9 step guide to bringing the mid-century modern style into your home

The long-lasting popularity of the Mid-Century Modern style is based upon numerous factors. It provided us with tidy lines, mild natural curves, a love for various materials and designers that are idolized even today. But how can you bring it into your HDB, Condo or Landed Property? Follow our 9 step guide to create the ultimate mid-century modern style into your home.

Mid-Century Modern Style

Bauhaus designers and designers who migrated to America as an outcome of financial modifications in Germany after the Second World War started the style movement called Mid-Century Modern. It's defined by simplicity and performance. While there is some dispute about when the duration started, it approximately lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s. The ageless quality of the design, nevertheless, continues to interest today.

The differentiating functions of this style consist of a timeless, downplayed appearance, and tidy lines with very little difficulty.

• Performance is very important, as form follows function.

• Sleek and uncluttered lines with both natural and geometric lines.

• Very little ornamentation or ornaments.

• A mixture of both standard as well as non-traditional materials.

• The juxtaposition of various, and in some cases contrasting materials.

1. Wood Is Key.

Most of today’s furniture is made of engineered pressed wood. Let real wood take centre stage via the high-quality furnishings of the ’50s. These mid-century masterpieces have clean lines of teak, walnut, oak and rosewood. Maybe hunting for these old pieces seems like too much work. Or maybe an original piece from George Nelson or Noguchi piece is out of your budget. If so, there are plenty of modern-made replicas to be found that mimic these elements. Thanks to the increasing demand of this design movement, many retailers are grabbing hold of the trend by offering lower-end furnishings that nod to this style.

2. Use Modern Lighting. 

Look at any mid-century modern home and you will surely see dazzling modern marvels dangling from the ceilings or lighting up sleek side tables. Unique pendant lights and fixtures are not only functional; they are pieces of sculptural art. There are numerous online artists who custom-make these architectural lights. Look around until you find the piece that calls your name, and remember mid-century modern is not a matchy-matchy style, so no need to find lamp sets. Indeed, bold lighting is another must-have accessory to take your home back in time to this artistic era.

3. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.

No matter what style of décor you choose, mirrors are the perfect design accessory. They add a light airy feeling to any room in your home. If placed properly, a mirror can make a space look bigger by reflecting light into a room or highlight a beautiful backyard landscape by placing it opposite a garden door or window. A sunburst mirror is an icon of this era. It is simply a must-have accessory that shines mid-century into your home. There are plenty of replicas or originals to be found online or in stores.

4. Wall Colour – White Is Right

Most mid-century homes had walls covered in white paint. Why? Because it allowed for the high-quality furnishings to take centre stage. Mid-century homeowners were proud of the craftsmanship of their home and furnishings, and white paint let the rest of the room show off its lines. What an easy mid-century design solution!

5. Small Details Can Make the Difference

Sometimes it’s the simple things added to your décor that make the biggest style statement. One or two artistic metal wall plaques or a large graphic oil on canvas can make a bold style statement. For a modern look, don’t clutter your walls with tons of artwork. Keep it simple and clean with a few bold, high-end pieces of art. After all, isn’t it better to have one or two high-quality pieces instead of a bunch of inexpensive knick-knacks?

6. Wallpaper – If You Dare

While most walls benefit from clean white lines, a touch of glamour in a dining room can be added by simply papering one wall with bold glitzy wallpaper in a graphic pattern. If you don’t like the idea of permanent wallpaper, then try some of the higher-end wallpapers that easily peel off.  Homeowners in this time period loved their bold, graphic prints.

7. Mix And Match Different Styles

Just because you don’t have a Mid-century home, it doesn’t mean you can’t embrace retro style. With an emphasis on simple lines and purity of design, combined with the enduring beauty of wood, Mid-century timber furniture, such as these original Ercol sofas, have a timeless appeal, which sit well with other styles both old and new.

8. Introduce Retro Fabrics

For a quick and easy retro pop try updating a lamp with a shade in a retro print or styling a plain sofa with cushions made from 1950s fabrics. Mid-century designs are very functional and bright. Organic and geometric forms/patterns are most often utilised. In addition, mid-century modern designs explore traditional and unorthodox materials at the same time, they are based on contrasts and intriguing juxtapositions.

9. Be Bold, Be Eclectic, Be Experimental

Mid-century modern design doesn’t have to be exclusive. If you already have modern pieces you love and would like to keep in your home, you can buy a couple of mid-century furniture pieces that you’re missing. Determining whether these mid-century items will go well with the rest of your belongings depends on your style preference.

9. Keep to a Guiding Theme

A final thing to keep in mind is that pulling off a stylish mid-century modern design can be tricky. Eclectic choices and contrasting decisions can easily contribute to clutter and chaos. If you go for way too many ideas, you’ll feature distinctive pieces that will be fighting for attention. Thus, you need to come up with some guidelines before getting started with the execution