Noogar Blog | A guide to Mid-Century Modern Interior Design and Decor (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules of mid-century modern design? ›

Mid-century modern style focuses on clean lines with a mix of both organic and geometric shapes. Simplicity rules, and some of the most basic mid-century modern furntiure pieces like coffee tables and chairs are often the most beautiful.

Mid-century design is an uncluttered style that combines clean lines, gentle and organic curves, and a poppy and fun color palette. It has a “form follows function” approach—aka, functionality is key when it comes to furniture and layout.

In mid-century modern interior design, the materials used are wood, metal, vinyl, glass, and plywood. Mid-century style is all about large shapes, patterns, and strong textures. The colors used can be neutral to gold or graphic, like black and white.

The Timeless Aesthetics Of Mid Century Modern Design Explained: 5 Important Elements To Explore. Mid-century modern design is all about achieving symmetry between form and function. Simple elegance, organic motifs, artistic pieces, multi-functional spaces, and geometric shapes are essential elements of this aesthetic.

Mid-century modern interior design has certainly made a welcome comeback since its introduction in the 50s. Now a favorite worldwide, it's easy to incorporate the look with a few simple elements.

The best colours for mid-century modern houses are earthy and bold. If you're decorating with a mid-century modern theme, choose warm tones of beige, orange, ochre yellow, mustard and brown. Combine these with a mix of punchy, playful colours like teal, burgundy red, mustard yellow and moss green.

Scandinavian + Mid-Century Modern

To harmonize it with the iconic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, focus on neutral color palettes, minimalist furniture, and clean lines. The Scandinavian-MCM blend creates a serene and clutter-free environment that exudes warmth and coziness, ideal for a welcoming living space.

“Midcentury homes are characterized by minimal fuss and ornamentation, along with sleek lines juxtaposed by organic shapes. Its look was a complete departure from the century's earlier ornate and extravagant design,” says Luke Caldwell, co-host of HGTV's Boise Boys.

Mid-century modern style is all about tension and juxtaposition. Pair unique curved or rounded couches and armchairs with more angular or geometric coffee tables, light fixtures, and artwork. Craft focal points in every space through layers and statement pieces that command attention.

Mid Century Modern Paint Colors​

Ranches embrace traditional hues such as warm whites and browns accented by light to mid-tone blue-greens. Mid-century Moderns are — well — modern! These trend-defying homes hold their own with earthy browns and grays contrasted by bright blues, greens, oranges and reds.

How to design mid-century modern furniture? ›

The trademarks of midcentury modern furniture include sleek, functional design. This includes soft curves, minimalist materials, and pops of personality with bold colors or geometric prints. Most midcentury modern furniture will also have wood or metal frames with upholstery.

Whereas mid-century furniture concentrated more on style and ornamentation, mid-century modern furniture was created to fulfill the needs of a new generation of homeowners who were searching for elegant, practical, and functional furniture that mirrored the modern sensibilities of the time.

Consider Red Oak, Cherry, Rustic Hickory, or Quarter-Sawn White Oak materials. Mid-Century Modern kitchen cabinetry will commonly have an artistic contrast of color typically featuring two tones of cabinet finishes throughout the design.

Mid Century sofas typically have features such as splayed legs and arms and a formal back, creating a modern 1950s/60s silhouette that is impossible to ignore. This look crosses over with the ever-popular Scandi look, which makes use of natural wood textures, and is always off the ground allowing light to flow through.

As a design principle Modernism promoted sleek, clean lines and eliminated decorative additions that were purely for the sake of embellishment. Out were the frilly fripperies of pre-war styles. This new world would take its cue from technology, factories, practicality and usefulness.

Characteristic features of Mid Century Modern Design are clear lines, simple organic and geometric forms, and bold and simple designs. Strong plastic materials such as vinyl and plexiglas commingle with traditional materials such as solid wood and aluminum.

Key Elements

Flat roofs are common, though modern ranch-style houses had gable roofs. Large windows. Sliding-glass doors and other expansive panes of glass allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles. Changes in elevation. Small steps going up and down between rooms creates split-level spaces.