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And while midcentury modern design is by no means the only aesthetic to have had a resurgence, it has certainly done so with unmatched staying power. The modernist aesthetic is defined by clean lines, organic forms, a less-is-more approach, and high functionality (think of design icons like Florence Knoll, Herman Miller, and Arne Jacobson). It was popularized during the 1940s and, after a second wave of interest in the late ’90s, has yet to leave the mainstream gaze—to the dismay of many design pundits. Here, metallic chevron details decorate the front of a midcentury sideboard cabinet, which offers stylish storage in this living room. Continuing the mod look, contemporary artwork mixes in primary colors and more geometric forms. A riff on an iconic midcentury lighting design, the black, spider-like fixture mounted near the bed provides both ambient and task lighting.
Midcentury A-Frame
The 'modern' is introduced with abstract art elements, Op Art, geometric prints, repeated patterns (think Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans), or colorful expressionism (drawing influences from the likes of Jackson Pollock). Mid-century modern art is often abstract, sculptural or colorful, and sometimes a combination of all three elements. When combined with good sofa depth, low-lying seating and wooden elements, the look begins to take on a curated scheme. However, that's not to say Mid-century modern isn't a statement, it most definitely is. It's just about finding that balance between sleek and sophisticated and statement.
Silver-Screen Style
Mid-century modern was the unfussy, utilitarian style that defined interior design for the post-war generation. Now its functional, fluid furniture with slimline legs has been adopted by the masses – especially those wanting small living room ideas that will give the illusion of space. Advancements in manufacturing allowed furniture designers to experiment with new materials, such as injection moulded plastics, with resulted in sculptural, sleek pieces of furniture in new colors, textures and forms.
Add a Breakfast Nook
'I am a firm believer that in every era there is incredible design and I pull from lots of different periods – I love mixing deco, Bauhaus, mid-century; sticking to one era can be a bit one note,' adds interior designer Kelly Weastler. Here, the warm neutrals used as the main structure for this living room color scheme are very much back in vogue. Earthy naturals, pale plaster pinks and natural weaves all set the scene elegantly, and provide an ideal backdrop for the addition of a few joyful primary colors.
Inspiration
An A-frame lets you feel like you’re in the great outdoors but from the comfort and coziness of your home. Boost your home's architectural appeal with clean lines, wood finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows. If you're lucky enough to live in a home with walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, insufficient daylight isn't likely one of your problems. But if your space is window-challenged, every ounce of natural light that does make it into the room can still be maximized. Trade heavy fabric drapes and window treatments for subtler, unfussy, sheerer versions that facilitate clearer outdoor views—or use none at all, as in Emily Henderson's Lake Arrowhead, California, home.
Mid-century modern living room ideas do not have to be devoid of color or pattern. Beautiful blooms are an exquisite and easy way to add life and color to your 1950s interiors. Using primary colors in a mid-century modern living room can be done subtly and elegantly to create bright – but understated – space. These colors are called primary colors because they cannot be created by combining any other colors.
27 Contemporary Midcentury Modern Furniture Ideas That Don't Cost a Fortune - Architectural Digest
27 Contemporary Midcentury Modern Furniture Ideas That Don't Cost a Fortune.
Posted: Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Gray is the most wanted color after white, and the hue has secured its position as the modern neutral. Symmetry in interior design is introduced to create balance and a feeling of calm – ideal for enhancing a space in a mid-century modern living room. Oozing warmth and character, and famed for its timeless beauty and durability, wood is still one of the most popular materials to use in an authentic mid-century modern living room. For Kovac Design Studio, a discerning eye sometimes necessitates a streamlined approach. In the great room of Todd Feldman’s retreat in La Quinta, California, neutral furnishings are paired with Warren Platner chairs that echo the house’s wooden accents. The muted color scheme allows that attention be drawn, first, to the home’s fabulous roof line.
Choose authentic or reproduction furniture and accents to decorate a midcentury modern living room, or sprinkle in pieces to add character and warmth to a contemporary or minimalist space. Revive your love of midcentury modern design by sourcing pieces with those classic, geometric silhouettes but are made from unexpected materials. Filicia perfectly captured a "midcentury cabin" aesthetic with these matching, light-wood coffee tables using that same philosophy. The simple shapes of midcentury modern furniture allow for bold colors and patterns elsewhere. Here, wood grain-patterned flooring, geometric patterned wallpaper, and a floral headboard bring life to this bedroom.
