Over the last few decades, there has been a significant expansion of design styles used in homes. We are no longer bound by the traditional rules our mothers and grandmothers followed. Homeowners are enjoying the freedom of expression that has emerged with the new styles, including Mid-Century Modern. This style, like many others, has made its way into various areas of the home, including the kitchen and bathroom. Interior designers are creating the perfect space for their clients, but it is helpful to know if the mid-century modern style is the right one for you. We will discuss what it is so that you can determine if it’s the right style for your home and how to incorporate this style into a beautiful design.

What is mid-century modern style?

A blending of nature’s finest elements along with some man made materials are all part of the mid-century modern style or MCM for short. Additional characteristics induce clean lines, vibrant as well as neutral colors, and organic shapes. Together, these features form a stunning style that is perfect throughout the home. Although this is not a new style, it became popular in the middle of the twentieth century, it has seen a comeback into the world of design. It does have a minimalist vibe since much of the furniture pieces are simplistic in nature plus there is an emphasis on clutter-free spaces and functionality. Fusing man made and natural materials like plastic, fiberglass, and vinyl with glass, wood, and metal is a common choice with the mid-century modern style and offers the chance to create something completely unique for the homeowner. Another blend includes utilizing things from both the indoors and outdoors like plants and natural light. Like most interior design styles, color plays a prominent part in the overall look in mid century modern by opting for hues that are neutral such as whites and blacks but accenting them with bright colors. This creates a fun yet welcoming atmosphere in the home. Mid century modern is a style that combines the best of the bold and beautiful which results in a stunning final tone in any area in the home so be sure to browse some Pinterest boards for inspiration before meeting with your designer.

Visit Fireclay Tile’s Essential Guide to Midcentury Design for more information and examples of Midcentury Design in homes.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

The kitchen is a central part of the home with so many activities taking place within its space that go beyond dinner prep. It is where we gather to celebrate a win, write a quick birthday card, or work on homework. Selecting the perfect design style matters and mid century modern is a great option. Its mix of contemporary and minimalist elements create a unique aesthetic for the heart of your home. Again the neutral color palette works well with this style especially when paired with a stark contrast or some of nature’s materials like wood and glass. Mid century modern works great with large kitchen windows like bay or picture ones since it lets in more natural light which is a perfect compliment to the other features. Play around with various pieces like lamps that blend metal, glass, and even wood in them or unique backsplashes that have simple or colorful patterns. Cabinet hardware that is a nice contrasting color or organic shape works well with mid century modern and provides a layer of protection for the cabinets as well. When it comes to cabinet design, simple is best like a shaker style and can be paired with countertops that have a soft to minimal pattern, they can even have rounded corners. Mid century modern is a sleek yet stylish choice that invokes a beautiful look that will continue to inspire.

Mid-century modern bathroom

Our bathrooms are our sanctuary, especially when it comes to the master. It is usually the first place we go in the morning and one of the last places we visit in the evening. Choosing the mid-century modern look creates a stunning sense of class and can be accomplished using a variety of colors, materials, and features. The bathroom vanity tends to be the main statement piece in the design, so the choice matters as it will set the tone for the entire space. Designers recommend selecting one that is a natural wood and complement it with a classy hardware finish like brass. You can also add metal legs to your bathroom vanity for both added height and flair, or opt for a floating vanity instead. Color also plays a key role in designing a mid-century modern bathroom, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of colors, including pastel shades. From flooring to bathroom tile, there are numerous ways to add color to your space. Rounded mirrors are a subtle way to acknowledge your choice of mid-century modern in your bathroom, especially when framed with brass or matte black. Read about more design tips for creating the perfect mid-century modern bathroom in this article from Better Homes & Gardens. If you want a bathroom that injects a touch of yesterday with today, this is the perfect choice.

Mid-century modern design tips

No matter what area of the home you want to redesign in a mid century modern style, there are a few helpful tips that can get you started in the right direction. Start with a statement piece that is reflective of mid century modern like a brightly colored sofa with metal legs, a Eames lounge chair, or glass top wooden coffee table. These pieces can serve as a starting point around which the whole room is built. Whether it is shape or color, begin here and let it help you select the rest of the pieces. Don’t be afraid to explore various color options but when it comes to mid century modern, retro colors like warm oranges, blues and yellows rise to the top. A majority of these options work well with neutrals like black, white, and wood materials. It can create a sharp contrast or a playful combination. Area rugs, wall art, window treatments, and other accent pieces are a wonderful way to implement color into the space. Don’t forget about bringing the beauty of nature indoors as well as drawing inspiration from it. Including some potted plants in your space is not only a good fit for the mid century modern look but it also has health benefits such as cleaning the air. Artwork with land or seascapes lends a calmness to the room and more organic patterns for wallpaper or backsplash allow the touch of nature to make its way through the space as well. Mid century modern is a style that allows you to mix a bit of play into your home design.

A room with a black fireplace surround by a walnut wood wall and with a gray couch

Mid-century modern design style

There are various design styles because everyone is different and each one provides you with the opportunity to make your home yours. Mid century modern is an elegant, classy style that has freedom within it to express the things that make you feel comfortable and relaxed in your own home. Whether you decide to explore bright colors and unique furniture pieces or blend a few of your favorite elements together in your kitchen, bathroom, or family area, this style has an ample supply of variants to transform your house into a home with just a few pieces.

There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.

Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.

Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.

Home trends and styles change every year as designers track the elements that seem to be gaining popularity and why. While it is not recommended to follow the latest trend simply because it seems like the ideal choice, there are reasons why some trends become popular, eventually becoming a staple in design. 2022 brought several trends in home decor, some of which have been around for a while but are now gaining traction for good reasons. Let’s explore some of the top options on the list so you can understand the benefits they offer and determine if they are a good fit for your home.

We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great, and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must, but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home, but one that has been trending for some time is the use of plants, both in your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally, when we think of plants, our minds think of real but faux greenery, and florals have also become popular. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world.