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Tag: mid century modern decor

  • Mid-Century Modern – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled have returned. 

    From the past to the present:  

    The midcentury modern movement originated during the middle of the 20th century and was the organic result of modernism. People wanted to embrace a more organic way of living which is why the style is rooted in functionality and simplicity with a lot of clean lines. After World War II, cities expanded, and the demand for modern furnishings for the newly built homes emerged. Technological advancements also resulted in the production of new materials, which led to the creation and exploration of unique shapes and various textures. 

    What makes up Mid-Century Modern design? 

    Mid-century modern is all about functional wooden pieces, clean lines, and curved designs. The look is simple, with a focus on comfort. It’s no surprise the aesthetic design remains timeless and is back in style. Mid-century modern homes usually have a sleek feel and mix natural and artificial materials. There’s also a continuity between the indoors and outdoors, which is why plants play a key role in the decor. This can also be seen in the color palette, which mostly consists of natural hues and colors rooted in nature. Pops of color are also added, especially bright yellows and beautiful teals. 

    How to achieve the Mid-Century Modern look: 

    • Embrace a natural color palette with a few pops of bright colors throughout.  
    • Consider olive green, pale pinks and other muted tones, orange, bright yellow, and a variety of teals and aquamarine colors. 
    • Build a space around a few statement pieces. 
    • Bring in potted plants. 
    • Focus on function. 
    • Incorporate wood furniture made of teak or oak. 
    • Include organic and curved shapes.  
    • Add brass details around your home. 
    • Hang big and bold artwork, especially with large graphic shapes.  
    • Favor statement lighting. Add hanging lights or pendant lighting that look like artwork.  
    • Embrace open spaces and aim for flow.  
    • Ditch the clutter and say goodbye to an abundance of knickknacks.  

  • Mid-Century Modern Décor Ideas

    Mid-century modern décor is having another moment. You may have noticed the Danish sideboards and colorful sofas gaining popular. Arguably, the style may have never fully left the design sphere.

    Although the official movement has long passed, people are still obsessed with the clean lines, sleek structure and inspiring color palettes associated with mid-century modern décor.

    The aesthetic is by nature minimalistic, with the form being inherently functional. When done right, mid-century modern is organic, fluid and universal. Executed the wrong way, it can look like a Brady Bunchesque nightmare.

    The key to maintaining the proper mix of history and modern – to recreate a version of the perfect abode that incorporates comfort, beauty and ingenuity – is to understand the core tenants of mid-century modern. To realize that the style that grew out of early 20th-century modernism and spanned from roughly 1933 to 1965 is based on simplicity, creative use of materials and a strong (but artistic) connection to nature.

    The mid-century modern design movement encompasses architecture, interior design, industrial elements and graphic design. Made famous by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Richard Neutra and Harry Bertoia, mid-century modern focuses on small spaces, expansive use of glass, multi-purpose furnishings and other elements of design that are clean, contemporary and creative.

    Less is more

    You can incorporate mid-century design principles into your home by adhering to the “less is more” concept made popular by Mies van der Rohe, a German architect and leader in the movement. By adding thoughtfully and subtly crafted pieces, like marble-topped tables and molded Eames chairs to kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, you’ll present a contemporary and classic vibe that is straight out of the 1950s.

     

    Clean lines and natural hues

    Mid-century modern furnishings have clean lines and neutral colors. Often, wood pieces made from teak are used to showcase natural beauty in a home. A mid-century modern dining table with teak legs or frame topped with a simple sheet of clear glass is a beautiful addition to a home.