Mid-Century Modern is a look that is all about clean lines and functionality. It embraces the juxtaposition between contrasting materials and with minimal clutter and fuss celebrates the form and manufacture of every piece.

As minimalism remains a popular trend, from traditional modernist minimalism to the industrial-chic minimalism that’s so fashionable now, Mid-Century Modern is making a reappearance. It is a softer approach to minimalism that allows for more expression with colors, textures, and shapes. In fact, just as Minimalism has had a revival, Mid-Century Modern can still influence the way that you design your own home. You don’t have to be completely true to the original style, but a hint here and there will make your rooms feel calmer and more grounded.

Today’s Mid-Century Modern Style

Line and Form

Today's Mid-Century Modern Style

The main joy of Mid-Century Modern style is that it creates a rhythm that makes your eye travel around the room, moving from one piece of furniture to the next in a seamless, endless manner. This gives the impression that the room is larger than it really is as you are never drawn to a single point. To achieve this in your own home, stand in each room and see where your eyes settle. You may be able to achieve more movement by rearranging what you have, but if you keep getting stuck on something, then you might want to consider replacing it.

Functionality

Mid-Century Modern

In Minimalist design, everything is functional and ornamentation is radically pared back; in Mid-Century Modern design, the function is still at the heart of your interior but it is also important that it is aesthetically pleasing too. While options were more limited in the 30s, now you can customize your own furniture to make sure that it is both completely functional and perfectly designed for your own home. Joybird, in particular, takes this stance and offers a wide range of customizable Mid-Century influenced designs. Have a look at some Joybird reviews to see what other people are saying.

Color and Texture

Color and Texture

The importance of color and texture is at the heart of every design trend, but how you use it defines your own personal style. Where minimalists seek to reduce the palette to only 2 or 3 colors and materials, you can choose from a much wider standpoint. You could even add textured walls.

The Mid-Century Modern finds joy in all the different materials, colors and textures available and celebrates each in its most raw form. This style was the first to use plastic made to look like plastic rather than as a cheap wood-effect. This celebration can be continued in any modern home and you can either create a contrasting palette or seek a more calming and complementary scheme. This is what makes this style so timeless.

However you choose to decorate your home, the Mid-Century Modern designers have laid out a simple rule book to follow. Give your eyes the chance to wander; allow functionality to reign; use color and texture to celebrate the materials available to you.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.