Monique Anton embodies everything that post-war modernist architecture and design aspired to be: chic, grounded, connected, and refreshingly authentic. She is, quite simply, the Mid-Century Modern Whisperer.
As founder and CEO of Modern Homes Realty Group, Monique has built her brand around the clean lines, open spaces, and “simple living” philosophy that defined the modernist movement. Her firm specializes in properties where form meets function — where the outdoors seamlessly blends with the indoors — honoring a design legacy that forever changed the landscape of California living.
From 1945 to 1975, more than 30,000 contemporary homes sprang up across the Peninsula and Southern California, with the largest concentration in Palo Alto. These homes, many envisioned by developer Joseph Eichler, reflected a distinctly American interpretation of the European Bauhaus movement — democratic design meant to bring beauty and innovation to everyday life. Affordable, light-filled, and open by nature, Eichler homes became the embodiment of mid-century optimism and are now revered as architectural icons. Even Steve Jobs drew inspiration from their simplicity and purpose, evident in Apple’s clean design aesthetic.
Monique, who originally studied film, first fell under the spell of this aesthetic after moving from Portland to the Bay Area. Her fascination evolved into a lifelong calling. Since founding Modern Homes Realty in 2012, she has grown her company into a thriving, full-service boutique with a network of designers, carpenters, stagers, and preservation-minded experts who help clients buy, restore, and celebrate these architectural gems.
“Many people inherit an Eichler and don’t realize what they have,” she says. “It’s my job to honor that legacy and guide them through the process — to find the next caretaker.” Her thoughtful, hands-on approach has made her the region’s most trusted name in mid-century modern real estate.
Beyond real estate, Monique has built a passionate community of modernists — curating events, leading preservation efforts, and fostering a vibrant Facebook network of Eichler owners and aficionados. She even produced the acclaimed documentary People in Glass Houses: The Legacy of Joseph Eichler, available on YouTube at eichlerfilm.com, a beautifully crafted tribute to the man who changed suburban living forever.
Recently, Monique and her husband Peter found their own dream home — a mid-century modern masterpiece in Portola Valley. True to form, it’s a light-filled sanctuary with original architectural details, walls of glass, and lush garden views that dissolve the boundaries between indoors and out. The home reflects everything she loves about the movement: authenticity, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature. “Living in a home like this every day,” she says, “is a reminder of why I do what I do. It’s about design that uplifts the human spirit.”
Whether she’s helping clients uncover the soul of a forgotten Eichler or sharing restoration tips with fellow enthusiasts, Monique’s passion for mid-century modern design is contagious. She remains the ultimate connector — a guide, a curator, and a true steward of California’s architectural heritage.
For anyone buying, selling, or simply captivated by this enduring style, Monique Anton and her Modern Homes Realty Group are the go-to experts in the Bay Area for all things mid-century modern.
For more information reach out to Monique at: monique@modernhomesrealty.com
