Inspired by the modern rooms
The interiors of our new Visitor Center and the Administration Building will draw inspiration from the sleek, rich, contemporary feel of “the modern rooms” in Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s Main Residence, which were designed by industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague in the mid-1930s.
Compare the photos and renderings of the new facilities below to the photos of the historic Main Residence’s modern rooms to see the inspiration.
Edsel and Eleanor had broad tastes in art and design, including an avid interest in the newest contemporary design trends. You can see this in the four modern rooms inside the Main Residence.
Throughout the 1930s, Edsel engaged Teague to design Ford Motor Company's pavilions and new product exhibits at auto shows, world’s fairs, and dealer showrooms. Teague's design forte was office interiors, buildings, cars, trains and planes. His work exemplified the 1930s design trend of streamlining, featuring long, smooth lines for a look that implies speed.
The modern rooms look dramatically different from the rest of Edsel and Eleanor’s home. The modern rooms -- which include a sitting room on the historic house's main floor, the boys' bedrooms on the second floor, and a game room in the basement -- feature sleek, custom-made furnishings in exotic hardwoods, recessed lighting reflected in mirrored surfaces and leather-paneled walls. Teague's signature streamlined seating, radios built in to plastic-topped tables, and industrial metallic finishes in copper and brass are seen in these comfortable, contemporary (yet historic) spaces.
The fact that these interiors were built into Ford House in the 1930s makes a strong statement about Edsel's vision of 20th century design and his courage in embracing the work of the most contemporary of the creative geniuses who entered his world.
The fact that the new Visitor Center and Administration Building will sport similar looks makes attractive ties in the art and design Edsel and Eleanor celebrated throughout the estate.
The Modern Room inside the historic Main Residence (below).
The Modern Room inside the historic Main Residence (below).
Photo of the ceiling's recessed lighting in our future restaurant,The Continental, inside the new Visitor Center, currently under construction (below).
Rendering of the lobby of the new Visitor Center, featuring wood paneling (below).
Rendering of the new restaurant, The Continental, inside the new Visitor Center (below).
Photo of the event rental space, coming in the new Visitor Center (below).
