Mid-Century Modern Style

By
Kelly Nichols
-
1
Mid-century home
Mid-century home (autometropolist)

Go back to the future with mid-century modern style.  Evocative of the post-war era where the need for fresh change was strong, the years between the mid-40s and 1970’s captured the essence of what we now know as mid-century modern.  This is a style that epitomizes organic form and an uncomplicated design aesthetic.  Explore these mid-century interiors and appreciate the flow and simplicity of this trending design era.

Open space and simple furnishings mark this mid-century home
Open space and simple furnishings mark this mid-century home (decoist)
Stylish midcentury modern interior
Stylish midcentury modern interior (nicety-livejournal)

Simple, clean lines and organic shapes dominate the mid-century design style.  Warm woods and nature-inspired silhouettes showed an appreciation for a less complicated and excessive décor, allowing space to breath.

Mid-century living room
Mid-century living room (Pinterest)
Bright midcentury modern style
Bright midcentury modern style (BHG)
Turquoise and avocado green are mainstays of midcentury modern design
Turquoise and avocado green are mainstays of midcentury modern design (BHG)
Class midcentury style in this bright room
Class midcentury style in this bright room (decozt)
Flowing mid-century design
Flowing mid-century design (HGTV)
Laid back mid-century modern style
Laid back mid-century modern style (2014interiordesignarticle)

Lighting of the mid-century was crafted to take center stage as well as to be functional.  In essence, mid-century lighting is functional art.  Starburst designs, large globes and fun geometric shapes highlight this style.

Midcentury lighting is functional art
Midcentury lighting is functional art (interiorsbystudiom)
Unique midcentury lighting fixture highlights this dining area
Unique midcentury lighting fixture highlights this dining area (HGTV)
Midcentury style
Midcentury style (eatwell101)
Midcentury light fixture is a statement piece
Midcentury light fixture is a statement piece (Pinterest)
Pendant lights enhance mid-century living room
Pendant lights enhance mid-century living room (rilane)
Bright green seating enhances this mid-century modern home
Bright green seating enhances this mid-century modern home (kuaibozz)
Beautiful mid-century design
Beautiful mid-century design (HGTV)
Starburst light fixture is a statement in the mid-century living room
Starburst light fixture is a statement in the mid-century living room (digsdigs)

Mid-century furniture creates an open flow to match the spaces that architects were producing in this era, where the blending of outdoor space with indoor played a large role.  Homes were designed with large windows and those windows were most often left unadorned.

Merging the outdoors with indoors is a trademark of mid-century design
Merging the outdoors with indoors is a trademark of mid-century design (redeggdesigngroup)
Modern mid-century design style
Modern mid-century design style (Zillow)
Bright and beautiful midcentury living area
Bright and beautiful midcentury living area (homedit)
Modern mid-century design style
Modern mid-century design style (interiordesign2014)

The open plan home was a popular choice in the mid-century.  Architects were designing homes that flowed smoothly, much like the desired style of homes we see today.  Large windows and light were a priority and space was utilized more fully.

Related:
Minimalist Interior Design is Maximum on Style
Warm tones in this mid-century modern space
Warm tones in this mid-century modern space (materialgirlsblog)
Sleek lines of mid-century design
Sleek lines of mid-century design (oregonlive)
Very stylish mid century modern design
Very stylish mid century modern design (digsdigs)
Mid-century design
Mid-century design (decoist)
Color dominates in this midcentury style home
Color dominates in this midcentury style home (homeadore)

Comfort is key in the mid-century modern home.  Upholstery fabrics were heavier and more substantial, boasting durability.  Large sofas that conformed to body and room were placed center stage, while separate seating options surrounded the living area.

Sleek mid-century design
Sleek mid-century design (decoder)
Clean mid-century style
Clean mid-century style (yacineaziz)
Warm tones enhance this midcentury living room
Warm tones enhance this midcentury living room (jg188)
Stylish mid-century living area
Stylish mid-century living area (stylemotivation)
A blast from the past with mid-century design
A blast from the past with mid-century design (Wayfair)
Mid-century modern living area
Mid-century modern living area (curedesigngroup)

Colors ran the range from simple neutrals to bold.  Popular mid-century colors are avocado green, oxblood red, aqua and gold.  Combinations of colors were embraced and freely used throughout.  Warm and earthy is the preferred color palette, which enhances the warm woods of mid-century furniture.

Midcentury modern design
Midcentury modern design (design-milk)
Mid-century modern living area
Mid-century modern living area (uwimages.org)
Mid-century modern style
Mid-century modern style (decorationrend)
Typical mid-century color palette
Typical mid-century color palette (HGTV)

To truly capture the essence of mid-century modern, examine the sleek lines and organic shapes of the furniture.  Open up your living space and let in the light or merge the indoors with outdoors.  With mid-century modern in the spotlight these days, many authentic pieces are available but the demand is high.  You may want to purchase one item, perhaps a significant statement chandelier, and use reproductions to fill the balance.  Mid-century modern is a design style that takes you back to the future.

 

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here