When Function Replaced Beauty

When World War II ended, the young men who returned home rejoined the workforce, went to college, and began investing in homes. This surge created a massive demand for housing to be built as quickly and cheaply as possible. Up to that point, American home architecture had moved through definable eras and styles, each with a clear sense of form and proportion. But in the postwar rush, that focus shifted from form to function.

This new mindset drove innovation in building materials but diminished attention to design and craftsmanship. For example, as we moved away from wood windows, doors, and siding, we developed plastic alternatives. The goal was to imitate the look of natural materials (we still stamp wood grain textures into vinyl siding, though we’ve long forgotten that siding once was wood) and to promise better performance. Unfortunately, I can tell you from experience that neither claim truly holds up.

Because of this shift, beauty has come to feel like a luxury, something unattainable or impractical for many homeowners. And since natural materials do require a bit more maintenance than their manufactured counterparts, it’s understandable why people often choose convenience. Still, I want to encourage you to consider spending a little extra money or time and effort on your domestic church for a couple of important reasons.

First, the care and beauty we bring into our homes reflect the importance of what happens within them. Just as churches were, and often still are, built to reflect Him who resides there, our homes should reflect the sacred work that takes place inside the formation of faith and family.

Second, beauty itself is one of the transcendentals: a good worth pursuing for its own sake, because it draws us toward God.

If you’re a DIYer, explore architectural salvage stores around the Twin Cities you can often find high-quality materials from older homes at a fraction of their original cost. One of my personal favorites is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where I’ve discovered great deals on tile, doors, and other timeless pieces. YouTube can also be a wonderful resource for learning how homes were once designed and built.

And if you happen to be in the market for a remodel, addition, or even a new home and you’d like a contractor who can help you follow the enduring principles of older homes or choose materials that reflect natural beauty I’d be honored if you considered us.