fifties House by Search terms:
A Field Guide to American Houses by 
1950s American Home by 
Fabulous Fabrics of the 50s by 
The 1950s Kitchen by 
Atomic ranch midcentury interiors by 
Women and the Making of the Modern House by
This is a study of houses designed by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Robert Venturi for independent women who headed their own households. It explores the challenges that unconventional attitudes and ways of life presented to architectural thinking - and to the architects themselves. Among the houses examined are Hollyhock House, the Farnsworth House, the Schroeder House and the villa, Les Terrasses.
"In the 1950s and 1960s Australian architects were once again inspired by postwar California, where – like in Australia – families enjoyed more prosperity, had more children and moved to the suburbs to live in their own homes.
In both California and Australia, architects translated an emphasis on lifestyle and a desire to connect with the outdoors into residential housing. Thus, Mid-century homes had large windows and sliding doors, open-plan living and interconnected living spaces, along with sheltered courtyards and spacious gardens. " --houzz
Search Terms
Primary Publications:
Australian House and Garden
The Australian Women's Weekly
Architect and Architectures
How did Australian homes get their look?
A Home of My Own : Handy Hints and Images from Domestic Life in Australia in the 1940s and 1950s by You're researching how homes in the 1950's were decorated; your Professor is letting you choose one of these three regions (UK, USA, Australia).
Below you will find information about interior design in the 1950's for those three regions. Keep in mind country house styles may differ from city flats. Also, consider that in war torn and still rationing UK (and maybe Australia) a young couple with limited funds that's just inherited an Aunt's home may not be purchasing the newest in furniture trends but working with earlier pieces that came with the home.
Don't forget to research the available technology (ex: the sofa may be 1930's but a phone will probably be the 50's).
Consider:
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