What is Mid-Century Modern Style? Everything to Know

Table Of Content

• Explore homes anytime, anywhere with the Redfin app.
• What is mid-century modern design? All about the style that everyone can't stop talking about
• Read on see how Mid-Century Modern made its way into the fabric of all types of design.
• Inspect your antique furniture
• Interior Atriums
• Know how to spot authentic pieces of furniture

Ideas were quickly spreading and being shared; designers were trying to define the perfect way to solve problems, create a new and exciting way to appreciate space, and to give everyone access to good design. As demonstrated by the Eames' iconic Shell Chair of Arne Jacobson's Egg Chair, bold or unusual shapes were common for Mid-Century Modern furniture. This may be the case because designers were attempting to rethink each piece and redefine the necessary pieces that make up a chair, a table, or any other design problem. This resulted in a shape that does not quite look like a “normal” chair or table. Lessons in minimalism and typography carried over when the New Bauhaus School of Design was established in the early 1940s.

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Mod City Madness, a company that restores original 1960’s furniture, suggests “Incorporating mid-century modern style into your home involves careful consideration of space, budget, and the opportunity to make environmentally friendly choices. Whether you’re accentuating existing decor or establishing a foundational style, mixing vintage with contemporary furniture provides flexibility while embracing MCM design. Flat roofs are one example of how important clean lines were in this design style. Since spaces were considered individual and often boxy volumes, the roof was typically a flat plane that simply closed off an interior volume. Though not all projects used flat roofs, they were very common and tended to reinforce the horizontality present through the large windows and the vertically shifted horizontal boxes that composed some Mid-Century Modern buildings. The disciplines that first come to mind when hearing the phrase “mid-century modern design” are furniture, architecture, industrial design and fashion.

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Midcentury-Modern Architecture: Everything You Should Know About the Funky and Functional Style.

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What is mid-century modern design? All about the style that everyone can't stop talking about

As the industry grows and innovates, our regulatory structures must keep pace,” said Secretary Deb Haaland, who announced the final rule today during remarks at the 2024 International Partnering Forum. "By modernizing and updating these regulations, we are paving the way for the safe and efficient deployment of offshore wind projects, providing clarity for developers while continuing to protect important natural and cultural resources." The key to winning at creating the mid-century modern aesthetic is to leverage iconic pieces, and minimalism while mixing in artistic shapes and form. One concept a trained designer applies is ‘thinking about mixing scales’ – but what does this mean? When you are picking materials and objects, look at the detail of the textures, is the weave big, or small, is the pattern of tile large or small?

Read on see how Mid-Century Modern made its way into the fabric of all types of design.

During her remarks today, Secretary Haaland announced a new five-year offshore wind leasing schedule, which includes up to 12 potential offshore wind energy lease sales through 2028. BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein and BSEE Director Kevin Sligh also attended the Forum, outlining their commitment to a clean energy future. “Designers in the 50s and 60s often used mixtures of different woods, warm wood tones, metals and other new materials of the time,” says Nicole Hobbs from Hobbs Modern. “The designers of the time were innovators, they worked with new materials like plastics and metals and techniques like bending wood. The resulting formula made for living spaces that are still popular today and many of the ideals like transparency, openness, and a connection to nature are still considered pillars of good residential architecture.

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Introducing Modpol, a Game Mod for Governance Media Economies Design Lab.

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Despite being some half a century old, mod style is very much relevant today. “My best advice for buying MCM or any other antique or collectible design pieces would first be to take the time to do your homework,” suggests Judy Engel from Modern on the Hudson. “There are so many ways to source amazing pieces, from places like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to auctions and estate sales, to dealers, galleries, and shops. All types of pieces (good, bad, and fake) can be found in each of these venues. If you have the time to look at authentic pieces in galleries and auction houses in person, then do it.

It's hit such a mainstream appeal that it's been deemed the "Pumpkin Spice Latte of design," with the style sold everywhere from Design Within Reach to Target. It's everywhere, and for that very reason, the term's meaning can get a little diluted. Many mid-century modern houses were designed as private residences, and Pierre Koenig's iconic Stahl House is one such example. It was built in 1959 as part of the Case Study Houses program – and is also known as Case Study House #22. Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg chair is an iconic example of mid-century modernism. Making use of state-of-the-art materials at the time, it was thought to be inspired by Eero Saarinen's Womb chair.

Mix vintage finds with modern elements for a curated aesthetic, and invest in key iconic pieces like Eames chairs or Noguchi tables to anchor your design. Chris Kinlaw, furniture designer and founder of MIXMA Studios, adds that mid-century modern interior design very much drew inspiration from the architectural movement. “It focuses on clean lines, minimalism, and a functional approach to design, incorporating similar elements into interior spaces," he says. The rise of mid-century modern design can be traced back to a combination of factors.

What is the mid-century modern style?

His book cover designs for McGraw-Hill Paperbacks are standout examples of this style, communicating diverse and complex topics. His illustrations for Modern Nuclear Technology, for example, and Personality and Psychotherapy, use simple, graphic, overlapping shapes – a characteristically mid-century modern technique. In fiscal year 2024, BSEE oversaw the installation and successful start to the operation of the nation’s first two commercial-scale, offshore wind projects. As is always a part of minimalism, these pieces all lack unnecessary decoration.

The key to a well-designed home is bringing in layers of different vibes. So, adding a pop of either vintage home decor or vintage-inspired furniture to the space will help bring in character and a sense of considered design, which is a win-win. When you think of mid-century modern pieces today, most people picture vintage furniture in warm-toned teak, rosewood, or oak wood. The aesthetic is form-led — it’s all about throwing unique shapes together and creating an almost futuristic feel, compared to what had been in fashion pre-1950s.

The rising tide of mid-century modern design also coincided with a growing interest in minimalism and simplicity. Designers were increasingly focused on creating clean, uncluttered spaces that promoted a sense of calm and order. This philosophy extended to the furniture and household items of the era, with clean lines and geometric shapes becoming hallmarks of mid-century modern design. As Robin DeCapua puts it, "Its popularity is due in part to its versatility, as it can be easily incorporated into a variety of spaces, from homes to offices to public spaces." “For those designing their home in the MCM style, start by grasping the fundamentals of clean lines, organic shapes, and the marriage of form and function,” states Stamford Modern. “Experiment with MCM color palettes, incorporating earthy tones and bold accents.

At the core of mid-century modern design lies an unwavering focus on functionality. Every piece, from the smallest accessory to the most significant piece of furniture, is meticulously designed to serve a purpose. “[Mid-century modern design] prioritizes practicality and functionality, with furniture and objects designed to serve a purpose while still being aesthetically pleasing,” says Amanda Sims. “Mid-century modern design is known for its iconic furniture pieces, which are characterized by innovative forms, use of new materials, and a focus on comfort and practicality,” explains Amanda Sims. Even if you can’t get your hands on a lusted-after Danish sideboard or vintage teak coffee table, don’t sweat, because there are so many current takes on this style that look like they're straight from the era.