If you’re interested in Midcentury modern, then Jeff Soladay is definitely the man to talk to; the Iowa native and owner of Shindig Furnishings describes the form of architecture and furnishings as a passion for both himself and his wife, Joan.
“We are both really particularly drawn to the clean lines of the Midcentury modern style,” he says. Soladay credits his grandfather and mother for his early interest in furnishings, “My grandfather taught me how to restore furniture that my mom would bring home after a day of antiquing.”
Over the years the couple has embarked on multiple Midcentury home tours including several in Palm Springs, California, a city Soladay describes as the mecca for Midcentury modern.
The Palm Spring tours were the inspiration for the Soladays to bring a Mid-mod tour to Greenville. The inaugural gvlMOD Collection Home Tour was held in September of 2019 and featured six properties. The tour quickly sold out.
As our conversation turns to the rising popularity of this particular form of architecture and furniture, Soladay points to the fact that many people are looking to simplify their lives and
the Midcentury modern structure is one that touts function-over-form with minimal ornamentation and a blurring of lines between indoors and outdoors. I mention that I am drawn to so many of the pieces because they conjure up memories of my childhood photos and snapshots I have seen of my parent’s living room and bedroom. He agrees that nostalgia is a selling point for many.
While Palm Springs may be the mecca for Mid-mod homes, Greenville is home to an impressive number as well. The neighborhoods of Stone Lake, Botany Woods, Stratford Forest and Terra Pines all have significant homes with Midcentury architecture. Greenville also boasts a home designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. That home is only one of two homes designed by Wright in South Carolina. The other is located in Yemassee.
With popularity soaring for the genre, Soladay and the committee for the MOD Tour are thrilled to once again showcase Midcentury properties in Greenville since the tour last year was canceled due to the pandemic. The gvlMod 2022 Collection Home Tour will be held on April 24. It will include five homes and a church that was built in 1959; Soladay’s own home is on tour, which was purchased just a little over a year ago.
Unlike many other home tours, visitors will be able to walk through interiors and the owners will be present to discuss any past or future renovation plans. Volunteers will also be available at each house with information about the home’s history, architecture and other interesting facts.
Midcentury Homes
Soladay Home
Founders of the gvlMOD tour, the Soladays are excited about this year’s showcase of homes, including their own. Tour-goers will be thrilled to see the original architectural elements throughout the home.
Look for: the original mahogany ceiling and corner windows in the living room and dining room.
Marshall/Gilliam Home
The home features a wonderful example of the “blurring of the lines” between the indoors and outdoors with large bay windows along with notable wormy cedar paneling and trim.
Look for: the home’s lush Asian-influenced front courtyard.
Shelnutt Home
Tour organizers are excited for visitors to see all the modern updates that have been done throughout the Shelnutt home.
Look for: the original house plans which note the “Maid’s Bathroom” within the carport among other interesting details.
Messenger/Gillis Home
The home retains almost all of its original features from the 1950s and original architectural elements have been preserved, including a center stairwell to the lower level, walnut paneling and built-ins.
Look for: lovingly preserved original bathrooms in the home.
First Church of Christ, Scientist
One of the highlights of this year’s tour is the inclusion of a non-residence, a church. This addition shows that the Mid-mod style is present in all types of structures. The church is nearly unchanged from its roots in 1959. Some of its features include original, simple stained glass with Frank Lloyd Wright-style exterior window grilles and scripture in Neutraface font (named for the well-known architect from California) in the sanctuary.
Look for: the built-in library seating and stylized desk in the office.
Photography by Inspiro 8 Studios
