What’s New
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.
Greenbrook DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
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