Just like clothing styles, certain interior design styles come back full circle. Take Mid-Century Modern, for example. Coming on the scene during the United States’ post–World War II period, this American design movement was quite popular from the mid-forties to the mid-sixties. And while it’s always been cool, it wasn’t necessarily at the forefront until around 2007 when the widely popular show Mad Men hit the airwaves. Regardless of why it’s popular again, it’s here to stay, at least for a little while— so why not learn more about it?
Elements of Mid-Century Modern Design Style
Keep in mind that Mid-Century Modern— or Modern, as it is more commonly referred to— is often used interchangeably with the term Contemporary. And while they do have similarities, they are not one and the same. Modern design is a set style that is defined by its own trends and largely unchanged for several decades, whereas contemporary moves with the times and is ideal for individuals who prefer to keep up with all the current styles
Here are some key elements that make Mid-Century Modern all that it is:
- Clean, uncluttered look
- Graphic patterns with pattern and texture
- Accessories such as graphic or geometric-style wall art, starburst clocks and metal mobiles
- Wood trim
- Classics furniture pieces uniquely designed to blend with contemporary lifestyle
What Makes it Cool
Mid-Century Modern design is a great way to add authentic vintage styling to your home. It’s also a fun and easy way to give even the smallest of spaces big personalities with its unique design quirks.
Its decor isn’t just stylish and charming— it’s also practical, durable, and easy on the eye. Mid-Century Modern is also perfect for those who like a little more freedom than what minimalism or traditional interior design style allows.
Interior Design Ideas
You can tell a Mid-Century Modern design by its clean and unadorned interior. The goal of this design style was to strip away the superfluous while keeping things true to their original essence. In essence, it has an overall casual, lounge -ready vibe that’s fun, relaxing, and inviting.
Natural materials are predominantly used for furniture, fabrics, floors, and accents. Floors are generally bare, and in the times when area rugs are used, they are typically made of wool and neutral in color.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
The major characteristics of true Mid-Century Modern furniture pieces are clean lines, vivid colors, unique materials, and excellent quality. Sharp, geometric shapes, and crisp lines are typical of this type of furniture. Vivid colors like red, yellow, blue, green, or black and white combos are also common.
Most designers preferred to use unique man-made materials such as fiberglass and plastics, but woods like teak wood, walnut, oak, and rosewood were also used. Top designers of the area include, but are not limited to, Arne Jacobsen and the Danish Designers, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Mies van der Rohe, Milo Baughman, George Nelson, Paul McCobb, and Alvar Aalto.
Choosing Colors
If your home doesn’t have original Mid-Century Modern architecture, you can easily work the style into your home by using your color scheme as the foundation starting point. Although vivid colors are a Mid-Century Modern trademark, there is a certain “coolness” that needs to remain within the space. Pastels in teal, yellow and blue, paired with neutrals is a popular color palette for living spaces. Other colors that can be found in this design style are mustard, tangerine, and avocado. Bright colors that are often incorporated include turquoise, lemon yellow, red, and chartreuse. Have fun with color, but be sure to incorporate enough neutrals to keep the space from appearing oversaturated.
Textures and Patterns to Complete Your Mid-Century Modern Look
The natural materials used throughout this design style add textures with ease. However, if your space lacks exposed beams, wood panels, or untouched brick, you’ll need to get that texture from other sources like fabric.
Fabric is a wonderful way to add texture regardless of whether your style is Mid-Century Modern or something else entirely. It doesn’t really matter if the fabric is solid in color or saturated in a graphic pattern sticking with subtle, neutral hues will make the space feel cohesive. To offset the sleek lines of furnishings, soften the space with fabric drapes, rather than blinds.
As you turn your home into a Mid-Century Modern dream, be sure to stop by one of our INTERIOR FABRICS showrooms near Mission Bend, TX to browse our discount designer fabrics. We also carry a variety of rugs, furnishings, and accessories that can blend well into this design style. And don’t forget our custom furniture! If there’s a specific look you have in mind, a custom piece can be the perfect solution. We can’t wait to see you!
