MID CENTURY MODERN | nordicmoods

Mid-Century-Modern

Mid-century Modern is a term in (interior) design and architecture that is not easily defined. It broadly describes architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20th century (roughly 1930 to 1965, though some would argue the period is specifically limited to 1947 to 1957). It is characterized especially by clean lines, organic and streamlined shapes and the lack of embellishment.

Most Mid-Century modern homes showcase three predominant characteristics: a clean, minimalist aesthetic, an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in, and the presence of angular structures.

Modern design refers to an era that has passed, while contemporary design is all about the now and the future. The most popular modern design era is the mid-century modern era of the 1950s and 1960s. But Art Deco design of the 1920s or anything from then to the vintage look of the 1970s can also be considered modern.

How to integrate Mid-century Modern design into your home:

Let wooden details do the talking; don't hide them, accentuate them.
Less is more; get rid of all access frills and furniture. You'll find it clearing your head as well ;-)
Let the light in; don't let your living area be obscured by thick curtains; keep it light and airy.
Find retro art or wooden accessories to showcase in an open cupboard.
Keep the colour scheme subdued, again let the wood do the work.
Decorate with - and use - your vintage and modernist ceramic accessories.
Use and decorate with pure and natural materials.
Keep the walls light and calm, or combine darker walls with sereen whites or light greys.
Embrace (big and bold) patterns and structures; don't be shy and use them to make a (artistic) statement.
Try to get the inside out - and vice versa; a living area that flows into a garden and the other way around, is very relaxing and it works wonders for the soul.

Last but not least, don't mistake Mid-century modern for the so-called popular Scandinavian style with it's bland and subdued colour schemes. Mid-century modern is more powerful and less shy, with strong focal points, which keeps it excitig and daring. It uses teak, pallisander and walnut wood rather than the lighter oaks and beech. Comparing both styles, would be comparing apples to oranges....but that wouldn't keep us from combining the two, now would it ;-)