The Lasting Appeal of Mid-Century Modern Design
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PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST
PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST
Credited with being the first modern style of design, the mid-century modern movement referred to the interior design, graphic design, and architectural style that emerged after WWII. At this time in the United States, the economy was on an upswing, which led to a boom in the housing market and lots of new, creative ideas that would shape the future of design. While the movement was coined in 1984 by journalist Cara Greenberg, it began in the mid-1940s and hit peak prominence in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Moving away from the heavily ornamental interiors of previous decades, the mid-century modern style is known for its emphasis on functionality, clean lines, bright colors, and geometric patterns. While many design trends come and go, mid-century modern has recently had a big resurgence that proves it’s here to stay for good.
Let’s explore why mid-century modern interiors will never truly go out of style.
Clean Lines and Mixed Materials
PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST
Minimalism is a pillar of the mid-century modern movement and you’ll find an emphasis on simplistic lines and geometric shapes similar to Scandinavian design. Instead of lavish accents and trinkets, mid-century modern interiors are clean and functional with large, streamlined sculptural pieces rather than lots of small art pieces. When it comes to materials used in the rooms, there is a mixture of manmade and synthetic materials like wood, metal, leather, glass, and acrylic. This was a time of paring back aesthetics while also experimenting with new materials that had become available after the war.
Adaptable Furniture
Highly versatile and adaptable, mid-century modern furniture was designed to be multipurpose and suited to any size room. The emphasis was always on practicality – clean lines with no extra bells or whistles. The usability of these furniture pieces was groundbreaking. Never before had chairs, tables, and desks been designed to be used in any room throughout the home or office. From the iconic Eames Lounge Chair to Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair, the functional and funky creations that came out of this period are far too good to fade into design history.
Bold, Striking Colors
There is an inherent playfulness in mid-century modern decor, seen most noticeably in the color palette and patterns of the era. While neutrals and earth tones were popular choices, pops of bright, retro primary colors like red, yellow, and blue were hallmark to the movement. They helped to create a lively atmosphere for a new era of post-war Americans to come home to. This commitment to vibrancy is still attractive today, and we frequently use pops of color along with retro accents in our projects, like this mid-century modern living room.
A Touch of Nature
PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS
You’ll find a lot of organic elements in mid-century modern home design, starting with the architecture of the homes. Many mid-century modern homes were designed to blend with their surroundings and feature large, unobstructed windows that allow for beautiful views of the landscape. These home often featured open floor plans that would allow the rooms to seamlessly flow from the interior to the exterior. When it comes to decor, it’s all about creating a sense of harmony with the outdoors. You’ll almost always find a potted plant or two present in a mid-century modern living room.
When it comes to interior design, there are certain styles that never go out of fashion. Thanks to its timeless appeal, mid-century modern design has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years and proved its staying power. Whether you prefer a more minimalist approach or enjoy a pop of color, mid-century modern interiors are adaptable to a variety of different tastes.
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Talk to you soon,
Paula