What Is Mid Century Modern Design?
War naturally brings economic downfall, and so did World War II. With a fallen economy, money could not be spared for any kind of ornamentation. This is when designs called for absolute functionality and little to no decoration. This simplicity in design evolved and became a style by itself and came to be known as ‘Mid-Century Modern Design’.
Mid-Century modern design is an architectural and artistic era that spanned from 1933 to 1965. Though there are disagreements about when the period started, it approximately lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s.
The term was coined by Cara Greenberg, who named her book, ‘Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s’, to describe the architectural and furniture style that was most acclaimed after the second World War.
Strictly following Louis Sullivan’s “Form Follows Function”, the designs are defined by clean lines, organic forms and high functionality.
This era included not only residential but also industrial, interior and graphic design.
The Mid-century modern style of designing became popular in America and was influenced by earlier styles such as the Bauhaus movement, which began in Germany.
The style grew rapidly in America after World War II because of the expansion of cities and sub-urbanization in the US. Due to this, there was an increase in demand for modern furnishing for the new, quickly built modern homes such as the Eichler homes, built by Josef Eichler.
The technological advances due to the war also led to the invention of new materials, which increased the possibility of exploring new textures and effects, colours and even newer forms.
The economic condition of most countries was massively affected by the war, so they were quick to adopt this mid-century modern style.
Mid Century Modern Interior Design Characteristics
Following are The Features of The Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Period
- Mid-century modern designs are easy to recognise due to their simple forms and fine craftsmanship. Usually visually light, structures that follow the mid-century modern style of designing take up the minimum amount of space required.
- Nothing is extra or unnecessary in their designs. Every element of the mid century modern interior design affects the overall function, making the designs as cost-effective as possible. The functionality of these designs is key, as form follows function.
- They have uncluttered and sleek lines which have geometric as well as organic forms. Designs have minimal ornamentation and don’t shy away from exploring and experimenting with traditional or non-traditional materials, and in some cases a combination of both.
- Mid-century modern design acts as a juxtaposition of different and contrasting materials. These designs are suited for everyone as they suit everyone’s lifestyle and their practicality and durability make them perfect for families.
Mid Century Modern Style Furniture
New technological advancements brought after World War II gave rise to new methods of construction and new materials such as plastic. These developments dramatically influenced later Mid-century modern designers. Instead of trying to imitate wood furniture, plastic was used for its own unique and versatile qualities. Mid-century modern designers generously used a combination of traditional materials such as wood and non-traditional substances such as metal, plywood, plexiglass, vinyl and Lucite.
Mid Century Modern Designers
Eames was one of the most renowned names of the Mid-century modern era. The Mid-century modern design pieces bearing no sign of the maker often were advertised as Eames creations to gather attention.
Many of Eames’ pieces were manufactured by Herman Miller, another prominent mid-century modern designer.
Some other prominent mid-century modern designers were Florence Knoll and Arne Johnson. These two prominent designers remain a strong part of the mid-century modern design conversion to this day, and their work still serves as inspiration for upcoming designers.
Tips For Designing a Mid-Century Modern Home
01. Go Minimal And Clean With The Mid Century Modern Paint Colors Interior
As this style of mid-century modern architecture is seen to be minimalistic and clean, this gives rise to a lot of opportunities for pops of colours. Not only vast ranges of colours are used in this mid-century modern style, but even different tones of colours from neutral to bold and the graphic use of black and white are also prominent.
This would give the whole space a retro, nostalgic vibe of the 1950s and 60s. However, just because this mid-century modern style dates back to the 50s and the 60s, it does not mean that the space won’t have a modern feel to it. They give off a vibe of comfort and a homely feel to the whole space.
02. Be Mindful While Choosing Mid-Century Modern Paint Colors Exterior
While choosing exterior colors for your mid-century modern home, you have to be mindful. Mid-century modern paint colors exterior can range from dark and light colours. It can also be a combination of dark and light. There are different types of paints for interior and exterior surfaces available, it is wise to choose the one that gives your house a soothing look and is pleasing to the eyes.
03. Simplistic And Functional Mid-Century Modern Style Furniture
Mid-century modern style furniture has a certain look to it that is evidently identifiable. Some features to identify the mid-century modern style furniture are that they are simplistic, functional, incorporation of organic and geometric forms and diverse use of materials, colours and textures. Such substantial furniture not only enhances the look of your sitting area, but also helps in the conservation of the environment.
Mid-century modern style furniture have a completed and finished look to them. The range of mid-century modern colors is wide, and there’s always a combination to match the palette of the space.
04. Mid Century Modern Theme Lighting
The lighting of mid-century modern design era was a mix of past design features, reproducing traditions. Overarching floor lamps not only provided ambient lighting, but also added enough illumination, specially made to fit the mid-century modern theme of the house. Overall lighting was used as an add-on element that highlighted the minimal aspects of a typical mid-century modern home. While hand-welded brass tubes provided vertical illumination, cascading sparkles of light from within, table lamps were used due to their dimmable opal blow glass. Nothing can compete with the natural light as it saves energy. To know more on how to add natural light in your home, you must go through our blog.
05. Play With Mid-Century Modern Design Textures and Patterns
Mid-century modern interior design made up for the lack of ornamentation with its exploration of different patterns and textures. This aspect blossomed into a visual interest in spaces that is significant enough to be attractive, but not too much as to seem garish.
