Why you should go Mid-Century Modern.

Mid-Century Modern style took root after World War II at a time when homeowners started living the suburban American dream. For the first time, our homes were somewhere we could find new enjoyment. Our yards were large enough for a barbecue and personalized living space was within the average person’s reach.

Homes had large picture windows and open-concept floorplans. Clean lines, both inside and out, were paramount. Furniture had gentle curves, making them cozier than traditional minimalism but less fussy or ornate than earlier Victorian design. These clean lines are also partly why ranch houses, with their flat and low-pitch roofs, came into their own in the 1950s.

Outside, we often see reinforced concrete block as the home’s exterior, sometimes creating a breezeway in warmer climates. Circular driveways, assuming the homeowner had enough room, were also a feature.

Mid-Century Modern Decor

Luckily, you don’t need to buy a 1950s home or even overhaul an entire room to get the Mid-Century look. Just incorporate some of these key pieces and you'll be on your way.

Bold Colors
For the Mid-Century-inspired look, there are a variety of colors that make it easy to work into your existing décor. For the less-adventurous, try sunflower or mustard yellow. If you're feeling more bold, try chartreuse, pumpkin, turquois, and even red.

Try this: Upholster a statement piece of furniture, such as a couch, in one of these hues and balance it with monochromatic décor in the rest of the room. If a chartreuse couch feels too much, try a smaller piece like an armchair.

Natural Wood
A key element of Mid-Century style is its earthiness. It’s part of why architecture of the time used so many big windows – to bring the outside in. Another way to use those organic influences is with natural woods, whether for furniture, cabinets or even wall panels (although that wouldn’t be our go-to unless you want to feel super-retro).