Bringing Back Mid-Century Modern Homes
Among the plethora of interior design fads that have come and gone, the satisfying colors and clean lines of the Mid-century Modern style crop up again and again. It has become a classic style that is easy to incorporate into any home. First, you’ll need an introductory knowledge of the history of the style and what distinguishes it from others. Then you can begin to mold your home after it. So let’s take a look at the Mid-century Modern era of interior design, and we’ll give you the tools you need to introduce it to your home!
History
The Mid-century Modern interior design style came into vogue (surprise surprise) in the mid-20th century, 1940s-1960s. This was the post-WWII era when people were getting back on their feet and starting to regain prosperity after the rationing and devastation of the war. Simplicity and affordability were sought after and became possible through improved production lines and the advent of cheap materials like plywood, plastic, and fiberglass. Families were trying to get on with things and everyone was ready to start fresh and reawaken the ideals that had to be neglected for too long.
Key Traits
Fresh is probably the defining word for the MCM style. From architecture to furniture, things were designed for efficiency and comfort as people got back to work in earnest. This means that things were relatively minimalistic and lacked ornamentation, instead implementing clean lines and organic accents. Bright, airy colors and natural wood combined with open floor plans and eye-catching furniture pieces gave the homes a futuristic yet homey feeling that pleased the eye and relaxed the mind. The unmistakable gentle curves and tapered legs of the furniture are immediately recognizable.
Modern Appeal
Put simply, MCM is popular for all the same reasons it was popular back in the days of its stardom. Its fresh and simple atmosphere appeals to the modern urge for minimalism while still retaining the cheerfulness that's wanted in a comfortable home. Additionally, there is a sense of nostalgia that can be found in this style. It seems that there is something to this style that’s more than visual appeal and subjective preference. Many of us had grandparents with remnants of this style in their homes and there is an idyllic quality to them that speaks of our longing for childhood simplicity when afternoons were spent getting covered in mud in the backyard or reading a favorite book by the window. When there were more cookies and less work. The style has stuck around because it is not just an aesthetic choice but a symbol of simpler times. It is also relatively easy to achieve, as we shall see, in comparison to more complicated styles like Victorian and Art Nouveau.
Getting the Look
The Mid-Century Modern interior design style is, among other historical choices, one of the most undemanding to recreate. First, it is incredibly thriftable. MCM pieces were incredibly prolific during their time and that means that they are easy to find for an affordable price if you know where to look. And you only need a few statement pieces to achieve the look since MCM is a relatively minimalistic style. Unfortunately, the fact that these pieces were so prolific means that those that exist have been renovated and repainted within an inch of their lives. Thankfully, this is easily remedied with some paint stripper, sandpaper, and wood stain. Even if you can’t find an authentic MCM piece, you can easily redesign a different bit of thrifted furniture to resemble the real thing. Simply stain it to match that signature orangey natural wood finish found on most MCM pieces and those iconic tapered legs, and bam! You have an authentic-looking bit of MCM design. Combine this furniture — once you’ve acquired it — with pops of saturated bright colors like orange, green, and yellow. To avoid vintage becoming dated, or worse, hotel chic, avoid carpets, silver accents, and dark brown fabric. Instead, add personal touches such as unique hardware and cozy accents. If you can afford to splurge a bit, then try to find a light fixture that features the unique spherical bulbs and nebulous frame of MCM lighting. In general, go for symmetrical, clean shapes and patterns in clear, airy colors.
Again, the Mid-Century Modern design style is easy to replicate, but there are a few pitfalls that are easy to get caught in when dealing with such an iconic style. We hope this post was helpful and will set you on your way to achieving that idyllic, chic look. Check out past and future blog posts to discover more historical styles and how to incorporate them into your modern home.
