How to incorporate mid-century modern décor in your home

Mid-century modern brings together old and new décor to create a characterful space. It’s a fun take on a classic style, offering plenty of unique design opportunities. Keen to know how you can incorporate it into your home? Here are pointers to help you get started.

What is mid-century modern?

An interior style that tastefully mixes vintage and modern elements, mid-century modern is embraced in many households. Picture mid-century furniture combined with vibrant wall art, textiles or light fittings. A hugely versatile trend with a sense of timelessness, it allows you to mix and match décor while putting your spin on the trend. 

'Mid-century' refers to interior styles between 1930 and 1970, while 'modern' is more open-ended. Our idea of 'modern' today will look different a few years from now. It's a term that evolves, ensuring mid-century modern remains an evergreen concept in home design. It's been praised for its staying power, remaining a popular choice since the 1990s. The lasting appeal of desirable retro items has likely fuelled this trend.

Statement furniture

Mid-century furniture is associated with striking, geometric lines and functionality. Pieces often incorporate contrasting textures like natural wood paired with bold, coloured upholstery. Mid-century modern is also influenced by the Bauhaus movement, which introduced modern materials such as steel, plastic and glass into the mix, creating all-important contrast.

It blends elements of a clean, stripped-back Scandinavian design with the playful boldness of American design.

Knowing what to look for will help you refine your furniture search and identify distinctive shapes and designs of this type. Familiarise yourself with mid-century and mid-century modern designers and manufacturers, such as:

• Charles and Ray Eames
• George Nelson
• Alvar Aalto
• Isamu Noguchi
• Harry Bertoia
• Vitra

Exploring the various styles of this era can help you identify the look you'd like to embrace in your mid-century modern home. With such a wide variety of designs, some will resonate with you more than others.

You can get new furniture that resembles your vision, or source second-hand items at auctions, vintage fairs and online marketplaces. Patience and a keen eye will help you replicate this look. 

Pops of colour

When building the foundations it's important to consider your overall colour palette – you can have as much fun with this as you like. Mid-century modern spaces are typically uncluttered and stripped back, largely to make way for bold and beautiful colours.

A good starting point is to pair bold primary colours with earthy tones. Begin with a neutral base, then layer accents such as rich reds, vibrant blues and bright yellows. Add warmth with earthy hues such as mustard yellow and olive green. While there's no strict formula, it's helpful to familiarise yourself with the typical colours of mid-century modern décor.

How can you go about incorporating bolder colours? While some people choose to paint entire walls and add dramatic, contrasting artwork, there are subtler ways to bring mid-century modern accent colours into a space. Experiment with soft furnishings like cushions and curtains, as well as homewares and fittings. It will require trial and error, but that's part of the fun. Try different patterns too, from mid-century geometrics to modern variations.

When it comes to texture, try adding contrast to the smooth wood and leather typical of mid-century spaces. A fluffy rug or draped blankets can add a touch of softness while contrasting chairs at a mid-century dining table provide interest. The key is experimenting with different materials to see what complements your home. 

Having the right kind of homewares on display

The essence of this interior trend is combining vintage and modern décor, so choose homewares that align with this. Ornaments and accessories in a mid-century modern home should be carefully chosen. 

From ceramics to mirrors, there are countless ways to mix and match old and new décor. Experiment with colour and texture as you go and visit vintage fairs. You might pick up a 1950s telephone, a vintage vase or a classic record stand. Placing these next to a vibrant print or contemporary lamp can add a strong sense of individuality. And don’t overlook the impact of house plants as decorative accents. 

You can channel a minimalist or maximalist approach based on your preferences. Mid-century modern is supposed to be a little ‘mismatched’ but avoid clutter that disrupts the style. Clever storage solutions can help. Consider understairs storage to keep clutter at bay so you can adopt a mid-century modern layout throughout your home. 

Embrace considered storage solutions with Hammonds

At Hammonds, we work with your interior goals to create clever storage solutions, whether mid-century modern or something different. This way, we can help you embrace a cohesive home. Take the next steps and book a free design visit so our experts can listen to your needs and advise accordingly. Request a free brochure to help you get started.