Mid-century modern décor is having another moment. You may have noticed the Danish sideboards and colorful sofas gaining popular. Arguably, the style may have never fully left the design sphere.
Although the official movement has long passed, people are still obsessed with the clean lines, sleek structure and inspiring color palettes associated with mid-century modern décor.
The aesthetic is by nature minimalistic, with the form being inherently functional. When done right, mid-century modern is organic, fluid and universal. Executed the wrong way, it can look like a Brady Bunchesque nightmare.
The key to maintaining the proper mix of history and modern – to recreate a version of the perfect abode that incorporates comfort, beauty and ingenuity – is to understand the core tenants of mid-century modern. To realize that the style that grew out of early 20th-century modernism and spanned from roughly 1933 to 1965 is based on simplicity, creative use of materials and a strong (but artistic) connection to nature.
The mid-century modern design movement encompasses architecture, interior design, industrial elements and graphic design. Made famous by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Richard Neutra and Harry Bertoia, mid-century modern focuses on small spaces, expansive use of glass, multi-purpose furnishings and other elements of design that are clean, contemporary and creative.
Less is more
You can incorporate mid-century design principles into your home by adhering to the “less is more” concept made popular by Mies van der Rohe, a German architect and leader in the movement. By adding thoughtfully and subtly crafted pieces, like marble-topped tables and molded Eames chairs to kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, you’ll present a contemporary and classic vibe that is straight out of the 1950s.
Clean lines and natural hues
Mid-century modern furnishings have clean lines and neutral colors. Often, wood pieces made from teak are used to showcase natural beauty in a home. A mid-century modern dining table with teak legs or frame topped with a simple sheet of clear glass is a beautiful addition to a home.