What is Mid-Century Style?

17 Novembro 2022

Design,

A design movement that took the world by storm between 1945-1975, mid-century style carries with it a distinctive timelessness associated with the clean lines, smooth cutouts and multitude of materials that make this design a success.

In this concept lives a modern home free of clutter in, which they are concerned with large pieces of furniture rather than ornate, value a vintage piece to provide character and much more that you can learn about below. Read on and enjoy.

History

The Mid-century style flourished in the mid-20th century in the United States of America, with a strong influence from the German Bauhaus school of design and architecture. Several German designers emigrated to America after the second world war, bringing with them innovative modern conceptions.

From the late 1950s, retro-futuristic design took hold in American design. Mass production meant that furniture was produced in large quantities, in a wide variety of materials and colours, leading to new configurations such as modern, contemporary and minimalist furniture. The term, which was designated by Cara Greenberg in her book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s, written in 1983.

Design is shaped to reflect people, their way of life, culture and beliefs, and this is exactly what characterised 1950’s interior design. A minimalist, functional approach with little ornamentation and organic forms, with a fresh energy and a retro feel. In the mid-century style there is a continuous flow from the inside to the outside with sliding doors, skylights etc.

: International architects who started the mid-century style | Credits: Emfurn

Style

This is a timeless style with a focus on creating a strong connection to nature. Thanks to low-profile, clean-lined furniture, an earth-inspired colour palette and little ornamentation, mid-century modern resonates with many. There’s a reason behind the style’s enduring popularity: Its guiding principles have been shown to improve your mood.

Large rooms filled with natural light are proven to make people happier. An earth-toned colour palette can reduce stress and increase productivity. There is a strong connection to nature, with many homes having walls of glass that slide open to let in lots of fresh air. Large windows carefully placed to frame views outside create a sense of calm.

: Connection between the inside and outside | Credits: Midcentury modern design

Colours

In colour dynamics, the mid-century style combines pale white walls with bold accents of colour. The decor contrasts more intense shades with white, black and wood. Following the idea of interconnecting the inside and outside, earthy greens, oranges and yellows, browns and navy blues are welcome in these spaces. Geometric and organic patterns are admired and exalted in this style.

: Neutral tones | Credits: Pinterest

: Dark greens and browns as background | Credits: Sarah Fultz interiors

: Iconic piece in a modern design | Credits: Spaces Collective

Materials

This was a period when new materials found their way into interior furnishings. Materials such as wood, metal and leather were in demand, as well as fibreglass and plywood were shaped to fit the curve of bodies. Marble is used extensively in this modern design style and usually found in countertops.

: Fortune coffee table

: Marble coffee table | Credits: Dezeen

: Natural leather sofa | Credits: Onekindesign

Furniture

Wood is the protagonist for furniture in this style. The best part is that each piece of furniture in this style doesn´t have to match each other. It should include bold fabrics with graphic patterns and cleans lines. The focus is on functionality and uncluttered spaces. Chairs and tables consist of simple outlines, supported by wood or metal.

Many mid-century style pieces tend to be bright and bold. The key, as always, is: incorporate more iconic elements and balance the rest in colour, size and texture.