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Chances are pretty good that you’ve heard someone recently wax poetic about all things “mid-century modern.” This is one of the hottest design trends in the U.S. right now, but it’s certainly not the first time. Chances are also pretty good that your grandmother was, at one time, crazy for this design style. The roots of modern design began in Germany in the 1920s, as a rebellion of sorts against the ornate, over-the-top Victorian style. The movement began with a minimalistic approach of function over elaborate form, incorporating clean, simple lines and natural materials. In the U.S., the modern period gained prominence between 1940 and 1960. Today, we consider the mid-century modern period to include those pieces originally produced between about 1948 and 1969. Think Don Draper’s office on “Mad Men,” and you get the idea. America’s fascination with mid-century modern interior design has grown to a fever pitch (thanks in large part to “Mad Men,” “The Incredibles,” the movies of Tim Burton and David Lynch, and a host of current TV commercials that use this style to advertise everything from high-end automobiles to cable service). Many of today’s hottest designers incorporate aspects of mid-century design into their clients’ homes, but few people want to live in a full-scale reproduction of their grandmother’s house. Besides, authentic mid-century furniture and accessories can be pricey. Consequently, designers often recommend that clients adopt a more contemporary approach to this popular style. The essential ethos of mid-century design is to do away with excess embellishment. Straight lines, solid colors, and natural materials (wood, glass, stone, leather) form the basis for this design. Start with one or two pieces of original, vintage mid-century furniture, and build your room from there. A Barcelona chair or Knoll sofa is a perfect starting point, lending an aura of mid-century pizazz to an otherwise staid space. Original pieces in great shape can be expensive; however, some excellent, high quality reproductions can be found at much more accessible prices. Color palettes are important if you hope to create the right feel for your mid-century space. Turquoise, butterscotch, and red- or burnt orange add a delightful mid century feel to any room, while maintaining an updated feel. True mid-century modern color palettes might include lime green, bright yellow, gold, or brown. Adding room accessories such as throw pillows or rugs in these colors will transform a bland room to mid-century fabulous. Accessories were critical in the mid-century period. Lamps that evoke this design style can be fun as well as functional. Think Sputnik, atomic, starburst… Tension or pole lamps are great conversation pieces and provide flexible lighting solutions for your room. Wide varieties of reproduction starburst chandeliers are available today. These are a popular option because, although lending a mid-century feel to the room, they have reliable, modern wiring and accommodate today’s high-efficiency bulbs. Brass or chalkware table lamps are also popular mid-century lighting choices. The best part of adding a mid-century modern design style to your home is in the search. Finding and adding one or two great pieces at a time is not only fun but affordable. Mid-century furniture and accessories mesh well with most design styles and allow you to transform the room at your own pace. Look for comfortable, well-made pieces that fit your family’s needs, and before you know it, you will have created a space that matches your personality as well as your lifestyle.
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