Inside the Gerald Luss House: A Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece in New York | House Tour

Maureen and her husband came across a for-sale ad for the Gerald Luss House, unaware of the architect behind it or the profound connection they would develop with the home over the next two decades. As they settled in, they not only preserved its architectural integrity but also built their family within its walls. In reflecting on their journey, Maureen shares how the house—and the introduction to its visionary architect—transformed their lives in the most meaningful way.

Gerald Luss (born 1926) is a mid-century modern architect and designer best known for his groundbreaking interior work on New York’s Time & Life Building, which served as inspiration for the hit series Mad Men. Designed and built in 1952, the Gerald Luss House in Ossining, New York, is a prime example of mid-century modernism. A skilled furniture designer, Luss also crafted many of the home’s built-in elements, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The interiors embrace a minimalist yet warm design, reminiscent of his Time & Life Building work.

The house is carefully positioned within its natural surroundings, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape. This strategic site selection enhances privacy and immersion in nature, reinforcing Luss’s philosophy of harmonizing structure with the environment.

Despite his significant contributions to modernist design, Luss’s legacy has often been overshadowed. However, the Gerald Luss House is a testament to his visionary architectural approach and holistic design thinking.

Film - Mick Aure @miccck
Producer - Elias Tebache @socalarchitecture
Music - Deep Al Brindle @DeepAlBrindle
Photography - Open Space
Special thanks to Maureen Flaherty @geraldlusshouse

@openspaceseries

[MM-sfrl]

The heart shaped shadow over the circular staircase from the skylight is magical and provides a sense of grace within the house — designed inwardly; communicates outwardly. The human stain upon the wood of love. 💗

[philip_]

I am 3 seconds into this video and this is already the most livable, calming, beautiful mid century home I think I've ever seen

[plantmanp]

Almost cried seeing the photos of Gerald Luss in the house all those years after. I could only imagine how he was feeling

[drinkeatnom]

The respect the family have for this iconic home is incredible. True custodians.

[Nicholas-Doyle]

Wow, I honestly started crying when I saw the photos of Gerlad revisiting the house.

[dennischiapello]

One of the most beautiful MCM houses I've seen in this or any other series! I so admire that they didn't do "obligatory" updates to the bathrooms--even leaving the wash basin as is. The owners' interior decor is outstanding, and the tall Akari floor lamp has never looked so strikingly perfect!

[j.zuberi]

Propably one of my fav episodes, those windows, the kitchen.. the hall ways omg, the Bathroom. Sheesh!

[ProjectA]

Love that the original architect was involved in the renos

[gambya]

Maureen is the perfect owner/custodian of this house. I love her appreciation of every detail of it.

A beautiful combination of preservation and updates.

Beautiful story with Mr Luss coning back to see it after 65 years. I can't imagine leaving after 2 years, under protest. Had to be awful for him.

Wonderful video.

[janicejugla]

How beautifully narrated the owner. She obviously loves this house very much.

[michaelthomas]

It is SO ADMIRABLE that you have remained dedicated to the original design of that home! Thank you!

[sergeikozitskii]

Gerald is still working at 98?! Unbelievable!
Beautiful house! Thanks for making such eye opening videos about architecture, I hope more and more people will see this, and start to appreciate everything that was build back in the days

[KerrieRedgate]

Wonderfully preserved. Beautiful house sitting so elegantly in its landscape. So many perfect features — the stone, the wood, the steel. The interiors are gorgeous and the owners have kept the style intact. It’s so heart-warming to see owners loving and honouring the beauty of a Mid-Century Modern house. These houses are so precious. And fabulous that they have met the owner and keep in touch. Thank you, Open Space, for this gorgeous and inspiring video!

[청연제작소]

Your storytelling is absolutely mesmerizing every detail, every emotion, and every architectural nuance is shared with such passion that it feels like we're walking through history with you! 🏡✨👏

[ducnut]

The parting view, with the warm glow of the lights at dusk, was perfectly done.

[rubyxrodgers]

crying watching this… thank you Mick and Elias❤️

[TheSeedsower]

Mr. Luss is so blessed to have you as the care takers of this beautiful piece of architecture . Thank you for sharing it with us !

[milootje]

Seems very well preserved, and in the hands of the right custodians. Beautiful!

[DR__]

The location, the house... some lucky people out there - and with the ability to appreciate it!

[andreszymanowicz]

Gosh what a beautiful house. I absolutely love that the family became friends with Gerald. Im so touched by this story. I felt like I was part of it. Cheers to everyone involved in this amazing and heartfelt story.