Lotta Living

(LottaLivin’) has been serving the MCM Mid Century Modern Historic Architecture Preservation Community since 1999. The Original Number One Online Authority on Architectural Rehabilitation and Restoration of Mid-Mod Design, Googie, Modernism and Atomic Age Living.

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Mid Century Modern Home Restoration Landscape

Lotta Livin tips for successful preservation and restoration of a Mid Century Modern home: Original Hardscape (Concrete Elements) Clutter-free Landscaping, Mature Trees and Plants Properly Maintained and Pruned, and General Cleanliness and Upkeep, Simple Landscape Uplighting, Attractive Xeriscaping

Original or Appropriate Hardscape (Concrete Elements) ADD$ Value

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SUBTRACT$ Value Mitigation
  • Decorative brick walls
  • Brick paths
  • Covering concrete with Saltillo, terracotta or other tile
  • Putting solid concrete everywhere
  • Remove inappropriate tile
  • Lay new concrete path, steps
  • Break up concrete with some nature

Clutter Free Landscape ADD$ Value

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SUBTRACT$ Value Mitigation
  • Overuse of gaudy, kitschy, tacky yard embellishments: lions, greek statues, Victorian streetlights, Main Street electrical parade, forest critters, butterflies, fake flowers, Mediterranean fountains, cherubs, angels, wind flutterers, pinwheels, seasonal bunny and santa flags,
  • Turning front yard into  playground with playset
  • Strive to 1 or 2 singular design “personality statements” i.e. a pair of pink flamingos, 2 grazing deer, 1-2 gnomes – not a whole platoon!
  • Put the playground in the backyard
  • Choose design elements that enhance Modernism

Mature Trees and Plants Properly Maintained and Pruned – General Cleanliness and Upkeep ADD$ Value

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SUBTRACT$ Value Mitigation
  • Neglect or trash
  • Chipping paint
  • Rotted fascia
  • Overuse of plant material
  • Overgrown trees
  • Clean up yard
  • Freshen up paint
  • Replace damaged wood
  • Prune plants
  • Thin out plant material

 

Simple Landscape Lighting and Uplighting ADD$ Value

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SUBTRACT$ Value Mitigation
  • Solar fixtures that provide no light
  • No lights at all
  • Install inexpensive Malibu style lighting fixtures

Attractive Xeriscaping ADD$ Value

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SUBTRACT$ Value Mitigation
  • Rocks everywhere
  • Rocks with random plants sticking out of them
  • Incorporate interesting geometric shapes
  • Mix up the rocks
  • Add plant life
  • Add spots of artificial turf
  • Add boulders

 

 

* Source: This presentation is based on the Paradise Palms neighborhood (designed by architects Dan Palmer and Bill Krisel) house tour held in October, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV – Produced by Mary-Margaret Stratton. Please give credit to LottaLivin if you use any of this information. Thank you.
* All images are used for educational purposes only. All images retain their original owner’s copyright. No infringement is intended.

 

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