1 Minute to Know Mid Century Modern Style

Jul 17, 2024

By JannyDaniels

1 Minute to Know Mid Century Modern Style

Mid Century Modern has been popular since the 20th and is still not out of date. Its unique personality and enduring appeal make it a choice that transcends time, combining elegance, functionality and a touch of nostalgia.

Origins of the mid century modern style

The mid century modern style originated in the 1950s and 60s. During that time, rapid economic and population growth, along with widespread optimism, brought changes in housing needs. Designers reacted against the complex designs of the previous century, opting for simple lines and functional designs, emphasizing the principle of "Form follows function."

LA architect Ray Kappe's duo of houses pair modernist and organic ideas

Industrialization allowed machines to produce quickly and products to become mass-marketed, which triggered designers' nostalgia for handmade and natural unique products. Every designer have different style, but the mid century modern style has the following characteristics:

1. Minimalist Furniture

Many German designers moved to the U.S. after WWII became the driving force behind the MCM style. They embraced clean lines and minimalism, focusing on functionality and using simple materials.

2. New Meets Old

The emerging technology and material boom driven by the space race has brought about a variety of new artificial materials (such as vinyl, plastic, plexiglass and fiberglass). In order to be more coordinated, these new materials are often combined with the natural wood color of vintage furniture. In soft furnishings, animal leather and plush materials constitute soft and nostalgic parts, and sometimes rattan is used in a small range for vertical surfaces such as seats and cabinet doors of dining sideboards, mixing in a touch of coolness.

Owain Lounge Leather Chiar Mid-century Modern Chair

Owain Lounge Chiar By grado

3. Integrate With Nature

People are more pursuing more windows to integrate sunlight and nature into interior design. The choice of furniture materials also prefers natural materials such as teak and walnut, glass, metal and marble.

4. Bold Use of Colors

Although natural materials are widely used in mid century modern design, this style also boldly uses bright colors through embellishments, giving people a warm and stable feeling as a whole.

Joao Canziani photographs the mid-century modern style family home of architect Ray Kappe

Joao Canziani photographs the family home of architect Ray Kappe

Core elements of mid century modern style

The design of the living room is often the center of the home design and the main place for visitors and family gatherings. Essential elements of an mid century modern style living room include: straight sofas, wooden furniture, artistic furniture, metallic lamps, green plants, rugs.