Mid-century interior design is going through a huge revival right now, which is not at all surprising, considering its main characteristics: clean lines, no excessive embellishments, a focus on function and on opening up interior spaces. In other words, mid-century design is timeless and perfectly suited for our contemporary lifestyle.
Successful TV shows set in the 50s and the 60s, such as Mad Man, also had something to do with this sudden rediscovery of the mid-century design. However, that initial fad stuck because of its intrinsic qualities and also because many modern homes feature open floor plans, making them ideal for midcentury furniture.
If you are admiring this particular interior design style, here are some simple décor touches that will help you replicate it in your home with minimal effort or expenses.
1. Revamp your living room
A new coffee table plus a matching TV stand and cabinets can completely change the vibe of your living room and create the refined décor you are craving.
The most recognizable characteristic of mid-century furniture is the tall, tapered legs that create an elegant shape and the illusion that the furniture is floating. You do not need to start looking around for vintage furniture to get your hands on such pieces – many furniture manufacturers are offering 50s and 60s-inspired designs.
The simple and clean lines of those pieces go hand in hand with a decluttered, airy space. Fortunately, mid-century design puts functionality front and center, so the furniture has plenty of storage space. Many of the coffee tables, for example, have drawers, which will help you contain the clutter in that area.
However, you might need more help with decluttering your living room to achieve that typical mid-century look. Go through your living room furniture and accessories and get rid of knick-knacks, excessively ornated pieces and any item that does not have a clear function or purpose. Rent a self storage unit to temporarily contain the stuff that no longer fits in your living room.
2. Use bold color combinations in the kitchen
Another hallmark of the classic mid-century design is colorful, happy kitchens. Think pastel-colored cabinets and appliances, checkered floors and a vibrant countertop and backsplash. You do not necessarily have to use all those elements; after all, you do not want a replica of a 50s kitchen, just some of its coolest elements.
Decide on a color combination – bright yellow, avocado green, and turquoise – that makes great accent colors for a mid-century inspired kitchen. There are many solutions for playing around with colors without having to get new furniture or change tiles. Switch things around by using contact paper on countertops or appliances, or by painting your cabinets. Vinyl flooring is also reminiscent of the mid-century style, so if you want that black and white checkered look on your floor, you could use vinyl tiles, which are inexpensive and easy to install.
3. Go for graphic patterns in your bedroom
Focus on patterns and prints in the bedroom for your mid-century revival. The era is famous for geometric or free form fabric prints in bold colors, creating a futuristic look. Use decorative pillows, drapes or curtains and carpets to incorporate such prints into your bedroom. Wallpaper is another great way of integrating color and shapes into your bedroom décor.
Do not neglect wall art. From nature-inspired to abstract imagery, there are plenty of options when it comes to mid-century wall art.
4. Make your home office Mad Men-worthy
Home offices are a hot topic right now, as many of us are working from home. So, if you are an admirer of the mid-century design and in the process of setting up or updating your home office, now is your chance.
Focus on materials; choose a desk and a chair made of engineered wood combined with metal. You can go with either dark or light stained wood, depending on your preference. Add a small filing cabinet to perfect the entire ensemble.
If you do not have an entire room for your office, install a wooden shelves room divider to delimitate your work area. Not only do they look great and fit the aesthetic you are chasing, but they are also highly practical, allowing you to store your work-related stuff.
5. Pay some attention to your entryway
The secret of a beautiful home that boasts a recognizable interior design style is consistency. Add elements of your desired style in each room of your home. Since first impressions are made at the entryway, pay extra attention to this area.
Make sure that your entryway is well-organized and clutter-free. Floor-to-ceiling closets are ideal because they contain everything and ensure a neat, minimalistic space. Add a bench; there is a variety of choices, from luxurious, upholstered ones to others that include some storage. Do not forget about the mirror; sunburst accent mirrors or a set of mirrors of different sizes integrate perfectly in the mid-century décor.
What other mid-century décor elements are you planning to add to your home? Please let us know in the comments!
