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Mid-century modern design is a recurring style that enhances aesthetics along with a special concern for simplicity and clean lines while incorporating natural elements. This style developed in the 1940s-1960s and has very much remained relevant today, particularly to the lounge areas of the house where it is important that warmth and elegance blend in together quite effortlessly. If you’re looking to change the old decor or do something completely new, going for a mid-century modern living room is the best way to go if you want the classiness of the past but a modern feel at the same time.
This article aims to discuss the aspects of mid-century modern design as applied furniture, colors, and color combinations, as well as lighting, texture, and decorative details. Read on to find out how to make your living room a stylish but warm mid-century modern living room.
As a preamble to design principles, it is probably prudent to clarify first the understanding of what mid-century modern design is. The origin of this style was in the designs that were envisioned for a post-war world that sought a cleaner, brighter, and more usable space. The following are the genres of this design style:
• Minimalism: Simple forms and unembellished lines that tend toward neatness.
• Functionality: Considered purpose in the ease of use of furniture and decorative items.
• Natural Materials: Wood, glass, leather and metal that promote authenticity and good craftsmanship.
• Organic Forms: The most agreeable aspects of this design style are the soft curves and the organic lines that form the visual look of the structure.
• Neutral and Earthy Colors: Colors that are predominantly derived from nature, but can occasionally have highlights of some vibrant color.
Using these design principles a mid-century modern living area design is simple and functional which is ideal in creating a space that is aesthetic and practical at the same time.
Choosing the right furniture is a primary step to mark the mid-century modern style and its look. Typical primary pieces are moody, functional and follow a somewhat organic form.
The most important furniture piece in the living room is the couch which is often the focal point of the entire room. And it would be best to consider the mid-century furniture styles for selection. Look for tapered-leg, low-profile sofas with clean lines. Gray, beige, or cream are neutral color palettes that also work well. But the middle section of the entire area does not have water melon tint. Mustard, deep teal or olive gives a strong and lively atmosphere.
Chesterfield and tufted sofas are basic but simpler armless box showcase couches do the work equally well. Leather or tweed or velvet when upholstered will give a luxurious look and feel with a vintage finish.
According to the tenets of the mid-century modern design style, chairs are not only practical elements of the house but also insightful works of art – sculptural in form. Mid-century design foresees its the trademark armchairs’ having an angular structure, upholstered seats and slendery legs. The accent chairs should also have a wooden base or frame, or the original forms such as the Eames lounge chair or womb chair.
Thicker legs ensure that this type of mid-century modern coffee table is often a rectangle with rounded edges or rounded kidneys and usually made of wood or metal. These tables are an intersection of minimalism and elegance and many times, they have geometric shapes. Teak or walnut coffee tables blend well with neutral sofas and can be accompanied with sculptural plants or neat stacks of art books.
No living room can do without some sort of a storage unit. Mid-century modern style allows for creative ways of addressing the issue of storage. Teak or walnut wooden credenzas, sideboards or low consoles are ideal for storing media, decorative elements or for books and records. Choose designs which have clean lines and few fittings to complement the sleek style that is the look.
The mid-century modern color palette draws inspiration from nature, featuring warm earthy hues as well as striking colors.
Colors such as cream, beige, brown, and gray are classified as warm neutrals which make a steady base for the other design elements and are easy to use when introducing natural wood tones and other earthy shades. This intro can easily be strengthened by this idea and example of other designers say the same.
Mid-century modern styling infuses huge doses of color along with its distinctive minimalist features. Mid-century modern design works well when yellow, orange, teal, and green are used in accents of pillows, rugs, or a wall. They are also great for updating any monotony of brown tones when paired with neutrals.
A number of mid-century designs use black-and-white photographs or graphics on a monochrome surface as their key design element. Usually this is done in shades of gray or brown, where the interior remains looking clean as black and white accents maintain sophistication.
As a way of life, natural materials were a part of the design during the mid-century which is one of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design. Adding wood, leather, and metal elevates the overall design of the living area by infusing character, depth, and warmth into the space.
Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by the use of woods such as teak, walnut, and oak. Wood adds character to the room, black and medium finishes are in trend. You need to be consistent with the wood finishes to achieve the right look.
The presence of leather for upholstery of sofas, armchairs, or ottomans creates a level of comfort and sophistication. Leather chairs can be accompanied with natural fabrics like wool, linen, or cotton in neutral and earthy tones. Desirable fabrics should have simplicity in terms of coziness, as they should not be seen too plush.
Brass, chrome, and blackened metals enhance the mid-century style of a living room with an industrial vibe. Metal pieces make a regular appearance in the form of furniture and decorative elements like legs and light fixtures, providing subtle details to the wooden and leather accents.
Lighting plays an important part of the ambience and also highlights the design. Mid century modern living rooms offer the opportunity to use lighting as a decorative element in addition to its functional purpose.
Arched or tripod floor lamps are a signature look for mid-century modern living rooms. These art lamps serve the dual purpose of providing soft lighting and ornamental features. Such lamps can be finished in brass or black metal and are best placed next to the sofa or armchair for the perfect reading corner.
Sputnik chandeliers and bubble light fixtures are classic additions that depict mid-century modernism. A pendant light or a chandelier above the coffee table brings the room together and provides a sophisticated point of interest. Seek out fixtures that incorporate clear forms and hues of brass, glass, or chrome, which match the area.
Every office desk should have one or two very small table lamps. Place them on side tables or credenzas for task lighting purposes. Round or cone-shaped lamp shades combined with wooden or metal bases exude the mid-century modern look.
Adding texture and patterns are added to the visual appeal of the living room, mid-century modern specifically, but does not distract from the outline and minimalist features of the space.
To define the seating area, place a rug that has bold colors or geometric patterns that consequently add warmth as well. Look for styles such as Berber, shag and flat-weave rugs made of natural fibers for a more grounded appearance. Colors that are geometric of abstract designs can be applied to elements that use warring colors to create a balanced design.
Daybeds and armchairs are adorned with throw pillows and blankets made of natural fabric in muted colors which contribute coziness and texture to the furniture. Such in style bring pillows with a geometric or mod print in mustard, teal or orange that will not overpower the decor, but will add individuality.
Mid-century modern furniture walls decoration or wall art centerpieces often comprise of abstract geometry, bright colors or a simple design ethos. Above the sofa, framed pictures or posters may work as compelling paintings, whilst there are mirror frames made from wood or metal to provide texture and illumination into the backdrop.
Another interesting and useful aspect relevant for mid-century modern style living rooms is indoor plants. Plants enliven and brought colors into the space aside from the organic materials and earthy tones.
Typical indoor plants which serve their purposes well are snake plants, rubber plants and fiddle-leaf figs due to their strong shapes which help also to provide some height to the room. These plants are low-maintenance and thrive indoors making them suitable for the living areas.
For a better organic look, use pot made of ceramics, clay or wood. Distribution of plants at different locations such as shelves, floor planters and coffee table increases texture and interest of the room.
Just like in any other design principles including the mid-century modern design concept, aesthetics can be prioritized, but function should never be forgotten. Have an aim to combine aesthetics and functionalism without sacrificing the comfort of the space and how it can be used in practice on a day to day basis.
Even in all its ornamental beauty, mid century furniture does not ignore comfort. Choose pieces that have thick, soft, and comfortable dark cushions, warm textures and enough seats for relatives and visitors.
For a clear uncluttered and streamlined appearance, keep things organized and out of sight when not in use. Use credenzas, wicker baskets or other stylish storage baskets for books, magazines and general purpose items used in the living room.
There is a great chance to create a living room in mid century modern style as it combines a bit of vintage look with comfort of modern style. It centers on balance, function and form so that your space can be sophisticated yet easy. You can remodel your living room by picking out stunning furniture, settling on a neutral color scheme, using decorative lighting, and introducing texture to it to achieve an inviting space that is both mid-century modern and practical.
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