What is mid-century style | What is mid century modern style | what is style in interior design

Describing A Styles Chain: What Is Mid Century Modern Style in Interior Design? : Forms Follows Functional Aesthetics

Mid-century modern is one of the timeless styles that has ever evolved after modernism. It broadly describes the architecture, furniture, and graphic design of the middle of the twentieth century. Modern style architecture adopted this trend & influenced by Modernism. Following purpose styles are behind the new style a philosophy & aesthetic, on the other hand, the early mid-century pursues the same philosophy as well.

Mid-century modern style was so unique that in this style period there are dozens of designers were created & produced a mass amount of furniture which has never been created before it. The best  examples of mid-century designers & their furniture's are;

Mid-Century Modern style design showcase the style of furniture

• The Egg Chair influenced by Arne Jacobsen
• The Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table influenced by Isamu Noguchi
• The Bubble Chair influenced by Eero Aarnio
• The Ball Chair influenced by Eero Aarnio
• The Womb Chair influenced by Eero Saarinen
• The Tulip Chair influenced by Eero Saarinen
• The Eames Lounge Chair influenced by Charles and Ray Eames
• The Marshmallow Chair influenced by George Nelson

History Of Mid-Century Modern Style

Mid-century Modern is an American movement in interior design, fashion, graphic design, architecture, and urban creation, famous between 1940 and 1970. This style has expanded & taken shape in the United States after World War II. This period has evolved the urbanization & suburbanization because of the effects of war that changed the living style, the economy as well as technology improvement & increase the demand for quick build modern homes & furniture with the furnishing, such as the Eichler homes built in California by Josef Eichler.

   Reference image from Wikipedia - Eichler Homes – Foster Residence, Granada Hills

The term established in the mid-1950s was re-establish in 1984 by author Cara Greenberg in her book titled Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s. Most of the designs of the mid-century had gone out of fashion by the late 60s, but in the early-to-mid 80s, interest in the period began to return & some of the designers & events boost the style again & it comes in the list of today's influencing & popular design styles.

         Reference image from Wikipedia - Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen

Characteristics Of Mid- Century Modern Style  

Mid-Century Modern style is timeless authentication of the mid 20th century. It's characterized by a combination of natural & manmade materials, great craftsmanship, simple & clean lines, modern prints & attractive accent art. 

Combination Of Natural & Manmade Material

• New technologies and materials became available such as plastic, metal, molded plywood, glass, fiberglass, and Plexiglas with synthetic fabrics like nylon or rayon.
• A natural material like real wood, bamboo, wool.

Craftsmanship

• Designers from this time period as much passionate about their work & create masterpieces with great craftsmanship.
• Tapered legs and “floating” furniture's are examples of craftsmanship.

  

  Mid-Century Modern style design Bedroom

Clean Lines

• Style follows modernism & its ideology of forms follows function.
• Simple lines, curves, and sleek surfaces offer an understated appearance..

Modern Prints

• Geometric, abstract & clean line prints inspired by modern style.
• Subtle & calm prints to merge with the interior.

Art

• Inspired from abstract, clean & smooth curve lines & geometric shapes.
• Big, bold and abstract statement canvases that is intended to be the focus of the room.

Elements Of Modern Style

After understanding the meaning, history & characteristics of mid-century modern style, you need to understand the elements of design that give the added sophistication to the extraordinary design. Following are the elements of design : 

Colors

• White and pale blue walls blend with bright, vibrant highlights.
• The colors  are mustard yellow, moss green, and tangerine orange seen as the main accent colors to define the style.
• Natural woods, greens, oranges, and earthy tones show the sophisticated spirit of the 60’s and 70’s.

Furniture

• Tapered legs, short legs  and floating furniture is the key feature to showcase the design style.
• Also hairpin legs,  low streamlined seating, plastic shell chairs, lounge chairs are the basic featured furniture.
• Marshmallow Chair, Eames chair, ball chairs are some of the classic examples.

  

  Mid-Century  Modern Style Design Dining Room Furniture

Lighting

• The lighting tends to be hanging lights with an artistic consideration.
• clean lines & organic shapes to create a bold & classic look.
• The tripod floor lamps, the bubble Lamp, Flo's lightings are classic examples.

Accessories

• Various plants in the space create more drama & character to the ambiance.
• Big & bold paintings over small furniture create a dramatic appearance.
• Naive seamless patterns show the authentic appearance in art. 

Mid-Century Modern Style Design With Accent Furniture

Conclusion

The Mid-century modern style aesthetics align with the Modernism movement of the period. The style gives the freedom to create abstract & modern living in an affordable way with less fuss, more geometric shapes & bold statement colors. Thanks to those designers who crafted & molded this style with the classic yet modern aesthetics for the timeless appearance.