What’s Your Style? Mid Century Modern?
DISCOVER YOUR STYLE
Good afternoon! I hope that you are finding these posts interesting and filled with insight and education. Our design style for today is certainly on my list of favorites. Mid-century modern is outstanding. It is well known for its simple forms, rich and organic colors, functionality and clean lines. Uniquely, It is one of the most specific and long lasting design styles you could choose. If you love rich walnut casegoods, clean modern lines, rich solid fabrics all an overall less than fussy look...this could be your thing.
Let me begin by saying If you love mid century modern furniture but you have never experienced it in person, you have to plan a trip to Palm Springs California. It is a Mid Century Modern haven. There are so many examples of the architecture and tons of resale shops with original pieces to fill your home. Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City are not to be missed. In my honest opinion, I feel that great Mid Century Modern interiors should really begin with the architecture of the home. While you may not need a classic mid century ranch in order to complete a compelling argument for completing your interiors in this style, you should have certain elements already in place.
Simple Trim. Mid Century Modern is all about functionality and simplicity. Before you begin make sure your home has a simplified trim level. In this I mean examine your window casings, door trim, crown molding, and baseboards. Are they super ornate? If so this could cause a major design clash. With this style, less is more.
Open Concept in the common areas. While I am not saying seek totally open concept living, it is a good idea to have a kitchen that opens to the family and or breakfast room. In many of the traditional ranch floor plans that I work on, it is still very desirable to have separate formal living and dining rooms.
Volume Ceilings. One of my favorite elements in a ranch floorplan is a family room with vaulted or cathedral ceilings. Many of the homes that are photographed to show impressive Mid Century Modern design always show off this element. Even if your home has a boxy grid like feel, you can compensate with high ceilings in your kitchen with a great room combo. In fact, adding a large open space to the rear of a smaller more traditional floor plan...isn’t a bad idea.
In essence, I love mid century modern furniture in any ranch floorplan, contemporary, and modern or rustic architectural styles of home. No problem. The challenges will come into play with modern formal styles like Georgian, Federal, French Country and just a few others.
What else makes for great Mid Century Modern design?
Color. Color is very important in all design styles. While mid century modern can be incredibly playful and organic, the use of color is highly important. While we see lots of blue and gray in much of the design world today….it is a little harder to make those work in much of the soft finishes in a home. If I were helping you with your home, I would encourage you to look for colors like olive, mustard, orange, yellow and teal.
Icon Pieces. You have heard me say a little bit goes a long way to create something amazing. Invest in a few original pieces with history and character. Even if you have one piece in the key rooms of your home...I promise it will go a long way. Have you heard of Mies van der Rohe? Classic pieces like an Ernest Eames chair, France Knoll sofa, and Tulip Dining Table are basically a must in every mid century modern home.
Consistent Wood. If you have read my post on Scandinavian design you are familiar with the importance of having consistency in the finish of all the wood that appears in the more modern styles of interior design. Mid Century Modern is no different. Walnut is the wood of choice in this style. Keep your hardwood within this range and you will be just fine. When selecting your statement pieces that contain wood like credenzas, coffee tables, dining tables, consoles, and benches, again consistency is king when creating amazing residential interiors.
Bring nature in. This is a very organic design style. It is important to keep the windows as large and open as possible. Simple window treatments will go a long way. Natural light should be allowed to penetrate as much of your home as possible. Finally, fewer larger scaled plants as much as possible. Greenery is amazing at softening structured interior spaces.
Lighting. When selecting lighting think bold, creative, and sculptural. In many of the key rooms in your home, the lighting should be both statement pieces and art. Chandeliers should be oversized and architectural. Lamps that are quirky, reto, and whimsical are the way to go. Finally, great lighting plans should always be layered. Even the simplest home can benefit from great lighting.
Art and Accessories. When planning for art and accessories think big bold bold statement pieces that are filled with rich colors. Simple vintage finds will bring your design plan together. Need a little help? Consider finishing your home off with unique patterned rugs, throws, sculptures, vases, and yes blown glass.
So much great information right? There are just 2 more blog posts in this series. What is your great take away? What are some areas of confusion that you are working your way through?
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