In a quiet meadow in the Pacific Palisades of California stands an iconic home overlooking the ocean. Two simple rectangular structures of glass and primary colors hold the precious trinkets, artful books, colorful pillows and grand collection of mid-century furniture of the couple that set standards for design that still exist today.

The Eames House and Studio was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949 and constructed of off the shelf materials. The house named, Case Study No. 8, was part of The Case Study House Program led by the legendary John Entenza, the former publisher of Arts and Architecture magazine. The program challenged architects to use materials and techniques derived from World War II while simultaneously appealing to life in the modern world. The Eames House and Studio epitomizes a welcoming home with layered warmth that transcends the notion that modern design is strictly cold and bare.  

Words by Katharine Wimett 

Top Photo by Thomas Keane
Bottom Photo courtesy of The Eames Foundation and Eames Office, LLC