Midcentury Modern: A Resurging Home Style

Originating in the mid-20th century, midcentury modern design has left an undeniable mark on the world of architecture and interior aesthetics. With an emphasis on minimalism, classic silhouettes and a seamless blend of traditional and unconventional materials, this interior design style continues to captivate homeowners looking for a clean, sophisticated feel.

What Is Midcentury Modern?

Originating in the 1950s and 1960s, midcentury modern is a home style that stresses minimalism, organic silhouettes and juxtaposition between traditional materials like wood and nontraditional ones like metal or glass. This architectural style is characterized by open floor plans and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, exemplifying the principles of modern architecture.

Midcentury Modern Features For Your Home

Incorporating midcentury modern style into home decor offers a versatile canvas for creativity, with numerous approaches to infuse this aesthetic. Whether through iconic furniture pieces, vibrant color palettes, geometric patterns or a mix of retro and contemporary elements, homeowners have a broad spectrum of options to seamlessly integrate the timeless appeal of midcentury modern design into their living spaces.

Interior designers agree that the most effective way to achieve a truly authentic midcentury modern look in your home is to go to thrift and vintage stores as well as estate sales, as most products sold in stores today are reproductions of original pieces and designs.

However, even if thrift shops aren’t up your alley, you can still incorporate this style into your home, as it’s making its way through the mainstream department and home decor stores.

Add Accent Pieces     

Accent pieces are interior design elements that stand out more than their respective surroundings, while still maintaining a common theme. Examples of accent pieces include but are not limited to throw pillows, drapes, wall art and tablecloths. These small yet impactful design choices can help emphasize the nostalgic yet contemporary ambiance of this now classic interior design style. To enhance the midcentury modern aesthetic, consider incorporating iconic furniture pieces and accessories that feature clean lines and simple shapes such as Eames chairs or a Noguchi coffee table. Play with patterns in soft furnishings like throw pillows or blankets, choosing colors that complement the neutral palette of the interior.

Get Side Tables

Side tables are both functional and stylistic components characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes, often crafted from materials like wood, metal or glass in midcentury modern homes. To seamlessly integrate a side table into a midcentury modern room, promote design consistency by adding a piece that's harmonious with its surroundings. Consider placing a side table next to seating, maintaining scale and proportion, and incorporating midcentury modern decor elements for aesthetic harmony. Details like tapered legs, minimalist detailing and geometric shapes in the design of side tables complement the overall aesthetic, seamlessly integrating these functional pieces into the iconic midcentury modern look.

Choose Area Rugs

Area rugs in midcentury modern design are functional and aesthetic pieces that often feature geometric patterns, muted tones and textures like wool or natural fibers. Keep in mind that rugs present an opportunity for homeowners to showcase their personal taste and style, allowing for a tailored expression within the context of midcentury modern design. Rugs and carpets play a big role in adding warmth and comfort to any room. Utilize plush textures and pillory fabrics to help juxtapose the sleek lines and potentially harsh appearance of other design choices. When selecting an area rug, choose a design with geometric motifs, stick to a color palette that complements the overall aesthetic and ensure the rug's size is appropriate for the room, allowing it to ground furniture while maintaining the open feel characteristic of midcentury design.

Add Abstract Art

Artwork is a great way to contribute to the midcentury modern design of your home, however art is a method of self-expression and isn’t limited to just wall art. Incorporating art in a midcentury modern home encompasses wall art, sculptures, ceramics and various decor elements. While the overall aesthetic of midcentury homes tends to be uncluttered, incorporating art with bold colors and geometric patterns introduces a lively contrast, contributing to the balance of the clean design sensibilities. Art pieces, including sculptures and ceramics, become pivotal in creating focal points and visual interest within the space, offering an opportunity for homeowners to infuse their personal flair into the midcentury modern design. These art elements not only adhere to the principles of the style but also serve as versatile means for individuals to evolve and refresh their interior spaces while maintaining the essence of midcentury modern aesthetics.

