A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern decor is a style that grew out of early 20th-century Modernism. This movement had particular influence after the Second World War, a time of new technologies, new materials, and great prosperity. In the U.S., cities saw a migration and the suburbs expanded. Demand for modern furnishings followed and mid-century modern took hold. Mid-century modern design is timeless and continues to be popular today.

Furnishings

Mid-century modern furnishings are distinguished by minimalism, clean lines, and organic shapes. Non-traditional materials, like plastic, plywood, metal, glass, and vinyl greatly influence mid-century design. Plastic is particularly popular. These days, plastic is often used in place of wood because it is cheaper, but in mid-century decor, plastic is often a deliberate choice over wood. When wood is used in this style, typically plywood is chosen for its malleability. For example, a chair using plywood can be sculpted to create an organic design. These materials are left in their true industrial form rather than dressed up in layers of batting and fabric. The variety of materials presents contrasting elements and many affordable options.

Furnishings that experiment with new textures and fabrics are also important in mid-century modern design. Pieces with textured upholstery as well as shag rugs, rough stone fireplaces, and sleek glass coffee tables make bold design statements in mid-century rooms. The juxtaposition of these elements with the sleek lines of mid-century modern furniture makes for an interesting and well-designed mid-century room.

Highlight Wood

While non-traditional materials are popular in mid-century modern, wood is prominent and remains a classic. Minimalism pairs with the clean lines of oak, walnut, and teak to create natural, beautiful furnishings. Coffee tables topped in glass allow sculpted wood bases to shine. Chairs with functional yet elegant cushions highlight smooth wood grain armrests. Contrast your mid-century modern look of non-traditional materials and textures with classic wooden armchairs or a focal point coffee table.

Color

Mid-century modern spanned several decades, therefore, color palettes vary. In the 1950s, colors were brighter—think turquoise and pink flamingo—while the 60s brought earthy hues like olive green and warm orange to the forefront. Designers today recommend a spectrum of colors ranging from graphic black and white to bright hues to earthy shades. One great way to use color in a mid-century modern room is to choose a colorful statement piece like a sofa, and temper it with more muted or neutral colors.

Light it Right

Choose your lighting as you would any other accessory and love how it looks. Yes, lighting is functional, and it can also make a bold sculptural statement. Choose interesting pendants lights, fixtures, and table lamps. A large chandelier in a dining room or entryway can be both practical and breathtaking. Put your personal touch on lighting and remember, elements don’t have to match, so be creative.

Bring Nature In

When architects first designed mid-century modern homes, they included prominent outdoor spaces, expansive windows, and sliding glass doors to the outside. This connection to the outside world remains a key element in mid-century modern design today. One way to achieve this is to bring nature indoors. Potted plants are an affordable, eco-friendly, and easy way to add to your decor. Choose palms or succulents if you’re looking for low maintenance varieties. In a mid-century modern room with sleek lines and a minimalist design, an elegant palm tree would make a beautiful, natural statement.

Add a Barn Door

A sliding barn door can transform the look of any room. Choose from a variety of mid-century modern-inspired options in sleek wood, industrial metal, or even framed glass. Create a stunning focal point in your home that saves space, adds functionality and boosts the resale value of your house. Add double doors to an open-concept space and turn your dining area into an elegant private room. Or, swap out your ensuite door in the master bedroom for a dramatic mid-century modern update. Have questions about which barn door is right for you? Contact us, we can help.