Mid-century modern is not so old-fashioned anymore. Image Source: Cablik Enterprises
We all know that styles are cyclical and, of course, the world of interior design is not exempt. The best aesthetics will be popular again and again. Right now, mid-century-modern design is making a comeback and, if you ask us, it’s for good reason.
What is it about this aesthetic that keeps us coming back for more over half a century later? We’ll tell you why mid-century modern will never really leave us — and how to work the style into your interiors while making sure they are rooted in the new millennium. After all, sometimes the old way of doing things really is the right way.
You can achieve a modern take on any classic look. Image Source: Gus Duffy AIA
What Is Mid-Century Modern?
If you’ve ever seen an episode of Mad Men, you’re already familiar with mid-century-modern design. In fact, the term was coined in 1984 by author Cara Greenberg. She used it to discuss the signature looks of the 1960s in her book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s.
Though the moniker has become a bit broad in the past few decades, it’s most commonly used to refer to the styles that became popular in a post-World War II landscape. While there may be a few variations, most people agree that this time period extends from 1945-1969.
Interestingly, this style doesn’t just refer to aspects of interior design. It is commonly used as a descriptor for any architecture, furniture, accessories, materials and technologies that grew in popularity after the end of the war.
Look for furniture with clean lines and simple shapes. Image Source: MB Design Studio
It Showcases Simplicity
When you look at design projects that follow a mid-century-modern style, the one thing you won’t see is tons of excess. Rather than requiring a bunch of ornate embellishments, the mid-century look is all about stripping items down to their barest elements and letting their function become the star.
Keep this in mind when it comes to choosing the items that will fill your space. Look for furniture that has clean lines and, if needed, multiple uses. Stick to décor items that are modern or geometric in their aesthetic.
This concept should also be taken into account when it comes to designing the layout of your space. Rather than cluttering up the room, focus on choosing one strong focal area that will dictate the room’s function. For example, consider using a statement table in your dining room or creating an inviting seating area in your living room. Then, don’t be afraid to step back and allow negative space to play a key role in your design.
Don’t be afraid to embrace bold colors. Image Source: Nest Modern
It Lets Us Play With Color
Of course, when you focus on bringing simplistic shapes into your space, it becomes necessary to add a layer of visual interest elsewhere. The mid-century-modern look does that by incorporating bold pops of color. Brooke Schneider, a designer based in Long Beach, Calif., explains it best:
“When homeowners think ‘color,’ they often think of the bright hues of the mid-century time period. With clear, cheerful colors, the 1950s exhibited a new American outlook of optimism that was comfortably removed from the drab war years.”
Don’t be afraid to go big with shades like blueberry, citron or fire-engine red. Just be sure to avoid mixing multiple loud colors like they did in that time period. Doing so might make your space look more outdated than retro-inspired. Instead, focus on tempering one colorful statement piece with more neutral hues to ensure a modern twist on this style of design.
Integrating nature is a key component to the mid-century-modern look. Image Source: Gregory Pierce Photography
It Connects Us With Nature
Since mid-century-modern design is all about simplicity, it makes sense that this school of style would harbor a strong connection to nature. In particular, those who are looking for ways to embrace sustainable design may be interested in what this aesthetic has to offer.
First, it’s important to consider how nature can affect the layout of the space. In mid-century architecture, large windows often play a key role. But anyone can work off those principles by making windows the focal point of your space whenever possible and making sure that they stay unencumbered from heavy drapery.
As for the design elements to fill your space, focus on choosing items made from natural materials such as wood, metal and leather or cotton textiles. Don’t be afraid to bring the outside in by adding greenery to accent your design.
The mid-century-modern school of design also includes architecture. Image Source: Conrado Home Builders
There’s a reason why mid-century-modern design is present in our consciousness after over a half-century since its debut. Whether it’s the clean lines, bold colors or connection to nature, this school of style is currently making a big comeback in interior design.
Use this post as reference for how to work the aesthetic into your interiors while leaving them feeling modern and fresh. By combining yesterday’s influence with today’s design, you’ll truly have the best of both worlds.
Do you like the mid-century-modern look? What questions do you have about incorporating the style into your home? Let us know in the comments below.
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Fresh and Affordable Neon Signs Displaying Your Focus
Seeing your name in bright lights is one thing, but seeing your dreams or beliefs is something quite extraordinary. We received word about these amazingly affordable neon signs and art from Neon Mfg through the send us tips page and had to share it with you all. Imagine your most important focus glowing bright on the wall or right beside you. Whether it’s love, courage or wonder, you can showcase a bright reminder in lights in your home or offer what you want to say in hard to ignore neon letters.
These affordable neon signs are not only candy for the eye, they impact the mind with a glowing repertoire. Imagine your dreams boldly placed above the bed, the “What If” neon sign glowing bright to remind you to dream. How about seeing a glowing neon sign every morning above the entrance door, reminding you before leaving home to “Hustle”, because “it’s how you make your dreams come true.” To get an image of how big the neon sign is, the “Hustle” piece is 10.5″ long by 4.5″ high, and sticks out 3″ from the wall.
The glowing pink glass”Desktop Heart” neon sign can be placed on your desk to it always reminds you of love, on a shelf or share the glow with the people outside your window by displaying it on a windowsill. The one inspired by Pablo Picasso’s famous quote, Youth Has No Age, can make for a perfect gift for anyone. Let’s Get Weird, Who Dares Wins, or No Regrets are just a few examples of what other people want. Now, the question is: what do you want said in neon letters?
“We noticed that people were really interested having unique neon art in their homes, but custom made neon signs are very expensive. Our online store officially launched in January 2015.” Ranging in price from $125 to $160, the affordable neon signs are designed for indoor use only and you should also know that custom orders are shipped out within 7 – 10 business days after your order is placed.
They currently only ship to the United States and Canada, but I’m sure the future will bring them closer to other parts of the world, too. So let’s help them out with a share and support their commitment to keeping your ideas brightly lit.
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