Photo courtesy of ABT Modern. https://abtmodern.com/product/american-of-martinsville-mid-century-modern-coffee-table-with-tile-inlay/
Blame it on Mad Men, but our appetite for 1950s style and furniture is insatiable. It was the design movement of the times, which launched a quintessential look that was organic, minimalist and smooth with a distinct style. It is called mid-century modern design, and it has very distinct characteristics.
It is recognizable by it’s clean, unadorned interiors. Use of natural materials such as wood, leather, teak and linen are prominent. Molded plywood and plastic, as well as polished medal are very common traits in the furniture. It is also very open and raised off the floor allowing for an airy feeling. Mid-century modern homes have walls that are often white adding to the expansive feeling. Interiors generally have bare floors and if area rugs are used, they are typically wool, and neutral in color. Hints of color are used in moderation.
It is highly likely that you are familiar with this style, and you may even be fan without even knowing it. Here are a few reasons that you may love midcentury modern:
It is highly likely that you are familiar with this style, and you may even be fan without even knowing it. Here are a few reasons that you may love midcentury modern:
- You love simple lines, pure form and function. These are classic characteristics of the design.
- You adore the 50s and 60s and are a fan of the decor used in the A&E series Mad Men, which almost exclusively showed this style.
- You appreciate well-thought out patterns
- You love classic design. This includes pieces from antiques and second-hand shops and vintage fairs.
- You forgo bright colors in favor of simple neutrals, unless its artwork. Dusty grays, light teal, duck egg and Nordic blues and in some cases feminine pastels are your go-to color choices.
- Your favorite decorating style is chic and sleek.
- You like your furniture to sit low to the ground.
- You never forget that good design is all about the details.
