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If you’ve heard of “form follows function,” this phrase is attributed to the architects behind mid-century modern design. Also referred to as MCM or midmod, this style was unsurprisingly formed in the mid-20th century, seeking to break the traditions of ornate, overly embellished designs. Naturally making its way into interiors, furnishings were designed with function first to create seamless living.
Regardless of a home’s architecture, anyone can exhibit mid-century modern interior design through carefully selected furnishings and fixtures. Read on to learn how to bring MCM style into your home.
Keep Silhouettes Simple
Clean, simple lines are essential in a mid-century modern interior. Trading ornate details for minimalist shapes and flat plains, this style opts for a wide-open feel with minimal fuss. From your foundational pieces to the smallest accents, this effect can easily be achieved.
See how our Dita Wall-Mount Vanity, for instance, is composed of ultra-simple lines with its floating silhouette and sleek, noninvasive hardware, making a subdued yet stunning statement.
Embrace Organic Forms
Mid-century design integrates with the natural world as well. Mimicking the shapes found in nature, juxtapose clean lines with subtle, organic curves in your furnishings and fixtures.
Composed of gooseneck faucets, simple knob handles, and gentle curves throughout, we love how our Lentz Collection perfectly combines minimalist silhouettes with soft transitions for an easy-on-the-eyes, uncluttered look.
For a true statement piece, our Ballico Resin Freestanding Slipper Tub delicately balances an understated yet dramatic look, nodding to retro modern furniture staples like the egg chair.
Don’t Sleep On Teak
You simply can’t bring the outdoors in without featuring wood in your design. Sought after for its stunning patina, durability, and moisture resistance, teak wood was specifically used in mid-century decor, and continues to be chosen today.
As shown in our Novak Vanity and matching Novak Round Vanity Mirror, teak casts a rich warmth that gives any room an inviting effect that will change beautifully over the years—not to mention, caring for teak is quite simple.
While all types of wood are welcome in a mid-century interior, other era-appropriate woods include oak, rosewood, walnut, and mahogany.
Mix In Man-Made Materials
Taking advantage of the newfound technologies and mass production capabilities of the mid-century was another key component of this style. This includes metal, glass, vinyl, and durable plastics—which work in tension with organic materials in the most visually striking way.
These man-made materials can easily be incorporated into your home with mid-century home décor and furnishings. As shown in the smallest details from our Sharber Clear Glass Cabinet Knob to accent mirrors to foundational pieces, these drive home the modern aspect of MCM design.
Introduce Pops Of Color
While the base palette of mid-century modern interiors is often the warm brown tones prominent in nature and other complementary neutrals, a defining feature of this style is its pops of color. Used sporadically in mid-century décor and furnishings rather than as main colors, MCM features bright oranges, avocado greens, mustard yellows, and teal blues.
Delivering the perfect burst of color to a room, our Bisbee Console Vanity catches the eye with its sage green finish while warm oak framing completes an authentic and complementary combination.
Form Follows Function
Above all else, mid-century interior design puts function first. This style seeks a seamless flow throughout living spaces, with the right furnishings and fixtures a vital component to that.
First, consider how you will use your space—as this will be unique from homeowner to homeowner. For those who find themselves using their sinks for various tasks from washing dishes to watering plants to bathing pets, a deep, roomy farmhouse sink such as our 36" Torun Fireclay Farmhouse Sink serves as a smart solution.
Match industrious pieces with convenient, clever placements to complete an efficient home. The more purposes a piece can serve, the better in a MCM space.
Mid-Century Bathroom Design
In a mid-century bathroom design with function-informed style, select a minimalist shower system. With features ranging from convenient hand showers to pressure balance controls to shower jets, there’s an option to perfectly suit your shower needs and design goals.
For your statement pieces, we recommend a floating wood vanity and a sleek, simple freestanding tub. Remember that when bringing wood into the bathroom, opt for moisture-resistant options like teak—especially if you’re designing an open-concept wet room.
Mid-Century Kitchen Design
A hardworking fixture that belongs in any mid-century kitchen design is the pot filler. Eliminating trips back and forth to the main kitchen sink, a pot filler placed above your stovetop conserves precious time and energy while cooking. Allowing for seamless flow during a variety of tasks, pot fillers also make excellent options in home coffee bars and pet watering stations.
Mid-Century Modern Living Room
Use the smallest details to polish off your mid-century modern living room. From floor registers to shelf brackets to door sets, these quick and easy swaps can bring the entire look together with the right MCM-appropriate finish and pattern.
Read: Registers Buying Guide
If a streamlined space with retro charm speaks to you, mid-century modern interior design might be exactly what your home is missing. With our wide variety of mid-century home décor and furnishings, style is combined with functionality and durability so you can make this style fully your own with confidence.