The Nuclear Home: Interiors in the 50's

The  Atomic Ranch house is an American design that began in the 1920's but really had it's heyday with the post-war middle class in the 1950's. when it became so popular that nine out of ten new homes built were of the ranch style. It was these houses that many a 50's women called her home. She made her meals in it's kitchen, raised her children there, and even perhaps sewed her clothing in the home's den or spare bedroom.


Why Atomic you ask? Because of the bomb, darling. The nuclear bombs that ended the war had an oddly positive effect on the American socio-political thinking as a "nuclear optimism" infused the 50's with it's hope for an end to all war, and a belief that nuclear power would heal the sick and end our dependency on fossil fuels. In short, we'd won the war, the boys had come home, and now everything was going to be perfect.


The interior's of these houses took a dramatic turn from previous styles, though some vestigages of the old designs (art deco, craftsman, etc) can still be found. Lineoleum and plastics became a big part of the household furnishings, though you were as likely to find a carpeted bathroom as one laid in the more practical lineoleum. Let's think about that for a moment, shall we? What does it mean to carpet your bathroom, a clearly impractical design? Again, I return to this drive towards perfection. There was, I believe, another side to this perfection - a need to make it all look effortless. Perfectly manicured nails, elaborate hairdo's done just so, fancy house dresses and a well set table all were meant to represent the wealth and stature America, and therefore Americans, had achieved.


Now for what you've all been waiting for: The eye candy. Enjoy!