Welcome back to the final article in our series on Mid Century Modern design. In the first article, we explored how Mid Century design got it’s start and defined some of it’s guiding principles. If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out here: What is Mid Century Modern. In the second article, we shared why we love Mid Century Modern design and some of the reasons why it inspires us every day. Check it out here: Why We Love Mid Century Modern. Today, we’re closing out the series with some practical tips for adding a little Mid Century Modern style to your home.
Last week, we learned about three features of mid century design that make us swoon: nature, simplicity, and color. Your home doesn’t even have to be in the Mid Century style for any of these tips to be applicable. Mid Century design has enjoyed it’s long run of popularity precisely because it works so well with other styles. The simple shapes, nod to nature, and bright colors can add functional beauty to any room regardless of if it’s in a victorian, a craftsman or a proper mid century modern abode. Here are some practical ideas for adding some Mid Century style to your home through the use of nature, simplicity, and color. And, no, an Eames lounge chair and Noguchi coffee table are not required.
Nature
Photo: Midwestliving.com
Mid Century architecture often features large windows, but even if your house is more mid century modest with smaller windows, you can still reap the benefits of nature. Make your windows a focal point as much as you can by keeping the drapes and dressings light and streamlined. For the rest of the room, choose furniture and decor that’s made from natural materials like wood, stone, leather, ceramic and natural textiles. Pieces that are inspired by nature, like our Aspen Magazine Rack, are perfect for bringing in a natural touch while keeping it modern. To finish it off, bring some nature indoors with green leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, cacti, and succulents.
Simplicity
Photo: blog.froy.com
Whether you’re designing the overall feel of a room or looking for one piece of furniture, you can use this concept of simplicity as a guide. For example, a relaxing and inviting seating area in your living room focuses the attention on conversation and connection. For the individual pieces of the room, look for furniture and decor items that have clean lines and that serve a purpose. Our Alden Table is a shining example with it's strong, clean, simple lines and purposeful functionality. Keeping extra elements to a minimum and making sure they all have a purpose brings negative space into the design, opens up the room, and allows each element to shine.
Color
Photo: apartmenttherapy.com
Ciseal's Michigan Left Table Lamp