In the late 1930s, a group of émigré European Modernists—Marcel Breuer, Serge Chermayeff, Walter Gropius, and Eero Saarinan—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 Hayden Walling, go to the CCMHT.
Create the low-key, modernist Outer Cape look with the following elements:
Above: For a similar lounge chair, Mies van der Rohe's classic Barcelona Chair, in ivory leather, is $5,271 from Design Within Reach. An alternative chair with a similar inspiration is Ikea's Pello Chair for $49.99.
Above: Crate & Barrel's Chasen 6-Foot Round Rug is $699.
Above: Modernica's Case Study Daybed has a frame available in classic, natural or walnut (shown) wood and with metal or bentwood legs; $1,895 from Mod Living.
Above: Ikea's Hektar Floor Lamp has an oversized shade and is made from steel, aluminum and an epoxy powder coating for $69.99.
Above: The Scissor Table is available from SF architect John Randolph and adjusts from 18 to 30 inches in height.
Above: Driftwood Birds by Osamu Harihara; contact Niagara House directly for information.
Above: The Regolit Pendant Lamp Shades are $5 from Ikea.
Above: e15's CP03 Kavir Carpet by Farah Ebrahimi features a single-toned surface with contrasting fringe detail at either end. The carpets are available in Antique Pink with Luminous Red (shown) and other color combinations. Visit e15 for dealer information and read more at CP03 Kavir Carpets from e15 in Germany.
Above: Saarinen's 42-Inch Round Dining Table from the famed Pedestal Collection is $2,005 from Knoll.
Above: An update on the classic Anglepoise lamp designed in 1932 by automotive engineer George Cardwardine, the Type 75 Desk Lamp in white is $165 from Horne. Read more from our previous post: 10 Easy Pieces: Best Architect's Lamps.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on August 17, 2010.