Mid Century Modern Interior Design

Your home is your shelter, your family’s nest, and your place of respite after a hectic day; it’s also your very own environment to create and infuse with personality. Just as your fashion sense tells the world a bit about who you are, your interior design choices reveal something about your aesthetic sensibilities.

And as you probably know all too well, there are a lot of different choices you can make.

From Scandinavian décor and modern farmhouse interiors to traditional, contemporary, and transitional design styles, our recent blog series has been exploring the quintessential elements and standout features that define the most well-liked and enduring interior spaces.

So what’s next in our lineup? Let’s explore mid-century modern design, an ever-popular post-war style that has continued to resonate across generations — and is undoubtedly here to stay, thanks to its key characteristics.

What is Mid-Century Modern Design?

Mid-century modern design is a timeless style that emerged in the mid-20th century, spanning from the 1930s to the 1960s. This design style is characterized by its clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a strong emphasis on functionality. It beautifully marries modernism with traditional design elements, creating spaces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

One of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design is its use of natural materials. Wood, stone, and glass are commonly featured, bringing a sense of warmth and connection to nature. Geometric shapes and patterns are also prevalent, adding visual interest and a touch of sophistication. This design style is not just limited to interiors; it extends to architecture and product design, making it a versatile choice for those who appreciate both form and function.

Origins and Evolution of Mid-Century Modern

The origins of mid-century modern design can be traced back to the cultural and social shifts of the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and Europe. Post-World War II optimism, coupled with advancements in mass production and technology, paved the way for this innovative design style. It emerged as a response to the opulence of previous design styles like Art Deco and Victorian, favoring simplicity and a more casual lifestyle.

Mid-century modern design emphasized a connection with nature, often incorporating large windows and open floor plans to bring the outdoors in. Over time, the style evolved to include new materials and technologies, such as plastics and aluminum, which allowed for even more creative and functional designs. This evolution has ensured that mid-century modern remains relevant and beloved by design enthusiasts to this day.

Is Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Still Relevant?

As I mentioned, midcentury design emerged in the middle of the 20th century, during the vast suburban and middle-class expansion that followed the second world war. Also known as MCM or “midmod,” this distinctive style still feels timeless because of its:

• Sleek lines juxtaposed by organic silhouettes

• Ergonomically designed, functional furnishings

• Minimal embellishment and ornamentation

Like contemporary design, mid-century modern design has a core identity that remains intact and relevant today, even as the style fundamentally evolves over time. An article by the design team at Décor Aid says it best:

“Though the term mid-century modern wasn’t coined until the mid-80s, and though no one really knows it’s true timeline, the era represents a combination of post-WWII practicality, 50s-era optimism, 60s-era earthiness, and 70s-era tones and textures neatly wrapped up in a stylish ode to Scandinavian simplicity.”

Elements of Mid-Century Modern Design

Mid-century modern décor ranks as one of the most prolific and streamlined interior styles of all time: Form follows function as it borrows the best from the 50s and 60s to create a clean, retro-tinged, Danish-inspired feel that’s fresh, poppy, and completely alluring.

Mid-century modern interiors offer comfort and practicality wrapped up in stellar design that’s always en vogue. Likewise, mid-century furniture plays a crucial role in bridging contemporary and historical styles, with its iconic designs and enduring appeal in modern architecture and interior decor.

4 Hallmark Features of Midcentury Modern Design

1. Grounded by neutrals, defined by color

As an interior style that comes from the same side of the design spectrum as minimalism, modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, and contemporary style, mid-century modern design uses a neutral, muted backdrop to showcase a well-curated blend of moody hues and playful colors.

To that end, every mid-century modern space should be grounded with soft whites and warm neutrals. A kitchen or dining room may be energized with scattered pops of playful primary colors like turquoise, lime, blush, red, bright orange, and sunny yellow, while a MCM living room or bedroom is more likely to feature moody, earthy hues like terra cotta, ochre, grey green, olive, khaki, and burnt sage.

