As you might know, we recently hosted our first online panel, The New Mid-Century: Interpreting Modernism Today. As a subscriber, you now have access to the full recording.
Three leading voices in design and architecture joined our host and Editor-in-Chief, Marco Guagliardo, to explore why mid-century ideas continue to shape the way we live. Architect John Klopf, interior designer Karen Nepacena, and author Dominic Bradbury each offered their unique perspective on how the optimism, functionality, and connection to nature that defined mid-century modernism remain so relevant today.
We opened the discussion with a simple question: What Still Works? The speakers reflected on how our lifestyles have evolved since the 1950s while many mid-century principles — such as human-scale design and open living spaces — still feel timeless.
In the second part, Bringing the Outside In, the focus turned to one of modernism’s central ideas: the seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. With John’s experience in Eichler home renovations and Karen living in one herself, they examined how this principle was mastered by developers like Joseph Eichler and architects like Richard Neutra. Dominic’s international view broadened the conversation, tracing how this concept travelled from California to Scandinavia and beyond.
After this discussion, we heard from Warm Nordic, our event sponsor, about what defines quality in furniture and how rediscovering forgotten Scandinavian design gems keeps modernism alive today.
Finally, What Should We Leave Behind? explored which aspects of mid-century living might no longer serve us — from small kitchens to strict zoning — and how today’s designers reinterpret the spirit of the era without replicating its limitations.
We hope you enjoy watching the panel and look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments.
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