Some of the most popular interior design styles include industrial, nautical, Scandinavian and Bohemian designs. These styles are all distinct from each other, blending different elements to create a unified look. Designers draw on these different styles when searching for thematic inspiration for interior redesigns or home renovations.
One of the timeless interior designs is the mid-century modern style which emerged during the mid-1900s. Inspired by the Bauhaus style, the mid-century modern approach is set apart by its classic, understated look. Simple yet elegant, its distinguishing features include sleek lines with minimal ornamentation.
Adopting a mid-century modern style to your home is one of the most practical ways to redecorate your space. But how can you achieve a mid-century modern look for your home?
Mid-century modern: A mainstream trend?
Trends come and go. What was famous decades ago can make a comeback in today’s world, for instance. That’s why the mid-century modern interior style isn’t a new concept.
If you’ve seen the show “Mad Men,” it can help give you a good idea on what the style is all about. Critics argue that it’s one of the most seductive shows on television — after all, it has mesmerized British audiences with its tales of Manhattan power struggles, illicit relationships, political intrigue and portrayal of life during the 1960s.
But what truly sets the show apart is its reputation for period accuracy. The sets were specifically designed to reflect East Coast interiors in the 1960s. In fact, the show’s production team worked with Herman Miller to create period-appropriate furnishings and artworks.
The show features a muted color palette made up of teal blues, burnt oranges and olive greens set against a backdrop of rich browns and golds. The set also includes iconic pieces of furniture, such as Roger Sterling’s olive buttoned couch and the padded velvet headboard from the Drapers.
It’s no surprise that the show brought mid-century modern designs back into the mainstream.
Stripping it down to the bare essentials
If “Mad Men” taught its viewers anything, it’s that it doesn’t take too much work to redesign your interiors and give it a mid-century modern appeal. After all, the style’s distinguishing features include an emphasis on functionality. That means adopting a minimalist approach to design, which includes uncluttered and sleek lines with minimal fuss.
In a nutshell, simplicity is the name of the game. It’s all about stripping things down to the bare essentials and letting function take center stage. In a similar vein, adopting this style entails reducing clutter and focusing on a single focal point.
Adapting the mid-century modern interior style
One of the most exciting parts about mid-century modern design is that you can let your imagination run wild. Even though the style is similar to minimalism, it doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to simple designs. In fact, this style gives you the freedom to experiment with color.
Simple shapes and lines turn color into a necessary layer of visual interest. Mid-century designers used color boldly by incorporating bright colors here and there. The result: a bright and cheerful look that reflected America’s optimism during the 1950s.
Acknowledging the forces of nature
Apart from streamlined patterns and bold colors, the mid-century modern interior look has a strong connection to nature. And this translates to more items and furniture pieces made from natural materials like leather, wood and cotton.
This is where area rugs can help achieve overall balance in interior design. Their subtle, earthen appeal can add to your home’s warmth. They also pull different visual elements together by making some of your furniture pieces stand out — after all, these rugs can also be displayed on the wall.
Tamarian area rugs, in particular, are a fantastic addition to any space because its classic charm can help juxtapose your contemporary-style furniture pieces on display.
For more inspiration, you might want to go over the work of famous interior designers like George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi and Jens Risom.
Turning your interior into a true work of art
With enough research and the right furniture, you can create a mid-century modern interior look for your home. After all, its clean lines, bold colors and attractive simplicity has captured the hearts and minds of those looking to brighten up their indoor space. And what better way to add a unique twist to your home?
Whether you want to turn your room into a space that will rival the set on “Mad Men” or just make your home a little more livelier, you’re on the right track. Since the style prioritizes function over form, you’re changing your indoor space for the better.
Source: rent.com