The simplicity of Mid-century modern interior style is easy to understand yet compelling. It is a welcome break from the design strategy of surpluses. Genuine applause for both art and functionality.
Mid-century modern style nudges us into an era portrayed in many old American T.V. shows. It evokes nostalgia for the furniture pieces we saw at our grandparents’ homes. An era that was characterized by pop and abstract art.
The style ferries us into a post-World War II period that spans between the 1940s to 1970s. Necessity is the mother of all inventions. It is truly exemplified by this period.
From the desire to address the design aspirations of the common man were born some of the geniuses. George Nelson, Eero Saarinen, Charles & Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Jens Risom, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier to name a few.
What was produced by them was not just artsy but also innovative. It was perfect matrimony of form and function. The timeless iconic designs are stunning and captivating to date.
History has always influenced the design process. We learn from it, are inspired by it, and tend to revive what was once an overdose. Today we see mid-century designs all over the place. The timeless appeal of this style is evident from its popularity.
Why Midcentury interior design style?
Although the design style is open to interpretation, in its soul it carries a few relevant and flawless lessons.
- Simple and clean
Though Mid-century modern interior style is simple, clean, and minimal, it is far from being sterile and frigid. It is surprisingly warm and inviting. A delightful nod for the maxim – simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
- Timeless appeal
The iconic furniture pieces designed in the ’60s and 70s stand the test of time and are hence timeless in a true sense. Simple forms and shapes, both geometric and organic, paved the way for genuine aesthetics for years to come.
- Innovative use of materials
A clever combination of natural and unusual man-made materials empowered the designers with immense options. Mass production of furniture made it cost-effective and available to society.
- Open plan concept
After WW II the footprint of the dwellings was reduced. The introduction of the open-plan concept enabled the spaces to appear visually expansive and fluid.
- Indoor-Outdoor Connection
The construction methodology with beams and columns allowed for big windows that connected the indoor spaces with the outdoors. Another pleasant shift from traditional closed-in spaces.
The designers of this period revolutionized the design industry and turned its philosophy by hundred and eighty degrees. They rejected the overly ornate and embellished design style, restricted to the rich. This design movement was more accessible and democratic.
Ways to get mid-century modern interior style
mid-century modern Furniture
Iconic furniture pieces are the hallmark or trademark of this design style. Furniture with clean and simple lines and gentle curves define the style.
Beautiful, sculptural forms crafted out of innovative materials add an artsy vibe to a space. There are so many furniture pieces that are being made that are inspired by the era.
Apart from that replicas of the original pieces are also available.
Whatever you select remember the furniture that befits the style is :
- Basic and austere in appearance with a light, and airy feel. The bare minimum assembly of mateials that is just enough to suffice our needs.
- The structure or skeleton is very transparent. It is like viewing the bones of the furniture piece and understanding the anatomy easily.
- Furniture with tapered legs is hallmark of this style. But some other charecteristic types include simple straight, pedestal, angled or splayed, boomerang style, hairpin metal legs.
Despite being very austere by nature the forms are very sculptural and artistic in appearance. Furniture is both comfortable and functional.
Understated yet sculptural furniture is the heart and soul of this design style. It’s amazing that some of the iconic masterpieces crafted by these master craftsmen still have the potential to hold our breath.
warm wood
One of the reasons that keep this style from being stark and cold is the generous use of natural wood. Warm wood exudes an earthen vibe into these spaces.
The wood can be incorporated in flooring, wall paneling, ceilings, and of course the furniture.
However, a few points to consider while choosing the wood are:
- Choose the variety of wood/veneer that is mid-tone, niether too dark nor too light. Like teak, mahogany, red oak, rosewood, walnut, mahogany, elmwood etc. Basically wood with reddish-brown or honey undertones suits the style. Preferrable to go for wood/veneer with linear grains.
- It is important to understand that wooden elements must not have any ornamentations like mouldings, cornices or carvings. Just plain and simple wood in its elementary form. Battened, planked and slatted look works well here. The straight lines combined with the organic shapes of furniture, accessories play off each other very well.
organic and geometric shapes & patterns
Again, it is the basic, simple geometry that needs to be respected when it comes to the use of patterns in mid-century modern interiors. Graphical rugs, geometrical wallpapers, organic designs for textiles, etc. create that desired retro vibe.
Since the overall aesthetics are very minimal and clean-lined, the bold patterns help accentuate and bring key elements in the focus. It is like tempering the whole mix and adding a twist with these retro patterns.
Pic Credit – Veneerdesigns
Go for bold patterns in vivid mid-century colors with playful juxtapositioning of both linear and organic shapes and forms.
bare windows
The whole idea of mid-century modern homes was to connect with nature. The advent of beam and column construction methodology made this possible.
Soaring ceilings and openings with large glass panes, without any mullions, framed the exteriors beautifully. Interiors were fresh and filled with natural light from windows, clerestories, skylights, etc.
Big bare windows with no or minimal dressing are the key to finishing the look. A space bathed in natural light, highlighting the textures of various materials is so so mid-century. Windows are like framed art pieces with a view.
abstract and funky art and accessories
With the pop art movement and abstract modern art on the rise, the era marked a huge shift from the traditions.
Accessories are like mini sculptures. Art and accessory are minimal but whatever is there is a statement piece worthy of all the attention.
Sunburst mirrors, atomic clocks, vases, vintage accessories in abstract shapes are to name a few.
The art form for a mid-century space is bold, colorful, and abstract in its expression.
mid-century color palette
The colors of mid-century interiors are warm, earthy, and muted. Though the colors are saturated they are muted therefore are not in the face.
Colors like mustard yellow, pumpkin orange, peacock blue, brown, maroon, teal, apple green, sage, mark the style. Even pastels like baby pink and baby blue also work well here.
Broadly you could choose a color scheme out of the following three options, depending on your color preferences:
- An entirely neutral color scheme, in case you are color shy.
- A predominantly neutral scheme that works with a neutral base and a pop of color.
- Or else if you are really daring go for a mix of different shades of these mid-century vivid colors.
lighting for mid-century modern style
As discussed earlier, natural light is paramount in the style. Whatever lighting fixtures are used are again based on the same principle of simple lines and forms.
They are pieces of art in themselves. There are some spectacular and amazingly simple iconic designs of the era.
Atomic-themed lights like sputnik chandeliers or bubble pendants or artichoke or balloon pendants…
Incorporate pendants, chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps based on the principle.
materials and textures
The period marked the use of many revolutionary and unexpected materials like molded plywood, fiberglass, plastic, glass, marble, ceramic, etc.
A clever mix of contrasting natural and man-made materials innovatively is the key to getting the look.
Manmade materials add clean and streamlined aesthetics and natural materials and textures add the much-needed variety and character. Leather,
I hope you find my blog helpful and inspires you to add this pared-down, clutter-free, and understated mid-century spin to your home. Let the blueprint of the original style build your own design language.
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Also Read:
Simply Scandinavian Interiors – how to get the decor style right
Bohemian decor style – tips to get the look right
Till next time……
