In the late 1930s, a group of émigré European modernists–Marcel Breuer, Serge Chermayeff, Walter Gropius, and Eero Saarinen–began to build summer homes on Outer Cape Cod, mostly in Wellfleet.
“Though humble in budget, materials, and environmental impact, the Outer Cape’s Modern houses manage to be manifestos of their designers’ philosophy and way of living, close to nature, immersed in art, and seeking community,” according to the Cape Cod Modern House Trust. Painter James Lechay (1907–2001) moved in the same circles; his house remains one of the best examples of modest Bauhaus architecture in town (it’s also for rent seasonally; go to We Need a Vacation for information). For more photos, see Architect Visit: Midcentury Modern in Wellfleet by Hayden Walling; to read more about Walling, go to the CCMHT.
Create the low-key, modernist Outer Cape look with the following elements.
The House
Above: Photograph by Raimund Koch for the Cape Cod Modern House Trust.
Above: Photograph by Raimund Koch for the Cape Cod Modern House Trust.
Above: Photograph via Salt Cellar Shop.
The Elements
Above: Day Bed Two is made of ash with a slatted wooden base; $2,950 from Another Country.
Above: The Brommo Chaise from Ikea is $59.99.
Above: Land of Nod’s 5-foot Round Flokati Fluff Rug is $299; other sizes are also available (it’s currently on back order until early September).
Above: Ikea’s Hektar Floor Lamp has an oversized shade and is made from steel and aluminum and has an epoxy powder coating for $69.99.
Above: The Midcentury Modern Inspired Coffee Table has a walnut plywood top and steel hairpin legs; $349 via Comod on Etsy.
Above: The classic midcentury coated-steel Krenit Bowl was recently reissued by Normann Copenhagen and is available from Design Within Reach; prices start at $18 for the smallest size and go up to $145 for the largest size (available in several colors, including light blue).
Above: Driftwood Birds by Osamu Harihara; contact Niagara House directly for information.
Above: The Baton Table Lamp is $385 from Design Within Reach.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on August 17, 2010, as part of our Marine Life issue.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation