Elements of the Midcentury Modern Home
Part of the appeal of the midcentury modern style is it’s nostalgic feel. The furnishings and fixtures of the time utilize organic shapes and warm color palettes. Combine those themes with a modern backdrop… it is hard to go wrong! Also, you can easily integrate midcentury antique furniture or décor in any modern-leaning home without it feeling wildly out of place. Midcentury modern is an aesthetic that allows the new to come together with the old when remodeling or building new construction, creating a timeless and widely appealing home.
Bridging the Past to the Present
The midcentury modern style originated in the middle of the 20th century, after World War II. It’s clean-lined and simplistic look resulted from a backlash toward the more ornate traditional styles that came before. Today, midcentury modern (also known as “MCM”) is one of the most popular architectural and interior design styles. It is modern without being too cold or minimalist, and it’s retro vibe adds a touch of fun without the risk of being too trendy.
Architecture & Interiors
The architecture of the home is what you see first, and therefore should ideally represent the midcentury modern aesthetic. Some MCM architectural features might include…
- Low pitched shed and gable roofs, flat roofs
- Wood and stonework siding accents
- Concrete sitework & porches
- Extended eaves
- Horizontal lines
- Minimal adornment & trim work
- Asymmetrical features
- Clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows
- Pop of color
The interior design should reflect the architecture of the home and help round out the midcentury modern vision. Here are some design features found in the interiors of MCM homes:
- Vaulted ceilings often with wood cladding & exposed beams
- Teak, walnut, or oak wood species
- Walls with wood cladding/paneling
- Fireplaces with stone surround
- Light fixtures with globe shades
- Slab or flat panel doors
- Minimal trim work
- Multiple levels/sunken living rooms
- Straight set tile
- Geometric patterns
- Natural materials
- Pop of color
MCM Today & Tomorrow
If you’re looking to build a new home or renovate, going midcentury modern will not only yield an inviting and sophisticated space, it will also stand the test of time. Here are a few additional tips to successfully achieve this timeless look:
- Avoid trends – when in doubt, ask yourself if it would work in a 1950’s or 60’s home?
- Update without wiping out – For example, replace the pink ceramic bathroom tile of your truly midcentury home with something in the same size/pattern but with a new fresh color.
- Adapt for today’s world – Open up the main living spaces, make the kitchen larger than it would be 70 years ago
- Something old, something new – integrate classic pieces like the Eames lounge chair and Nelson Saucer pendant to help your new space feel connected to it’s MCM roots
Furnishings, décor and accessories are the final touches that bring a design style together to form one cohesive look. Since the midcentury modern style is so widely popular, there is no shortage of resources to find the perfect items to go with your new space. With functionality and simplicity at the forefront, this design style is likely to remain popular for the long haul.
