Mid Century Modern Defined

Our affinity with Mid-Century Modern style is still evident in design today. It gave us clean lines, organic curves, and a love of different materials, along with designers of the past we still idolize.

Era

There is some disagreement about when the period started, but it roughly lasted from the mid-1930s to mid-1960s.  The timeless quality of the style continues to appeal to today's homeowners.

Background and Influences

The style grew in America based on earlier influences in style, such as Bauhaus in Germany, and the International style, which grew from the Bauhaus style in America.

World events such as wars can uproot and destroy, but they also create opportunities. This is what happened during and after World War II when many Bauhaus architects and designers migrated to America due to changes in Germany.

As with war, changing economies and technological advances also affected how we live. After the Second World War there was an expansion of cities and suburbanization in the U.S. and along with that emerged a demand for modern furnishings for the new, quickly built modern homes, like the ones built in California by Josef Eichler.

Here is a peek at some Eichler Homes.

Technological advances led to development and production of various new materials making it possible to explore different textures, effects, colors and even new form.

Distinguishing Features

Features of this style consist of a classic, understated look, with clean lines and minimal fuss.

·       Functionality is important, as form follows function.

·       Uncluttered and sleek lines with both organic and geometric shapes and forms

·       Minimal ornamentation and housewares

·       An exploration of traditional as well as non-traditional materials

·       The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting materials

Color and Materials

New methods of construction and new materials, like plastic, dramatically influenced later Mid-Century Modern designers.  It is important to understand plastic was used for its own qualities, rather than using it to imitate wood.

There was liberal use of traditional material, such as wood, and non-traditional materials such as metal, glass, vinyl, plywood, Plexiglass and Lucite.

A vast range of color, including colors from neutral to bold, and graphic use of black and white were incorporated into the design.

Mid-Century Modern Designers

There are several designers of this era to note, and pieces created by them have continued to inspire designers to this day. Furniture pieces created by them, as well as copies are currently sought after.

In America, Herman Miller became synonymous with “modern” furniture and worked with the likes of George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. Knoll is another company known for its classic furniture mid-century modern pieces.

Below are some of the best-known designers of this period.

·       George Nelson

·       Edward Wormley

·       Eero Saarinen

·       Harry Bertoia

·       Arne Jacobsen

·       Charles Eames and his wife Ray Eames

·       Eileen Gray

·       Isamu Noguchi

·       Verner Panton

·       Jens Risom

·       Alexander Girard

Take some time to Google these prominent designers.  It is a fun study!

How to Furnish in Mid-Century Modern Style

As with any period, don’t feel compelled to create a replica of those times. You can, but it can be quite intimidating to tackle a new style you love. It can also prove to be very expensive to get authentic pieces.

Understand the distinguishing features of the style and find pieces that echo those. Iconic pieces from this era have been adapted and copied endlessly, and chances are you might be able to find pieces to fit your lifestyle needs and budget. Buying vintage furniture is one way to do it, and even if you decide to buy new, generally one large piece can set the tone nicely. Then, just build around it.  Furniture pieces do not have to be a set, but try to avoid too many patterns. Stay within a color range, especially wood stains.

Here is a list of retailers where you can find Mid-Century Modern furniture or pieces inspired by it:

·       Herman Miller

·       Knoll

·       Vitra

·       Design Within Reach or DWR

·       2Modern

·       Room and Board

·       Crate and Barrel

·       Restoration Hardware

When designing your Mid Century Modern space consider the words of American-German architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, “Less is More”.

Simple, Meaningful Changes

What we do within the walls of our homes, and how we experience them, shapes our mood affects our productivity and influences our outlook on life. Scientific studies have shown we can have an impact on our happiness, and sense of well-being by adjusting our space and routines in our daily lives.

It’s amazing how a few tweaks can become a catalyst for meaningful, positive change. Here are a few simple things you can do to feel happier and have a greater sense of well-being at home.

1. Make your bed every day. 

Gretchen Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Project, explains in her book, “this three-minute task is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively impact your happiness.” Try it, it’s true!

2. Bring every room back to “ready.”

 I discovered this trick from Marilyn Paul’s clever book, It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys. It’s a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to bring each room back to “ready” before you depart it.  When you re-enter you will be so glad you did.

3. Take care of easy interior decorating fixes. 

Often, a new coat of paint on the walls can make a room more comfortable. Same with some fresh pillows on the couch or a new throw. Look for things that are obviously worn out or outdated and replace them.  A few little things can make your home feel fresh.

4. Let the daylight in.

Your problems might evaporate in the sunlight if you open those blinds/drapes and let it in. Daylight boosts our mood and helps us think great thoughts.  It also helps our bodies stay in tune with our biological time clocks which will help with sleeping sound at night.

5. Build a library.

Reading educates you inspires you, and transports you to calming or thrilling far-away places. Build a library in your home and make reading a habit.  Reading is also great for decompressing at the end of a day and preparing your body to sleep.

6. Look around.

Get quiet and take a good, hard look around. Remove anything that bothers or agitates you, even if it was a gift from your Grandma Rosey!  If it doesn't produce a sense of joy when you gaze upon it, get rid of it.

7. Create a special place to relax.

Find a cozy corner to call your own; a place to read, meditate, pray or journal. Be sure to make it cozy and comfortable!

The above is a short list to get you started.  Just begin, and create meaningful change in your home one step at a time. Once you become more mindful of the environment of your home, additional changes may present themselves.  You can make a list and work through the items as you have time. It is an investment of time you will not regret!