Mid Century Modern Style

Mid-century modern Style

The popularity of Mid Century Modern style has surged in recent years, extending beyond its signature furniture and open floor plans. The trend encompasses a resurgence of vintage thrifting for home decor and a growing desire to connect with nature through the use of houseplants.

Accents_0001_Simple Serenity Dining Room

Brief History of the Style

Mid-Century Modern design, which thrived between the 1940s and 1960s, had a lasting impact on architecture, interior design, and furniture. Emerging after World War II, this prominent design movement embraced new materials, technologies, and a focus on functionality. It drew inspiration from earlier movements, such as Bauhaus and the International Style, emphasizing simplicity and clean lines. Mid-Century Modern also incorporated organic design elements, utilizing natural forms and materials, and was influenced by Scandinavian aesthetics, which prioritized functionality and light-filled spaces. Iconic furniture pieces from this era, like the Eames Lounge Chair and Noguchi Table, remain popular and continue to inspire designers today. The enduring appeal of Mid-Century Modern design is its timeless elegance, functionality, and ability to create warm, inviting spaces that are both modern and timeless.

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Defining Characteristics

Mid-century modern style is characterized by several key elements: clean lines, simple forms, low low-profile furniture. Furniture and architecture often feature uncluttered silhouettes and strong geometric shapes. With an emphasis on functionality, designs prioritized practicality and ease of use. One of the most notable characteristics that speaks mid century modern is the use of natural elements and integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces. You see a lot of use of wood tones especially Teak and Walnut. Large windows, skylights,  and open floor plans to let in natural lighting. Mixed use of materials like leather, stones, and wood mixed with plastic and metals.

Mid Century Modern Palette

Mid-Century Modern Color Palette

This mid-century modern color palette will help you on your mood board journey of bringing mid-century modern style into your home. 

Create a calming and inviting backdrop with warm neutrals like Cauliflower Cream | 0880, Marzipan | 0882, Spiced Rum | 0240, and Chocolate Opal | R130. 

Bring in vibrancy and that retro feel with warm bold accent colors like Peanut Brittle | 1010, Pretty Parasol | 1039, Bronzite | R053, and Earthly Pleasure | 0102. 

Connect to nature with earthy tones like Heatherd Herb | R050, Wing Man | 0396, Dried Hydrangea | R074, and Chance | R102. 

Incorporating Mid-Century Modern into Your Home

 

If the Mid-Century Modern style is your aspiration, there are many ways to incorporate it into your home. There are some iconic furniture pieces, such as the Eames chair, the Saarinen Tulip chair, or the Noguchi table, that are staples of the era and can be a valuable investment. You may find modern reproductions or designs that are influenced by these pieces. However, you may also find that hunting at thrift stores or vintage shops can uncover these hidden treasures. While you're at the thrift store, you can also look for vintage finds, such as ceramic vases, wooden bowls, or brass candlesticks. If your space doesn't already have great natural lighting, new fixtures may be the next best thing. Choose statement lighting fixtures, such as Sputnik chandeliers or Arco floor lamps.  Incorporate geometric patterns and bold colors through rugs, pillows, and curtains. And of cours,e everyone's favorite home decor house plants. Lush green house plants to bring the outdoors inside. Focus on using clean lines, natural materials, and incorporating nature to create a stylish and functional space - this is the essence of Mid-Century Modern design.

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