Pick Light Fixtures

Lighting helps facilitate the atmosphere in any space regardless of the design style, and in midcentury modern design, it plays a crucial role in highlighting clean lines and geometric shapes. To properly incorporate lighting into this style, opt for fixtures like Sputnik chandeliers or overarching floor lamps that blend functionality with sculptural aesthetics. Strategically place these fixtures to accentuate key areas and consider using dimmer switches to achieve the desired ambiance, allowing homeowners to infuse their spaces with the distinctive characteristics of midcentury modern design. By selecting lighting fixtures that marry form and function, homeowners not only enhance the midcentury modern aesthetic but also personalize their spaces with a touch of timeless sophistication.

Use Bold Patterns

Use bold patterns to capitalize on the midcentury feel of this design style. These patterns, often geometric or abstract, can be incorporated through upholstery, area rugs, curtains and throw pillows. By introducing bold patterns in strategic elements, such as a statement sofa or an accent wall, homeowners can create focal points that enhance the midcentury modern aesthetic. The juxtaposition of these patterns against the simple color palette of midcentury modern homes makes the space much more dynamic, transforming the space and infusing it with the playful spirit of midcentury modern style.

Midcentury Modern FAQs

The following are FAQs regarding midcentury modern design.

What is the difference between midcentury and midcentury modern styles?

Midcentury furniture, produced in the mid-20th century, includes a broader range of styles, some with intricate detailing, while midcentury modern furniture specifically emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. Influenced by the Bauhaus movement, midcentury modern designers favored contemporary materials like steel and glass, in contrast to the natural materials used in midcentury furniture. Overall, midcentury modern furniture emerged as a distinct subgroup, characterized by clean lines and utilitarian design, catering to the modern sensibilities of a new generation of homeowners.

What are midcentury colors?

Midcentury modern colors typically encompass a combination of neutral tones and vibrant accents. Common neutral hues include white, beige and gray, serving as a backdrop to the design's clean lines. Accent colors often feature bold and saturated shades such as mustard yellow, teal, orange and earthy greens, contributing to the distinctive and lively aesthetic of midcentury modern design.

What house styles are popular right now?

A home can come in many forms and appearances, suitable for any family, couple or individual needs. Trending house styles can vary based on location, but generally, the most popular current house styles are ranch-style homes, colonial, Victorian and Cape Cod-style homes. Additionally, contemporary interior design styles like midcentury modern have gained widespread popularity, with their clean lines, functional layouts and timeless appeal resonating with a diverse range of homeowners.

Where can I find authentic midcentury modern furniture?

Furniture plays a crucial role in solidifying the midcentury modern feel in your home. Authentic midcentury modern furniture can often be found in vintage shops, antique stores and specialized midcentury modern furniture dealers. Estate sales, auctions and online platforms that specialize in vintage furniture are also excellent sources for finding original pieces. Additionally, exploring local thrift stores or consignment shops may yield unique midcentury modern finds, allowing enthusiasts to add genuine pieces to their collection and infuse their spaces with the iconic style of the mid-20th century.

What are key features of midcentury modern furniture?

Key features of midcentury modern furniture include clean lines, organic shapes and a focus on functionality. Tapered legs are a common characteristic, providing a sense of lightness and elegance. The use of natural materials such as wood and leather, bold geometric patterns and a minimalist aesthetic are also distinctive features of midcentury modern furniture. Additionally, pieces often showcase a harmonious blend of form and function, reflecting the design ethos of the mid-20th century.

The Bottom Line

Midcentury modern design offers a timeless blend of sophistication and functionality. From iconic furniture to strategic patterns, this classic style provides a versatile canvas for homeowners to decorate their spaces with enduring charm. Embracing midcentury modern is a celebration of form, function and elegance. Whether you're revamping a single room or embarking on a full-scale transformation, consider a cash-out refinance to achieve your interior design goals.