If you’ve been paying attention then you’ve noticed that mid-century modern has been having a huge resurgence in the interior design world. The TV series “Mad Men” put the style back into the center of the cultural conversation, but there’s more to the mid-century modern renaissance than simply being trendy. It’s a style that’s rooted in minimalism and simplistic elegance. If that sounds familiar it’s because those are also the basic tenets of our contemporary, modern designs. But what exactly is mid-century modern, and how does it hold up against the test of time?
Mid-century modern design encompasses the era in American design following the end of the second World War. Beginning in 1945 and ending around 1969, mid-century modern design can be used to describe all facets of design, from interior design to architectural design. The key component of mid-century modern design is simplicity. The style eschews excess in favor of strong, sleek lines and minimal furniture. It’s a very clean, bright look that’s visually-interesting but also calming.
Brightness is another key. Minimalism in the case of mid-century modern does not mean white walls and sharp black lines. Color is used in fun and creative ways throughout mid-century design. This gives the style a more comfortable, inviting energy compared to modern design. Bright, candy-like colors provide flashy accents. Want a bright blue sofa? Why not! Even orange, an incredibly difficult color for interior design, strikes the right contrasting balance for mid-century modern design. Minimalist, in this case, does not mean lifeless.
Mid-century modern also emphasizes natural materials like wood and stone. In fact, it often pairs those two items together to create textural interest and visual appeal to a space. Thin, sleek wood is the de facto style for mid-century modern. This is also showcased in the furniture, which has legs that are often described as ‘toothpicks’.
Mid-century modern is a timeless style that won’t be disappearing any time soon. Take a look at some of the great examples in the full article below!
Read the full article here: What Is Mid-Century Modern, and Why Do We Love It So Much?