A few years ago one of the more significant Eichler homes - the Matt and Lydia Kahn house - went on the market. This of course gave the public an opportunity to peek behind its nondescript midcentury modern front facade. A classic Eichler interior was thusly revealed: light-filled with ample skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, open spaces, all opening to interior gardens and patios.

What is an Eichler, you ask? Well, it is both a man and a house. The man, Joseph Eichler, was a post-war developer who build thousands of homes in California. Inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichler worked closely with architects to devise his signature modernist style, creating what is now universally known as the "Eichler" house. Most notable about the house was the concept of indoor-outdoor living which prevailed throughout his developments and beyond. What should also be noted about the man was his character and his staunch support for fair housing:

A strong proponent of fair housing and deeply opposed to racial discrimination, the liberal Eichler was the first large, tract builder to sell to minorities, and even built a home on his own lot for an NAACP leader. Joe resigned from the National Association of Home Builders in 1958 in protest of racial discrimination policies and, according to reports from long-time Eichler owners, offered to buy back homes from those who had trouble accepting their neighbors.

"If, as you claim, this will destroy property values," Joe once told some disgruntled Eichler owners, "I could lose millions...You should be ashamed of yourselves for wasting your time and mine with such pettiness."

Something that stands out with the Kahn house is the use of art glass to reassert the light in pretty, magical ways. Two large "eavesdroppers" - designed by Matt Kahn himself - designate the primary entrance, offering a colorful greeting and revealing a color story to reflect the owners' personal tastes. According to the Kahn's son, Ira:

"The light in the house is just amazing," Ira said, looking towards the 'eavesdroppers.' "In the morning, when the light is horizontal, and in the afternoon, when the light is horizontal, the interior of the house is awash with color. It's marvelous to sit in the rich environment of colored light."

Two more intricate and diminutive pieces are placed in a bedroom, flanking the bed in front of frosted windows. These act more as classic framed art pieces, illuminated by the natural light diffused through the frosted privacy glass. Large, colorful glass rondels are placed in the sitting and dining area and layered in such a way to create a complementary color scheme. One bathroom features a set of hanging swirl rondels adding visual excitement to a sedate frosted privacy window.

As you see throughout, the glass can be installed as separate panels that can be relocated as needed and won't impact the original design integrity. The introduction of art glass maintains the clean, uncluttered aesthetic while offering another dimension of light and color. We see the open, clean spaces as empty canvases for colored light and an opportunity to enhance the modern interior in a novel way.

Do you live in a midcentury modern home? What color story would you like to tell? Contact us if you want to discuss.

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