Table Of Content
Thankfully, finding affordable midcentury modern furniture isn't too difficult. Many items from the period are still in production, and you can find good-quality pieces in the style of the originals. Browse estate sales and online auctions, and you can score vintage gems that will make you the envy of your design-loving friends. Besides specific pieces, which are usually organic in shape with sharp details, there are certain colors and accents—like martini olive green and wood paneling—that scream midcentury modern and will look great in your living room. Similar to Scandinavian design, mid-century modern style is one without clutter or superfluous ornamentation. Statement pieces like large sculptures or plants are more common, whereas small trinkets or collections are generally out of sight.
"Tiny homes are not the big solution to homelessness that we need"
It appears that Schwarzenegger still maintains this property, though she no longer lives there. Jason Statham—hero of action-thriller films like the Fast & Furious franchise, Snatch, and The Transporter—may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of midcentury-modern design fanatics. But it takes only a few minutes of conversation with the actor to realize he has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the movement’s design philosophies, major architects, and—most importantly—where to buy houses that fit the description. “There’s just something really appealing about the symmetry and openness of things,” he says of the homes. "The need and desire for functional, simplistic furniture and decor in our homes was a rebellion against the ornate traditions from decades before, and a way for families to embrace a more modern, organic way of living," designer Eleanor Trepte comments.
What is mid-century modern interior design? An expert guide to this classic style
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]
In other words, Midcentury Modern furnishings — many of which are still in production today because of their timelessness — are suitable for any type of decor. Born in Bergamo, the dapper 38-year-old talent spent years in Milan working on marketing strategy and design for the fashionable eyewear brand Oliver Peoples. Six years ago, after being named creative director of the company, he relocated to L.A., where he oversaw the design of more than a dozen Oliver Peoples boutiques in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. “In college I studied business and industrial design, so I learned to approach business from a design perspective and vice versa. It made me realize that interior design is where my true passions lie,” Tagliaferri says.
Case study houses
But vivid primary colors are at the heart of the original mid-century modern look. Unique lighting was where fuss and flourishes are allowed in mid-century modern style. You'll notice even in the most simple, stripped-back mid-century modern spaces, the lighting will be giving something special. And lighting is a great way to bring in a touch of the mid-century into other styles too.
Use Unexpected Materials
Thus, the sofas, coffee tables, dining tables you choose should reflect these aesthetics and be as functional as they are beautiful. Mid-century modern design rose to popularity during the 1930s and 40s but never quite went out of style. Today the term mid-century modern (MCM, for short) is more ubiquitous than ever, and pairs well with both vintage and modern homes alike. Defined by organic shapes, minimal decor, and a focus on functionality, this style of interior design is undeniably timeless and relatively simple to emulate at home. While the aesthetics of mid-century modern design are often attributed to specific designers, Dave Adams, VP of Marketing for BDI Furniture, highlights the broader cultural shift. “Mid Century Modern style is characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and a focus on functionality,” expains Robin DeCapua, founder of Madison Modern Home.
Grow-at-home furniture
Though this scheme deftly mixes eras, the clean lines throughout and the dark stained wood feels distinctly midcentury. The movement spanned from about 1933 to 1965 and included architecture as well as industrial, interior, and graphic design. Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson created iconic furniture and lighting that are still highly coveted. The architectural style, seen in the work of talents such as Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, is known for its use of expanses of glass, flat planes, and a strong connection to nature. Pieces by mid-century modern designers such as Ray and Charles Eames, whose lounge chair sits next to a floor-to-ceiling window, and Isamu Noguchi decorate this Los Angeles loft that was designed to nod to Japanese minimalism.
“The proportions—low, hovering—are all about inserting into nature and being minimal,” he notes. ” Mission accomplished in this living room, which features a marble cocktail table by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia and a quartzite wall above the home’s original brass fireplace. Built in the 1950s, this Johannesburg gem was designed by Eyvind Finsen, a South African architect who was inspired by Richard Neutra. The homeowners (architects themselves), Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, designed this with one question in mind. “We asked ourselves, ‘What would the natural progression of a Palm Springs bungalow be today? This living room flaunts a leather sofa by Flexform, a vintage black leather chair (bottom left) by Joe Colombo, and a custom angular cocktail table.
The windows are meant to be kept large and open to let the fresh air waft inside without being encumbered by heavy drapery. If possible, a touch of green elements can be introduced indoors to accentuate he deign and opt for light wood and cotton textile to keep it floaty and airy. When comedian Adam Carolla purchased his midcentury home three years ago, he did so with the intention of doing major renovations on the 1963 gem. His renovations included a complete revamp of the kitchen, new terrazzo and hardwood flooring, and a gut-renovated master suite.
Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture. White Eames shell chairs sit around a streamlined wooden table in the dining area, which also has a graphic "Modernist" lamp from Z-Lite. This two-storey residence in San Francisco's Diamond Heights neighbourhood features post-and-beam structures, an open floor plan and glass walls. Window frames were painted yellow to match the facade of the building, their bright hues matching the polished wood used for both the floor and much of the furniture. The current decor is meant to reflect how they enjoyed the property, with various furniture, books, fabrics, art, shells, rocks and straw baskets kept in the building, which was completed by the Eameses in 1949. At the start of each month, get a roundup of upcoming plant-related activities and events in Southern California, along with links to tips and articles you may have missed.
This approach can not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also creates a more functional and versatile living environment. “Inspired by nature, mid-century modern design incorporates organic forms and natural shapes, often seen in furniture and architectural elements, which add a sense of fluidity and harmony,” explains Amanda Sims. The rise of mid-century modern design can be traced back to a combination of factors. At the heart of this design movement was a desire for a fresh start in the aftermath of World War II. As people sought a break from the past, a new aesthetic that reflected the changing times began to take shape — and this interior design style eventually became knowsn as mid-century modern design.
“This lot was in pure view—every morning, every night,” Carlotta Stahl recalled. Locals called it Pecker Point, presumably because it was a prime makeout venue. For the Stahls, it became the blank screen on which they projected their dreams of a life together, a place to build a future, a family, and a house like no other. Finally, you'll want to strike the right balance when it comes to incorporating MCM pieces into your space.
