How to achieve a Mid-century modern style in your home

Mid-century modern style first emerged in America in the 1940s, and the trend gradually declined in popularity during the 1970s. The style was inspired by a certain optimism in American society following the war, leading to a significant rise in suburban developments with the baby boom and the expanded population needing more homes. Consequently, suburban houses were built, which created a demand for new, stylish, and affordable furniture.

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Scandinavian design influenced mid-century aesthetics with its clean lines and minimalist look.

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Another factor in the mid-century modern style was the rapid accessibility and advancement of technology. As society began purchasing items like small home TV sets, homes had to be reorganised to accommodate this new technology.

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As technology has continued to develop and become a staple in the home, this style has endured, remaining a timeless and chic design choice that feels current today.

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Key elements of Mid-century Modern interior design

• Clean lines and minimal ornamentation – lack of decorative flourishes and a focus on functionality.

• Natural finishes and touches - Bringing the outside in with the use of house plants and natural finishes in wood pieces in the home.

• Bold use of colour – Bold use of colour to make the space pop, normally earthy tones (dark greens and burnt oranges)

• Tapered legs and low profiles – furniture with thin legs and low furniture to the ground to have a more grounded feel.
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Examples of Mid-century Modern Design

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For some more inspiration in this interior design style, have a look at these key designers:

• Charles and Ray Eames

• Eero Saarinen

• George Nelson

• Florence Knoll

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Where to start

If you want to start to implement mid-century modern into your space and don't know where to start, look no further. Here are some ideas to get started with this design style.

• As with most things, we would recommend getting a statement piece for a prominent room in your home. Some examples to get you started: Lounge Chair, large mid-century artworks, and light fixtures are great ways to introduce the style into your home without having to change all the décor.
• To keep your home makeover within budget, mix vintage with modern reproductions to keep the whole process of adapting the style a lot cheaper.

Having a mix of old and new gives the space an authentic feel without breaking your bank account.

• Add a retro feel to the space to achieve the mid-century look by incorporating retro artwork or geometric patterns in rugs, which also enhances this effect.

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Materials and Textures

To be able to give off the effect of a mid-century modern with more modern pieces of furniture and accessories, it's useful to know the materials and textures that were and are currently used to achieve this look.

Here are some commonly used materials for mid-century modern interiors.

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• Teak
• Walnut
• Fibre Glass
• Leather
• Glass

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Links to products

Here are some accessible items that are mid-century modern-inspired to inspire you in your redesign.

• Dunelm Copen Side Table

• Swivel chair – IKEA

• Wooden Coffee table - IKEA 

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Final Thoughts

Mid-century modern is a timeless design style that continues to appeal for its simplicity, functionality, and warmth. Its clean lines and natural materials make it easy to blend with other styles, offering flexibility whether you're updating a single room or redesigning an entire home.

The style strikes a perfect balance between form and function, making spaces feel both stylish and comfortable. With just a few key pieces and thoughtful design choices, you can create a home that feels fresh, inviting, and effortlessly chic.