NY Interior Design Does Pre-Fab

The New York School of Interior Design’s 70th Street Gallery presents an exhibit entitled Prefabricated Homes in America: The Early 20th Century Mail-order House through April 21, 2007. The show will include facsimiles of vintage catalogues and pattern books featuring mail-order houses and plans for purchasing the ideal home.  As early as 1914, consumers were able to acquired prefabricated houses factory-direct through mail-order sources. Sears Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, and many other sources, provided a viable way to own a piece of "the American dream."  

With colorful covers, these all-inclusive catalogues offered perspective views and interior floor plans, numerous architectural styles, and many optional enticements.  Also included were the latest in home appliances, mechanical equipment, lighting fixtures, built-in cabinetry -- as well as coordinated fabrics, wallpapers, furniture and china.  Historically, the prefabricated home provided a creative and economical solution for housing in America.