Mid-century modern design is characterized by clean lines, organic and manmade materials, and retro looks.
From the 1940s until the 1960s, new futuristic approaches were being incorporated into the American style since during this period many historic events took place that sparked severe competition between the East and West.
The Space Race, the abolition of the Eisenhower administration and Kennedy's rise to power were among those events. The interior design industry could not escape these big changes and accepted a sprinkle of innovations to brighten up our everyday lives.
It rose to popularity in the US in the 40’s. The midcentury style is famous for its clean lines, muted tones, natural and handmade materials, graphic shapes, bold accent hues, integration of inside and outdoor décor.
In the 1940s, mid-century style was heavily influenced by German Bauhaus design and architecture, where designers put a lot of stress on the lines, function and materials.
German designers emigrated to America following the end of World War Two, bringing with them their new design ideas. This was a time when modernity was marching into American culture. Huge amount of furniture and interior accessories were being produced in the most unusual colors and materials possible.
As if bringing new futuristic motifs into the interior, mid-century style seamlessly replaced the American traditional style by establishing its own unique place among others.
Main features of the midcentury style
Below find the essential peculiarities of the mid-century style that makes it differ from others.
1. Minimalism: It stands out by the simplicity and free space. As an example, tables and chairs are often made of the simplest materials, with legs that appear to be rushing somewhere.
2. Manmade and natural materials: You often see handmade materials as vinyl, plastic, fiberglass and natural materials such as wood, metal, glass, marble, etc. They can be complemented by bold accents in the midcentury style.
3. Natural hues complemented by accent shades: You can apply bold colors to the interior against the wooden, black and white backgrounds. Natural green, bright fall orange and yellow, dirty brown, sea blue, clay red are some of the most common to meet in this interior.
3 tips how to start decorating your room in the mid-century design
No matter you’re going to decorate your living room, bedroom or kitchen, these tips will be appropriate for them all:
1․ Start to furnish around one statement furnishing piece. Select one or two accent pieces and decorate around them. It may be dining tables with wooden or metal details, chairs or sofas. Use the rest of the space so it complements the overall vibe.
2․ Play with colors. Color is what makes mid-century style unique from minimalism. You can apply any shade of color you want: no limits.
3․ Stay loyal to natural materials: If you have a window in the room that overlooks a beautiful scene, then consider to match the colors of the outdoors with the décor inside. If there’re not any windows or the scene isn’t good enough, you can use pot plants.
Many people today confuse the mid-century style with Scandinavian minimalism. Both present modernism. Scandinavian style is popular for pastel hues, and mid-century style is well known for dark shades. However, both are similar due to the warm tones and futuristic materials.