It may be 2016, but the resurgence of the ingenious mid-century modern design has taken us back in time, to the 1950s. This architectural and interior design style was hugely popular during the middle of the 20th century (hence the name), but despite the passage of time, it has remained a staple in the interior design trends to this day. Its sophisticated and uncomplicated aesthetics lend themselves so well to the modern era lifestyle, which is why it still has the power to captivate us. If you want to include mid-century modern design into your home, these are some of the lessons to remember.
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1. Bring Wood Back
Teak wood was the fundamental material in the mid-century modern furniture engineering. Other materials included rose, walnut, and oak. Combined with clean lines and simple finishes, these high-quality furnishings have a timeless appeal. There are many modern day lower-end replicas of the 50’s pieces if you cannot find or afford the originals.
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2. Include Iconic Statement Pieces
Nelson, Noguchi, Eames, Saarinen, Warhol, Hockney, Pollock, Calder, Lichtenstein… Should we go on? No other era has produced so many talented and unique household-name designers and artists as the mid-century era. Their singular and innovative ideas defined the principles of the style. Finish your room with a George Nelson clock and the entire space will immediately become true to the period.
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3. Create Indoor-Outdoor Connection
The idea of connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces is so natural today, but when it appeared back in the 1950s, it was actually quite revolutionary. Think in terms of wide windows, sliding doors, and basically any other type of window installation that does not disturb the indoor-outdoor connection.
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4. Choose Simplicity
Mid-century interiors reflect the idea of the ease of living. Starting from furnishings and architectural elements, to décor details, it is all about simple lines and pure forms. That being said, get rid of all the excess detailing.
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5. Go Bold With Graphic Patterns
There is nothing soft and shy about the typical mid-century modern style patterns. They are characterized by clean-cut lines, somewhat whimsical motifs, and bold geometrics, all in combination with strong, clear colours.
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6. Pair Neutrals with Brights
Speaking about colours, the central place is largely taken by the natural woods and white walls. However, you are invited to enrich the look with any combination of intense and saturated colours that you find suiting. Even the most unexpected ones. We suggest avocado, teal, and plum.
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7. Make Your Kitchen Clean and Uncluttered
The mid-century modern movement can be described in one word – futuristic. This idea of time-travelling by means of design was most evident in the mid-century Modern Kitchens full of shiny stainless steel appliances, plain flat counter tops, laminate flooring, and bright coloured backsplash tiles.
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8. Include a Bar
Embrace the culture of mixing drinks and sipping cocktails after a long busy day by placing a built-in bar or a bar cart in your living room. Fill it with expensive liquors, vintage glasses, and the inevitable cocktail shaker, and you will quickly step back in time.
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9. Say Yes to Wallpapers
Clean white walls were one popular choice at the time. The other choice were classy, chic wallpapers. Add a touch of glamour to your home with some glitzy wallpapers. How about the pattern? Well, bold graphics, of course.
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10. Bring Drama In
The lightning fixtures of the era were hugely reminiscent of sculptural art pieces. Yet, their functionality and the quality of light should still be your primary concern. Keep in mind that fixtures such as Sputnik chandeliers are very striking and having one such piece in a room is enough to add drama to the space.
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