The color schemes of today’s MCM interiors are drawn straight from the kicky bright colors of the optimistic 50s and the natural hues and earthy tones of the sophisticated 60s and 70s. Many people love mid century modern for its timeless appeal and significant influence on design and architecture.

2. Clean lines mixed with organic shapes

The opposite of formal and fussy, mid-century modern design is all about clean lines, low profiles, simplicity, and practicality in the form of stunning silhouettes. Functional, streamlined wood furnishings made from teak — prized for its rich caramel color and exceptional durability — are quintessential MCM anchor pieces. Floor-to-ceiling windows are also a significant architectural feature, enhancing both the aesthetic and functionality of spaces.

In midmod design, straight-edged case pieces like tables, desks, storage cabinets, consoles, and dressers, along with unusual, geometrically shaped accent tables that feel angular and clean, are juxtaposed by curvier furnishings with more organic silhouettes — think low and curvy C- or S-shaped sofas, round or oval coffee tables, and ergonomic, shell-shaped chairs.

Created by furniture designers Charles and Ray Eames, the Eames lounge chair is a hallmark of MCM style. Wanting to construct a chair with the feel and aesthetics of a well-used baseball mitt, the husband-and-wife team ended up inventing an iconic chair made with a molded plywood shell, headrest, and ottoman, all upholstered with tufted, sumptuously soft leather.

3. A myriad of materials used in concert

Given that midcentury modern design emerged in the booming post-war years, it makes perfect sense that the materials which emerged around that era — materials like chrome, plastic, acrylic Lucite, and Formica — were wholly embraced by the design style.

At the same time, advances in manufacturing technology allowed for a more nuanced design approach, and midcentury architects and designers took full advantage. Round-backed upholstered chairs could be set up on hairpin legs, clear acrylic could be molded into a set of nesting tables, and wood could be shaped to curvy precision.

Along with wood furnishings made from teak, rosewood, or oak, MCM furniture design makes excellent use of this myriad of materials. A typical midmod space features a well-curated mix of wood, metal, glass, plastic, vinyl, and leather, used in concert — and in tension — with one another to create a harmonious, streamlined space with no shortage of visual interest.

4. Well-curated spaces with a minimalist bent 

MCM interiors are largely defined by a neutral palette, bold colorful accents, and furnishings made with bent, curved, and organic shapes juxtaposed with Danish-inspired pieces that boast clean lines and flat planes. 

They're also defined by wood floors and textural area rugs, large, minimally dressed windows, dynamically sculptural light fixtures, bold, eye-catching geometric patterns (used sparingly), and uncluttered surfaces that hold simple decorative (and often functional) accessories.  

Choose your midmod anchor pieces well, and don't be tempted to overfill your space with a large collection of vintage and/or current MCM furnishings; you want your home to feel functional, beautiful, comfortable, and modern — not like a mid-century modern museum. 

Lighting and Decor

Lighting and decor play a crucial role in defining mid-century modern interiors. Iconic lighting fixtures like sputnik chandeliers, globe pendant lights, and sculptural table lamps are staples of mid-century modern design. These pieces not only provide illumination but also serve as striking focal points in a room.

Decorative elements in mid-century modern spaces often feature geometric patterns and natural materials. Vases, sculptures, and wall art are carefully chosen to complement the overall aesthetic. A gallery wall, mixing different frame styles and shapes, can add a layer of visual interest and personality to your space. The Noguchi coffee table, designed by Isamu Noguchi, is a quintessential example of mid-century modern decor, combining organic shapes with functional design.

How to Incorporate Mid-Century Modern into Your Home

Incorporating mid-century modern design into your home can be both fun and rewarding. Start by selecting key pieces that embody the style, such as a sputnik chandelier or a globe pendant light. These lighting fixtures can instantly set the tone for your space. Next, add decorative elements like geometric-patterned vases or sculptural wall art to enhance the visual appeal.

Natural materials are a cornerstone of mid-century modern design, so consider incorporating wood and stone into your decor. Functional furniture pieces, such as a mid-century modern-style sofa or armchair, can provide both comfort and style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different design styles to create a unique and eclectic look that reflects your personal taste. By thoughtfully integrating these elements, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional.

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