Lots to Love on the Inside - Page 2

In keeping with the mid-century modern aesthetic, and for maximized radiant heat conductivity, consider hard-floor options such as a treated existing concrete slab, tile, stone, cork, etc. rather than carpeting. Choose materials that will blend into the overall design of the home. Many homeowners opt for installing a single type of flooring with a modern feel throughout the home, opening up the living spaces as it flows seamlessly from room to room.

Another character-defining Eichler feature is its authentic Philippine mahogany wood wall paneling, commonly referred to as 'Luaun.' Try to maintain the original wood paneling, rather than abandon or paint over it. Ditto for the original tongue-and-groove ceilings, which are typically redwood lightly stained. For improved fire protection, spray-in foam or fiberglass batt insulation can be installed behind wood wall panels, or sheetrock can provide the foundation for a layer of new paneling.

All-white interiors, unfortunately a popular trend these days, severely detract from an Eichler home's natural earth-tone aesthetic. Refrain from painting interior walls all white, and thereby erasing an essential design element, and one that contributes so much to the character of an Eichler. If your home's interior has already been painted over, consider re-covering select walls with wood paneling similar to your home's originals, and/or introducing accent walls of color.

Go the extra mile to retain and maintain, rather than abandon, your radiant-heat system, a hallmark of the Eichler lifestyle. Stepping onto a warm, radiant-heated floor with bare feet is a real plus in an Eichler. That functioning system is also a desirable feature for buyers if and when your Eichler ever hits the market. If your radiant heating is on the fritz, consult with radiant-heating experts with knowledge of these specific systems. Get a second opinion before moving from leak repair to system abandonment.

Air conditioning and heating units and exposed ductwork can be significant eyesores—on the roof, in the side yard, and inside the home. Minimal dimensions and strategic placement is key, keeping systems and ducts camouflaged and out of sight as much as possible. Even ductless mini-split systems need attention for the positioning of their interior wall-mounted units and ceiling cassettes; consider inconspicuous spots, in the hallway or at a hidden corner of a room.

When original glass globe lights—a vital Eichler design feature—reflect off of mahogany paneling, Eichler interiors are known to respond with a pleasant, warm glow. Replacement globes can be sourced through neighbors, or from a handful of online retail outlets. For supplemental lighting options beyond the globe, look for fixtures that are unobtrusive and consistent with the modernist aesthetic.

The pride of many an Eichler owner, atriums are unique—and coveted by aficionados—and at their best are left uncovered and open to the sky. These cherished open-air spaces are oftentimes transformed into garden paradises and creative entertainment refuges—the sky's the limit. Rather than permanently sealing off the atrium from the outdoors, as some sadly do, if coverage is needed look to patio supply outlets that offer low-profile retractable or portable screening systems that can provide seasonal enclosure as needed.

• For our similar feature of top-ten guidelines for Eichler exteriors, click here.