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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 Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
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