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.
Find a focal point
In a mid-century modern room, there should be one focal point. Choose something to highlight such as a single chair, side table, picture, lamp or cabinet. A striking, but simple chandelier is a perfect focal point and it can be complemented by sleek furniture. Remember to keep walls neutral in color and décor, unless you have chosen them to be your focal point
Wood takes center stage
Bring nature into your home without creating a cottage or lodge look by choosing one high-quality wood piece for each room. Also, consider soft fabrics for chair arms and seats, and sofa upholstery.
Stick with traditional colors
Yes, red and black are traditional colors, as are avocado and mustard yellow. White and brown, and teal and burnt orange, are great traditional hues for a mid-century modern home. To make these colors work for you, however, choose them carefully and sparingly. Allow one hue to pop and another to serve as a grounding color for your space.
Embrace texture and pattern
Geometric and graphic patterns go with mid-century modern design like peanut butter does with jelly. When putting together the visual plan for your mid-century modern room, play with texture and pattern and don’t be shy about mixing elements that some would not consider. Think of your flooring, furniture, walls, lighting and art as layers of a canvas that you will arrange into the perfect “puzzle.”
Decorate with vintage
Accessorize your tables with 60s-inspired pieces like gold bowls and blown glass vases. Sculpture is popular in mid-century modern décor. Hit the vintage stores for those cat and owl figurines you spotted on the web. Dress up the actual core of your home by outfitting doors with retro knobs and dividing rooms with glass block.
Shop for new mid-century modern design
With increased demand for mid-century modern pieces comes new designers offering period-inspired products. If you can’t find the old school chair, sofa, table or clock you want at thrift stores near you, turn to the Internet to see a new version of something similar. Many furniture manufacturers are making mid-century modern loveseats and more that marry the newest technology and fabrics with classic design style.
As you go from room to room in your home, making changes to bring mid-century modern design in, remember to keep the look streamlined. Give each piece in your home enough space around it to stand out and breathe. Follow the words of Charles Eames, who said, “Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.”
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