Tips For Decorating With Mid-Century Style
Do you miss the simplicity of your childhood or lust over the style of Mad Men? If so, then midcentury-modern may be the right interior design style for you. The simple lines and warm woods of the style hearken back to the 1950s and 1960s. It's also a style that encourages you to visit vintage stores for one-of-a kind décor items to spice up your rooms. Make over your interior with the simple sophistication of midcentury style.
Select a Color Palette
The midcentury modern palette goes one of two ways. One way is to start with a dark, neutral hue and add saturated accent colors. So, imagine starting with a deep tan or even brown and accenting it with rich blue or olive green. The other option, especially for kitchens and bathrooms, is to start with a black and white base. To this you add bold colors reminiscent of pop art prints.
Choose Streamlined Furniture
In the midcentury, designers started getting away from ornate details. As Home and Garden TV points out, things in midcentury homes were characterized by simplicity and natural shapes. This is certainly true of the furniture. This means furnishings should feature clean lines. Because of the Scandinavian influence in the midcentury, wood is very popular for furniture. However, modern materials such as glass, metal, and laminate also characterize the style.
Stay Restrained with Décor
The whole point of midcentury style was to eliminate anything unnecessary. This is why you see streamlined pedestal legs under tables or chairs without arm rests. However, you can't maintain this clean look if you add a lot of accent pieces. Instead, look for a few statement pieces. For example, shop around for a chandelier inspired by geometry and pair it with just a couple lamps. Likewise, in lieu of clusters of prints, choose just a few big pieces and give them each their own wall. When arranging the furniture, the pieces should seem to stand alone.
Add Graphic Patterns
In the midcentury, graphic patterns came into vogue. You don't want any small patterns in your wallpaper or materials. Instead, look for bold patterning inspired by geometry. Patterns that looked space-age, such as graphic satellites and starbursts, were very popular. Abstract designs also fit in. Don't layer patterns too heavily – remember, the goal is to keep to elegant simplicity. Instead, choose a single statement piece and complement it. For example, if you choose a boldly patterned rug, draw colors and simplified shapes out from the pattern in the rest of the room. Don't add a new pattern into the window treatments.
Give your room a makeover with retro-inspired details. And if you're struggling to fit things together, contact an interior design service for professional advice.