Here are my favorite – 7 – steps to adding mid-century style to any interior.
I seem to be visiting with more and more clients trying to incorporate this retro look and feel to their twentieth century homes.
– 1 – Adding More Wood
So much of today’s stores are selling what we like to call in the industry, “Throw Away Furniture”. These are items mainly made of pressed material and are often very affordable
The original mid-century line of furnishings were produced between 1930 and 1960, with wood taking center state. These mid-century masterpieces had clean lines of teak, walnut, oak and rosewood.
Maybe hunting for these old pieces seems like too much work or out of your budget range, there are many reproductions available in today’s market.
– 2 – Light-Up
Take one look at a mid-century styled home and the lighting is one of those elements that will jump right out. So many of these look so futuristic in their shape and design. These unique lights are not only functional; they are pieces of sculptural art.
You should also remember that mid-century styling was not to matchy-matchy so those table lamps you are looking for can have one design on an end table, and another style on the opposite table.
– 3 – Mid-Century Furniture Characteristics
Skipping past the big box stores in your easiest way to add quality mid-century furniture to your homes. Think of it as a treasure hunt back in time!
The characteristics you will be looking for are a mixture of wood and metal, with an emphasis on wood. The legs are are often peg legs, skinnier on top and larger on the top. Often the fabric used on these pieces is a textured and often on the chairs you will find big bold prints. The colors most used in fabric during these periods were apple green, a burnt orange or a mustard yellow.
– 4 – Shaken Not Stirred
Have you heard, home bar carts are the rage . . . again. This adult entertainment center started mid-century and has now been back for several years and is a nostalgic way to bring back the 50’s. Fill your bar with vintage glasses, expensive liquors and of course a cocktail shaker. A bar cart can be wheeled from room to room for parties and entertaining, and is the perfect accessory for every mid-century modern home.
You will certainly feel like you stepped back in time as you sip your martini – shaken not stirred.
– 5 – Mirror Mirror on the Wall
As I write this entry I’ve tried to think if there was ever a room I designed without a mirror and I must say they are far and few between. You see these little gems add so much a room, they reflect light, make a room look larger, and heck you can check yourself out before leaving a room (or answering the door). No matter what style of décor you choose, mirrors are the perfect design accessory. The only time I wouldn’t add a mirror is if they reflect the dirty dishes in the kitchen or reflect images from the bathroom (oops).
A sunburst mirror is an icon of this mid-century era and is a staple of nearly every supplier carried in our studio. It is simply a must-have accessory that shines mid-century into your home. There are plenty of replicas or originals to be found.
– 6 – Flat Doors – Sleek Counters
The mid-century movement was propelled post-war by homeowners wanting to feel modern and futuristic. Everything in their kitchens was meant to be the wave of the future. My mind goes right back to watching the Brady Bunch while growing up and seeing their use of clean lines in the kitchen, yep even back then I was thinking about design.
In order to replicate this look, it is advised to have extremely clean lines in your kitchen. Replace curved, ornate kitchen cabinets with plain, flat wood ones. Add sleek stainless steel and marble to countertop surfaces. Overall, keep the lines in your kitchen clean, simple and uncluttered.
– 7 – Mid-Century Arts
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest style statement. I’m personally one for BIG art, but a simple a metal wall piece can also set the style for your entire home.
For a modern look, don’t clutter your walls with tons of artwork. Keep it simple and clean with a few bold pieces. After all, isn’t it better to have one or two high-quality pieces instead of a bunch of knick-knacks?
The history and nostalgia for the mid-century modern movement is not showing signs of withering off into the olden days any time soon. It seems the artistry and architectural genius of that time is only becoming more revered.
Maybe you will get lucky and land one of these mid-century modern homes, but in the meantime, while you’re looking, add some of these above-mentioned style statements to your current home to feel the vibe of days gone by.
