If you're a design enthusiast like us, then you know that mid-century interior design is a style that never goes out of fashion. With its clean lines and harmonious blend of modernism and vintage charm, this timeless style has remained unbeatable since its resurgence in the late 20th century. If you're looking to incorporate this iconic style into your own home, you've come to the right place. Read on for our top tips on achieving the mid-century modern look that is here to stay.
Understand its Origins: What is Mid-Century Interior Design?
Mid-century interior design encompasses the artistic era that spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s. It was a period characterized by aesthetic refinement, modernism, practicality, and global influences like Scandinavian design. This unique blend of elements made mid-century interior design one of the most popular styles of its time, eventually earning the name "mid-century modern" in the 1980s, coined by writer Cara Greenberg.
Pair Mid-Century Interior Design With Your Personality
A mid-century modern home is suitable for anyone, but those with a deep appreciation for authentic vintage styling will especially enjoy this interior design. The furniture in this style adapts well to even smaller rooms, making it perfect for families. However, customization is key, as you can personalize the mid-century style to reflect your individual needs and personality.
Spot Mid-Century Home Interiors, Room by Room
To truly understand mid-century design, it's essential to recognize its distinct characteristics in each room. Homes with this style are bold, vibrant, and comfortable, without feeling outdated or tacky. Before attempting to create a retro modern interior design, familiarize yourself with the look of a mid-century modern house.
Mid-Century Kitchen Interior Design
Clean lines and simple door cabinets with minimalistic pulls are some of the key features in mid-century kitchen design. Pair these elements with sleek bar stools and a few well-placed colorful accessories to bring your retro kitchen to life.
Mid-Century Bedroom Interior Design
Thanks to its gender-neutral look, mid-century design seamlessly fits into any bedroom. Incorporate clean lines, muted colors, and contrasting textures to create a relaxing and inviting space for unwinding.
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
With an artisanal dining table, velvet dining chairs, and a statement pendant light or chandelier, you can effortlessly create a beautifully cohesive mid-century modern dining room.
Mid-Century Modern Living Room
The purpose of modern interior design was to shift the focus towards natural elements and away from human-made objects. Combining the living and dining rooms creates a space for social interaction and allows you to showcase the furniture of a retro modern interior design.
Add Elements of Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Ideas
Perfecting the mid-century modern style involves attention to a few key elements:
- Simplified Form: Clean lines and simplified forms are crucial in achieving the vintage appeal of mid-century design. Shapes can be geometric or organic, but the focus should always be on the essential.
- Open Plan Layout: Architects and mid-century interior designers emphasized connecting the interior with the outdoors. Incorporate an open floor plan, sliding doors, and glass panes to evoke a sense of harmony with nature.
- Mid-Century Modern Art: Artwork from the mid-century period is as remarkable as the furniture and architecture of that time. Embrace color, as it is a defining element of mid-century modern art.
- Minimal Window Dressing: Large windows blur the line between interior and exterior spaces, allowing more natural light to fill your home. Showcase great glass panes with minimal or no dressing.
- Retro Colors for Modern Interior Design: Mid-century modern decorators embraced a wide spectrum of colors. From neutrals to bold and bright hues, explore the retro color wheel and experiment with contrasts, such as black and white.
- Retro Furniture: Vintage furniture is a must for achieving an authentic mid-century modern look. Look for pieces with slender legs and clean lines, as they are characteristic of this era and continue to be highly sought after in contemporary homes.
Get to Know Retro Modern Furniture in Interior Design
Mid-century furniture is not limited to hairpin legs and straight-edged silhouettes. Plush, cocooning curves and dreamy shapes are also an integral part of this trend-setting era.
Meet Iconic Mid-Century Modern Interior Decorators, Designers & Artists
The mid-century modern movement owes much of its influence to the creative minds behind it. Architects like Philip Johnson, designers Charles and Ray Eames, and artists like Andy Warhol and Isamu Noguchi are just a few of the notable figures who pushed boundaries and left a lasting impact on mid-century interior design.
Balance Your Mid-Century Modern House
Decorating a home with strictly retro-style furniture can be a challenge. To avoid a kitschy or outdated look, remember to play with textures, heights, colors, and materials. Layering levels is a typical feature of mid-century design, so don't be afraid to mix textiles like velvet, silk, twill, wool, jute, and cotton. Incorporate elements of nature, infuse your space with personality, and create the perfect color palette for your home.
We hope you find these tips helpful as you embark on your mid-century interior design journey. Remember, mid-century modern never goes out of style, and with a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a timeless modern home that reflects your unique personality.
