A well-designed entrance is a vital element of a beautiful mid-century home, not least because this is the first place where the outdoors comes into contact with the inside of the house (an important preoccupation of the mid-century style in particular), but also because this is a visitor’s first impression of the space. Here we have selected three homes which perfectly capture the importance of a good entrance.

Firstly, there’s the Cast Study Apartment #1, with its wooden passageway snaking through the centre of the house. Secondly, we have the Max Bubeck Residence with its doorsteps in a ziggurat structure. And finally, there’s E. Stewart Williams’ Palm Springs residence with its striking orange doors.

1. Case Study Apartments No.1. Good Design, Affordable Price

The Case Study Program cropped up relatively recently on this website. In a discussion of its influence on a newly built home in Cupertino, California, designed by Wiliam Leddy which channelled the original Case Study House to maximise use of space to produce a more energy efficient home.

2. The Max Bubeck Residence is a home with personality 

3. E. Stewart Williams’ Understated Palm Springs Modernism

The Kenaston House is a good instance of E. Stewart Williams approach. Whereas all the mid-century hallmarks are there, there is a rich warmth to the design. In this regard, perhaps the distinguishing feature is the prevalence of walnut panelled walls, finished, polished in light brown.