How To Style Your Home Mid-Century Mod
The mid-century modern look is a style that is sleek and overall timeless. Simple and iconic, this style of interior design and furniture became popular during the 1940s and still exists as a favourite by so many interior designers. Mid-century styling showcases by clean lines, minimal use of ornaments and very high functionality. This decor theme has the ability to be around for a very long time. The key to getting this style right in your home is to carefully balance mid-century inspired furniture with current contemporary trends. We’re sharing our top tips on how to bring mid-century into your home while maintaining a modern and current look.
Pick inspired furniture
When you’re out shopping or sifting through antique stores it is a good idea to look for authentic or mid-century modern inspired furniture. Look for peg legs, hardware and even manufacturing tags labelled as from mid-century savvy countries like Denmark, Japan or America. Timber furniture was super popular during the 1940s until the 1960s. Using timber veneer will really add a pop to your styling especially if you can find furniture in shades of darker or natural timber. You might consider including walnut colours in shapes such as rounded chair backs, legs and edges. The wooden credenza with rounded dining chairs and the Eames lounger chair are strong icons of this time. Mixing different timbers is not a faux-pax in mid-century so don’t be afraid of contrasting wooden pieces.
Select from a key colour scheme
The mid-century colour palette includes bright colours that were popular in homes during the 50s. If you want to achieve a traditional look you should be looking at olive greens or dark reds. If your preference is to give your mid-century modern interior a glamorous or contemporary look consider pastel hues. Try colours like pale pinks, white, cream or navy. We love the idea of using shades of beige as a popular neutral tone. Even in the bedroom the addition of clean lines and muted colors will tie in this style so use mohair rugs or cotton weave throws. We have a quick giggle when remembering the orange and brown shades used in the olden days. In saying that, you can use these shades to really authenticate your styling theme. You can also incorporate greys and yellows.
Choosing appropriate accessories
Accessorising with bold artwork together with the right curtains and cushions is absolutely paramount to achieving the mid-century style. See if you can find pendant lighting or larger light fixtures that look more like a work of art. Don’t be scared to try metallic finishes or add in other works such as candlesticks in traditional shapes or simple round mirrors, bar carts and old-fashioned embossed glassware. You should finish off your décor with large, rounded floor and table lamps, indoor plants and patterned rugs and consider using ceramics which were also extremely popular as a great finisher in a living area.
Don’t forget the walls
Most mid-century homes had white walls and open-plan layouts so when considering styling these days you can always take it one step further with some inspired wallpaper or through adding striking graphic artwork to an otherwise bare wall. This wall art should reflect the colours you have chosen for your décor.
Remember, House & Garden stocks a huge range of homewares, furniture and accessories to help you achieve the ultimate in mid-century modern styling.
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