Midcentury Modern Design Styles Defined

Over time, certain design styles seem to come back full circle. Partly because of widely popular show Mad Men, and just partly because it’s cool, this is exactly what has happened to Midcentury Modern. Midcentury Modern, or Modern, as it is more commonly referred to, is often used interchangeably with the term Contemporary, and while they do have similarities, they are not one in the same. Modern design is a set style that is defined by its own trends and largely unchanged for several decades.

Elements of Midcentury Modern Design Style

Clean, uncluttered look
Graphic patterns with pattern and texture
Accessories such as graphic or geometric-style wall art, starburst clocks and metal mobiles
Wood trim
Classics furniture pieces uniquely designed to blend with contemporary lifestyle

Interior Design Ideas

You can tell a Midcentury Modern design by its clean and unadorned interior. Natural materials are predominantly used for furniture, fabrics, floors and accents. Floors are generally bare, and in the times area rugs are used, they are typically made of wool and neutral in color.

MidCentury Modern Furniture

The major characteristics of true Midcentury Modern furniture pieces are clean lines, vivid colors, unique materials and excellent quality. Sharp, geometric shapes and crisp lines are typical of this type of furniture. Vivid colors like red, yellow, blue, green or black and white combos are also common. Most designers preferred to use unique man-made materials such as fiberglass and plastics, but woods like teakwood, walnut, oak and rosewood were also used. Top designers of the area include, but are not limited to, Arne Jacobsen and the Danish Designers, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Mies van der Rohe, Milo Baughman, George Nelson, Paul McCobb and Alvar Aalto.

Choosing Colors

Although vivid colors are a Midcentury Modern trademark, there is a certain “coolness” that needs to remain within the space. Pastels in teal, yellow and blue, paired with neutrals is a popular color palette for living spaces. Other colors that can be found in this design style are mustard, tangerine and avocado. Bright colors that are often incorporated include turquoise, lemon yellow, red and chartreuse.

Textures and Patterns to complete your Mid Century Modern Look

Fabric is the ultimate way to add texture. It doesn’t really matter if the fabric is solid in color or saturated in a graphic pattern sticking with subtle, neutral hues will make the space feel cohesive. To offset the sleek lines of furnishings, soften the space with fabric drapes, rather than blinds.

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