How do you feel about mid-century modern interior design style? Sleek lines and an understated appearance have made a decidedly welcome comeback. In fact, MCM interior design only took a short break in the late 20th century before bouncing back as a favorite. So, what keeps us going back for more? Read on for our best tips to achieve the mid-century modern look.
What is Mid-Century Interior Design?
Mid-century interior design marks an architectural and artistic era that spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s. It also forms part of the ultimate aesthetic cleanse, modern design. Modernism took shape as a reaction to the overly ornate and formal trends of the 1800s. By the 1930s, there was a spike in modern design due to the need for affordable practicality after World War I. Newfound international influences, such as Scandinavian design, also had an impact.
In this unique mix, this look became one of the popular styles of the era, and was finally coined ‘mid-century modern’ after its reign in the 1980s by writer Cara Greenberg.
Not sure if mid-century modern interior design is right for you? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to help discover your perfect style today!
Spot Mid-Century Home Interiors, Room by Room
Ever since its steady comeback in the ‘80s, mid-century interiors continue to influence house design. Consequently, homes are bolder, brighter, and comfier than ever before.
Mid-Century Kitchen Interior Design
Clean lines and door cabinets with simple pulls are among the top features of mid-century kitchen design styles. A kitchen island is not only a contemporary favorite, but it is also a vintage must-have. When paired with slim bar stools and a few select colorful accessories, a retro kitchen comes to life.
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom
Even in the bedroom, clean lines and muted colors prevail. Accordingly, designing a mid-century modern style is relatively straightforward, thanks to its gender-neutral look. And adding more personality is simple. Use contrasting textures, like a mohair rug and cotton weave throw, without reservation. And, above all else, be playful. The bedroom is for unwinding, so splurge on a unique lighting design if that’s what the room needs.
A retro-modern design bedside table, bed frame, headboard, or statement lounge chair can make all the difference! And if it’s antiques you’re looking for, the seven best ways to find and save on vintage furniture can help!
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
The dining room is one area that is slightly easier to furnish than others. With an artisanal dining table and dining chairs in velvet and brilliantly shaped, it’ll be easy to create a beautifully cohesive mid-century modern interior. Add a contemporary twist with a statement pendant light or chandelier dangling above the table.
Mid-Century Modern Living Room
The purpose of modern interior design was to steer the focus toward what’s natural and away from human-made. That’s why living room layouts, fittingly, encourage social engagement. A television, for instance, will never be the primary focal point.
Another vital aspect of these communal spaces is their open layout. A combined living and dining room chiefly opens more avenues for social interaction and provides an area to showcase a retro modern interior design’s furniture.
Mid-Century Modern Bathroom
A bathroom may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of stunning mid-century home interiors. Nevertheless, the lavatory, in part due to its size, is ideal for practice. That is especially true if you want to test your color palette or retro design ideas. For starters, the cabinet drawers can be sleek and minimal. And you can add mid-century décor in small details like a side stool, pot planters, and one or two modern art pieces.
Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Ideas
A mid-century modern home is for anyone. Yet, those who have a deep appreciation for authentic vintage styling will enjoy such an interior even more. The furniture also adapts well to even the smallest of rooms, while practicality and durability make it perfect for families.
1. Pair Mid-Century Interior Design with Your Personality
Some interior design styles are more suited to certain lifestyles or personalities than others. Fortunately, when you stick to your innate preferences, you’ll choose only what you adore. Following this practice will not only bring you closer to a home you love, but it will also give you the confidence to explore your style. Keep in mind that getting acquainted with the timeless interior design styles trending right now will help a lot!
As one of the most enticing styles of the 20th and 21st centuries, retro modern interior design is here to stay. After attending to a few key elements, you can also successfully create your eclectic mid-century home.
2. Use Simplified Forms
Mid-century interior decorators and designers can make retro design inspiring. But they have help. They know that simplified form and clean lines are vital to perfecting this vintage style. At times, as form follows function, shapes can be geometric or organic. Keep in mind that the aesthetic focuses on the essential. In other words, the frame of a piece of furniture is not only its structural base but also its only decorative aspect. Surfaces are also free of clutter – always.
3. Consider an Open Plan Layout
Iconic modern buildings are airy and flow seamlessly from one room to the next. Architects and mid-century interior designers made sure attention shifted from the interior to outdoors, focusing on nature instead. They did this by using an open home floor plan, sliding doors, and glass panes. In the end, a mid-century interior must be practical and user-friendly above all else.
4. Incorporate Mid-Century Modern Art
Artists were among the driving forces behind modernism. So, it’s only natural that artwork from this period is as remarkable as the furniture and architecture. Some painters followed in impressionists’ footsteps, like Henri Matisse, while others turned to a post-war atomic style by artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Whatever the preference, the color often plays a significant part in mid-century artwork. So, be sure to include bold pieces as well.
5. Minimal Window Dressing
If you have large windows, you’re in luck. Modernist architects made the most of the then-new building materials which needed less supportive structures. Large windows, as a result, feature in most mid-century modern houses. These expansive windows bring more natural light and blur the line between interior and exterior spaces. And what better way to show off great glass panes with minimal or no dressing? However, if curtains are an absolute must, stick to air-light fabrics, like voile or linen, that let in light while providing privacy.
6. Retro Colors for MCM Interior Design
Mid-century modern interior decorators and designers surely embraced color. Surprisingly, the retro color spectrum is vast. This wheel ranges from neutral to bright and bold, and even feature stark contrasts of black and white. However, we associate pastels, mustardy yellows, and blush with vintage interiors. The good news is that neutrals are timeless – so they will always be your safest bet.
7. Play with Opposites
Be sure to add pieces of varying heights, shapes, and sizes. An elegant arch floor lamp, for example, balances low-lying furniture like a mid-century rectangular sideboard and modern armchair. Arranging opposites together can make all the difference in any living room.
Get to Know Retro Modern Furniture in Interior Design
Too much retro furniture can make you feel like you’re in an episode of Mad Men. But one or two distinct pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair (8), the Marshmallow Sofa (7), the Egg Chair (3), or the Noguchi Coffee Table (4) is enough. On the other hand, some designer pieces, like the Arco Floor Lamp (1), the Wishbone Chair (5), the Saarinen Dining Table (6), and the Knoll Sofa (2), are staples in both Contemporary and Scandinavian interiors. So much so that we often forget that they’re classics.
Some names may sound familiar. That’s because many famous pieces have their designer’s name as their moniker. The mighty minds behind mid-century modern homes include architects, decorators, artists, and interior designers.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture & Decor Picks
Despite their apparent simplicity, mid-century furniture is still highly sought after in contemporary homes. Structure, material, and comfort are equally important here—designers didn’t manipulate one material to look like another. Here’s what you can use to achieve the desired look.
Get Expert Help With Your Mid-Century Decorating
Ready to get started on your dreamy retro home, but not sure where to begin? Book your Free Interior Design Consultation with our team to start your project today!