Go for Iconic Pieces
The living room's neutral cream-coloured palette is enhanced by wooden details and black window frames, which add a graphic element to the interior. The conversation pit is a fixture in midcentury design, so adding in a space to your living room that encourages human connection is essential to truly capture the aesthetic. This isn't technically a pit, but Rodney Lawrence mimicked one with this oversize sectional.
With fresh tweaks, iconic midcentury furniture designs are brought into the current century. Originally designed for dining rooms, this white metal Bertoia chair finds new life on a cozy screened-in porch. Molded plastic chairs, inspired by the designs of Ray and Charles Eames, look just as stylish in the kitchen as they do in an office, dining room, or elsewhere. Here, they pull up to a table next to the island, adding casual seating to this kitchen. Wooden dowel legs on this version complement the wood-paneled walls and hardwood flooring.
Choose this scheme if you’re young at heart and into bold patterns and punchy colors, and take a more playful, irreverent approach when it comes to decor. Bring a classic mid-century look into the 21st century with modern materials and a soothing color scheme. Repurposed objects, like this vintage Eames screen and tall floor lamps, help draw the eye upward, as they do in Sophia Bush’s stunning retro Hollywood home. A focus on purity of design, functionality and biomorphic shapes became popular in a post-World War II world.
The clean horizontal lines on the door mimic the painted white brick and are characteristic of midcentury modern home design. Large glass panels around the doors connect the interior with the outdoors, letting in plenty of natural light and breaking up the brick. Two minimalist cylindrical wall sconces flank the doors and modern planters add a pop of greenery to the concrete entry. Curved landscaping adds an organic shape and stark contrast to the clean-lined front doors. A nod to the past with a retro-inspired orange-and-brown color scheme, this geometric vinyl wallpaper lends a groovy pattern to a children's bedroom. A simple wood-paneled bed with white lacquered drawers balances the bold palette and boasts the "less is more" attitude of classic midcentury modern decor ideas.
'I love combining mid-century modern pieces with antiques, traditional and more contemporary pieces,' she says. 'When you thoughtfully mix pieces from different eras, it allows the space to feel like it was collected over time as opposed to purchased all at once. Whether it's furniture frames, coffee tables, sideboards, or consoles, rich wood shades are a key element of creating the mid-century modern look and also make warm and inviting natural living room ideas.
Here, a shag rug anchors a seating arrangement that includes an upholstered sofa, glass coffee table, and wicker furnishings. Popular midcentury modern color palettes range from soft neutrals to earth tones and vibrant, poppy shades. A midcentury modern space might be dominated by neutrals and wood tones, or accented with earthy, nature-inspired shades of green, blue, brown, rust, and mustard yellow. And many midcentury modern interiors featured bold patterns and bright shades of red, orange, blue, and other colors depending on individual tastes. Equal parts stylish and functional, midcentury modern aesthetics are largely defined by a less is more philosophy, with clean lines, wood finishes, an emphasis on maximizing natural light, and a connection to the outdoors. Many items from the period are still in production, and you can find good-quality pieces in the style of the originals.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Cornell University and is a LEED-accredited professional who lives in L.A. Her projects have appeared in publications such as MyDomaine, Elle Decor, Domino, and House Beautiful. This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen's image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing home libraries, minimalist bedrooms and Shaker-style interiors. In the living room, an elegant metal reading light hangs over a mid-century style chair and a cosy rug softens the room's hard surfaces and symmetrical lines.
Whether you're seeking to create a sleek, mid-century interior design or update your living room ideas with a few iconic mid-century pieces, we've rounded up some beautiful schemes and advice from the experts to get you inspired. If you’re looking to mix styles and eras, this early Frank Gehry home is a study in harmonious contrast. Gehry’s signature Deconstructivist style and spare palette works with the neutral tones, luxurious materials, and rounded contours. Take, for examples, the living room’s lush Mario Bellini mohair sofa (an icon of 1970s design), the handwoven Scandinavian wool rug balancing out the concrete floors, and the concrete fireplace counteracted with a warm woodgrain patterns.
