Modern design is a very famous style of interior décor that focuses mainly on minimalism, neutral colors, clean design lines, and environmentally friendly material. Modern style employs a good sense of metal glass and steel and functionality in every element.

Modern design for many encompasses a lot of different incarnations. There are several defining characteristics’ and themes from other art styles seen through modern design such as ornate, gothic, renaissance, and even Victorian style of designs. However, all of this can be very confusing to a newbie and if this is the case with you then you have come to the right place. Here you can find out what mid-century modern design actually means in simpler terms so keep on reading.

What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?

Mid Century Modern design originated in America based on earlier styles which began in Germany such as the Bauhaus. This style is characterized by functionality and simplicity and has quite a few elements of various other design movements. The century referred to in Mid-century modern style is specifically the 20th century and the years right after the Second World War.

After the war many people wanted their homes to be different from the ones previously, they wanted more windows and family-oriented gatherings spaces with functional design. With scientific advances and new technology new materials, forms and structures were brought into these homes. The resulting aesthetics was what we now call mid-century modern style.

Key-Design Features Of Mid Century Modern Design 

Mid-century modern design always stands out and is quite easy to spot. Here are some key design features of Mid-century modern design which gives their structure a unique overall look.

• Straight Lines

Many mid-century-style homes are single-story or split evenly inside and outside. These homes are usually designed and defined by their straight horizontal lines and flat surfaces which include flat roofs mostly.

• Outdoor Indoor Connection

Mid-century designers believed in connecting indoors with the exterior world. They would integrate nature and use many large picture windows, sliding doors, and even glass walls at times to let in natural light and the view of nature. These large windows were their way of integrating natural light and allowing the user to not feel caged.

Furthermore, mid-century homes are usually built on large lands as it tries to infuse much of nature in its design. Mid-century designers were convinced with the idea of integrating easy access to nature and surroundings and creating a decent minimalistic boundary between both the outdoors and indoors.

• Raw Look

Many mid-century homes were defined by the building material and gave a raw look of the materials used in constructing the structure such as cemented walls, stones, plexiglass, wood, steel, etc. Many houses also included experimental and non-traditional building materials.

• Form Follows Function

Mid-century design usually followed a different architecture principle, that form follows function, unlike many other architecture styles which focus on the opposite. As a result of following this principle, many mid-century homes are distinguished by their clean geometric lines and uncluttered space and allow for the user to experience a sort of openness and relaxation with an ample amount of breathing space within the structure.

Why Is Mid-Century Design Still Popular Today?

The mid-century modern style came about in the 19th century and was influenced by the industrial revolution. Many designers, architects, and furniture makers took their inspiration from this style because of its ability to combine modernism with tradition. It continues to be a source of inspiration for designers today due to the following attributes;

• Simplicity

After the industrial revolution, people were inspired by the beauty that simplicity evokes and therefore wanted to move away from heavily ornamented objects and spaces. Thus came the demand for de-cluttered and minimalistic designs that would take away the heavy ornate embellishments. In today’s world, people want to retain the sense of tradition while maintaining simplicity, especially in their modern city homes.

• Colors

With the muted, solid wall tones and minimalistic furniture, people want a statement piece that would elevate the space as a contrasting feature. Nowadays people enjoy having a bright color to add dynamism and bring energy to a particular space of their choice. Bright colors add a lot of visual interest and make the space all the more pleasant to be in.

The colors from mid-century designs include moss green, olive green, orange, fire red, blueberry hues, turquoise, and mustard yellow. These are now largely popular inside residential as well as commercial spaces.

• Interaction With Nature

The mid-century design has created connections of indoor spaces with nature. Nowadays, with the focus on sustainability, this style becomes extremely relevant. Large windows that allow for the filtration of natural light inside the spaces, also give out unobstructed views to the outside open spaces, blurring the boundary between a room and nature.

The style is also in alignment with the idea of environmental conservation as it encourages the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, etc for furniture and decoration pieces.

• Form meets function in furniture

In spaces like apartments, furniture being functional is a necessity, but you also have to make it look good. This is where mid-century design with its sleek and dynamic features such as wooden chairs with tapered legs, allows for material celebration while experimenting with newer construction styles.

Due to its flexible nature, this style has a high adaptability rate with multiple materials such as teak, oak, and more commonly used, molded plywood. It helps achieve a balance between style and functionality in any space.

• Functionality

Nowadays, the theme is a minimalistic aesthetic with a sense of nostalgia. This is where the mid-century modern design is highly appealing to take on as inspiration. Its timeless nature brings on features that surpass ages, genders, and nationalities.

The well-known design principle of ‘form follows function’ works well with this style and helps create objects which resonate with the ideas of sustainability and vintage appeal while adding a bold statement to the space.

• Timeless Style

Usually, it is the people from the 90s who are in constant awe of the mid-century modern style due to the delicate craftsmanship and thought that goes into it, while carefully maintaining the contemporary aesthetic. Especially for homeowners, it is important to keep the interiors modern with a vintage touch to evoke nostalgia.

Bottom Line

Mid-century modern style is a mix of simplicity, elegance, and functionality. Due to these features, this trend has been on the rise for the past couple of years and will continue to rise in the upcoming years. So if you are thinking of incorporating this trend in your house, now is the time to do so. Learn everything about this style from the above information and enjoy a new house look in no time.