06. Bring In Nature with Greens In Mid-Century Modern Home
Mid-century modern homes were well-integrated with nature. Even the colour of the walls in the house was chosen to complement it. Architects of mid-century modern architecture made sure to use items made of natural materials such as wood, leather, stone etc in their interior spaces. Large windows were a definite quality of the mid-century modern home to let ample sunlight and wind in. A touch of green elements added a touch of warmth to the space. They instantly balanced the subdued palette with their calming presence, making them a highlight of a typical mid-century modern home.
07. Glam Quotient the Mid-Century Modern Home
The subtle incorporation of metallic streaks and lustrous materials alongside the neutrals and earth tones, highlights the shine, attracting the eye of the beholder with a simple glint. A typical aspect of mid-century modern style is the use of metals like brass and bronze to create an eccentric effect. This was seen in the form of furniture pieces or lighting elements. No mid-century home is entirely done, without a glam quotient!
08. Mid-Century Modern Style Art
Mid-Century modern art is the epitome of simplicity. Its uniqueness is all about exhibiting the mid-century modern style in its barest forms. Although varying greatly throughout this era, Pop art is considered to be the most popular style that surfaced in the 1950s alongside abstract expressionism. This was heavily highlighted in the mid-century homes where art and artwork were a centrepiece. It could be in any form, be it painting or sculptures, even artefacts and utensils, art is one of the core aspects of the mid-century era.
Art played a major role in advertisements that were emerging at the time and what better way to express the changes, especially that of the post-world war. Geometric shapes and bold colours seemed to do the trick. Mid-modern century art seemed to have gained its way into popularity amidst “modernism aficionados”.
With these tips, we have unique interior design ideas for you to explore. To know in detail, you can have a look at our blog.
Tips for Designing Mid-century Modern Home- Room by Room
01. Mid Century Modern Living Room
The purpose of this modern interior design is to focus on what’s natural. The layout of the mid-century modern living room should be made to encourage social engagement. For example, a TV would never be the primary focus. Another important factor would be an open layout to create more opportunities for social interaction.
02. Mid Century Modern Dining Area
This room is slightly easier than the others to furnish. With just an artisanal dining table and chairs, it would be possible to create a cohesive mid-century modern dining area. Add a statement pendant light above the table to make it look even better. Add some art to make the walls look dynamic and there you go!
03. Mid Century Modern Bedroom
Designing a mid-century modern style is quite simple, thanks to its gender-neutral look. Adding more personality is easy. You could use contrasting textures. For example, mohair rug and weave throw. You need to be playful with your imagination since the mid-century modern bedroom is for unwinding. Use unique lighting if that is what the room needs.
04. Mid Century Modern Bathroom
The bathroom is an important part of the house and the best place to test one’s colour palette or retro design ideas. For example, using sleek cabinet drawers and adding small details like a side stool or pot planters in mid-century modern bathroom is worth a try.
05. Mid Century Modern Design Outdoors
The homes should be designed to blend outdoor and indoor living. Therefore, the outdoors should be easily accessible, ideally through sliding glass doors. For the best experience, place a small table and chair to enjoy the breeze.
06. Mid Century Modern Kitchen
The top features of mid-century modern kitchen designs are clean lines and kitchen cabinets with simple pulls. A kitchen island is a vintage must-have. A mid-century modern kitchen is made when slim bar stools and a few colourful accessories are combined.
07. Mid Century Modern Study Room
Mid-scentury modern study room should be inviting, so we can be productive. The room should be designed around the desk. A medium-sized wooden desk along with a corresponding chair is a must have. Light-coloured walls along with conveniently placed bookshelves would be ideal for mid-century modern study room.
How Can You Tell If a Space Is Mid-Century Modern Style?
If a design has no ornamentation, is uncluttered, has sleek lines with both organic and geometric forms, and has no unnecessary design components to them, then the product may be mid-century modern style.
What Material You Shouldn’t Use For Mid-Century Modern Designs?
There isn’t any specific material that can’t be used for mid-century modern designs. Mid-century modern design was formed during an economic crisis, so designers used combinations of traditional and non-traditional materials to incorporate any available material. Therefore, mid-century modern design has a wide range of applicability even from a financial point of view. There is a mid-century element for every budget. That is the core reason why mid-century design style is still relevant.
What Colours Work With Mid-Century Modern Designs?
A vast range of colours are used in this style, even different tones of colours from neutral to bold and the graphic use of black and white are prominent mid-century modern colors.
The most common texture found in mid-century living rooms seemed to be velvet. During the 1950s bright hues seemed to be very popular, whereas during the 1960s earthy colours took the spotlight. Mid-century modern colors also include white and black colour lines. Wood and wooden tones are also a staple of a mid-century home.
Why Go for Mid-Century Modern Style Of Design?
A mid-century modern style of architectural design and furnishing is the best for those looking for an aesthetic yet economical way of housing. Although minimalism is another option, homeowners may run short of storage space! These problems won’t ever arise with a mid-century modern home as everything caters perfectly to the needs of the users. Moreover, if you love nature, you should go for mid-century modern design without a second thought.
Mid-century is as much about its function as it is about its aesthetics. This creates a fine balance between both the aspects, making your home beautiful and efficient.
Now that you are familiar with mid-century modern design, we are sure you will love to get some amazing ideas on how to decorate your house and give it a million bucks look.
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.
