The term ‘mid-century modern’ may sound contradictory, but the theme isn’t. It delves in elegance and celebrates simplicity and beauty in myriad ways.
What is Mid-Century Modern Interior Style?
A walk down the history lane tells us the mid-century modern style evolved in the 1930s and continued to shine till the 1960s. It was also the post World War II period when there was a spike in demand for affordable housing. The style also has influences from the Industrial Revolution that took place towards the end of the 19th Century. The credit for the term ‘mid-century modern’ goes to author Cara Greenberg who used it for the first time in her book ‘Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s.’
The theme mid-century modern is applied to architecture, design, materials, furniture, décor items and now to graphic design and website design as well. It is a mix of modern and tradition through clean lines, bold hues, textures, vivid shapes, and more all the while maintaining simplicity and minimalism in the overall appeal.
How Mid-Century Modern Design Can Transform Your House Into A Masterpiece
No wonder the style has continued to be popular though with some tweaks here and there. Even in 2021, the mid-century modern style is predicted to maintain its evergreen status. Here are a few reasons that you will make you fall in love too:
It’s all about simplicity
When the style evolved, people wanted to forget about the destructive war and wanted to do away with overstuffed houses. Hence, came in the décor with minimal fuss and minus ornate embellishments.
Minimalism in décor and design is trending for some years now, and it will continue to be popular, as per experts. Mid-century modern style promotes simplicity and bids adieu to excesses, a style that homeowners, especially in cities, love to incorporate in their homes.
Functionality is the key
Post-war, practicality seemed to be a necessity and hence the functionality factor that mid-century modern style promotes fits in with everyone’s style demand. Especially in Mumbai homes, it works perfectly to help make the best use of the available space.
Millennials relate to the style
The millennials or the 90s kids find mid-century modern style remarkable and traditional, but at the same time contemporary and stylish. As they owned homes, they wanted to keep the interiors modern with a touch of retro that evoked nostalgia. Experts also point out the popularity of the TV show ‘Mad Men’ (2007-2015) which showcased mid-century modern style brilliantly to make it popular amongst the millennials.
It allows the play of colours
When furniture and décor are muted, it becomes essential to create a statement piece to add the contrast feature. Enter the bold hues of mid-century modern style. Today, people are not afraid to showcase bright colours in their homes as they lend drama and energy to their space. Bright colours not only add visual interest but are also cheerful elements, a feature much-need now in the post-COVID times.
The colours that the style has brought forth are crowd favourites and they include moss green, olive green, orange, fire red, blueberry hues, turquoise, and mustard yellow. And that is one more reason there is a high chance that mid-century modern design will have fans in the coming year as well.
It takes you closer to nature
At a time when it has become essential to live in ventilated spaces rather than closed air-conditioned rooms due to the pandemic, mid-century modern design is here to stay. The style calls for a strong connection to nature and sustainability. Large windows are the highlights of the design as they bring in maximum natural light indoors. Windows are the focal point in mid-century modern design but without heavy draperies to prevent obstruction of light.
It also promotes environmental conservation through furniture and décor items made from natural materials, including wood, metal, glass, etc.
Form meets function in furniture
In city apartments, functional furniture that displays style and elegance will never go out of trend. This is why mid-century modern design may continue to be popular in 2021.
The furniture style presents timeless allure through their sleek outlines and elegance along with functionality. A classic feature of mid-century modern furniture is tapered legs which display maximum floor space and also show off the materials. For example, a steel chair with tapering steel legs celebrates the material. Another reason the furniture will never go out of style is that they are not in-your-face pieces and hence adapt to any style as they are simple with gentle curves and elegant tapered legs.
Natural wood such as teak and oak are mostly used to create mid-century modern furniture but now moulded plywood is also used. A reason for the surging popularity of mid-century modern furniture is its versatility and the ability to balance style and functionality with comfort, an essential design element in today’s homes. Such furniture pieces also help in maximum space utilisation, thus making them relevant in contemporary times.
This is perhaps the reason that these furniture designs are now more popular than they were in the 60s!
Perfect design for urban homes
Minimalism with functional furniture, cheerful colours, intimate interiors and a nostalgic feel – mid-century modern design appeals to urban dwellers as no other. The design also works best for those who are on the move as it welcomes minimal but appealing décor.
The timeless style works for all
Regarded as a timeless trend, mid-century modern design comes with many unique and amazing features that everyone will love, regardless of age, gender or nationality. The design also brings to the fore an amalgamation of traditional and non-traditional materials and the very purposeful principle ‘form follows function’ that works well in every modern home. Also, it is one of the unique interior design styles that have a futuristic appeal all the while reminding you of the glorious past!
The elements feature in trend forecasts
Most of the interior design trend forecasts for 2021 feature elements that are a part of mid-century modern design. Nature-inspired décor, use of wood, vintage look, sustainability, statement pieces, bright palettes and rich colours are finding a place in the forecasts. This is one more reason for mid-century modern design to stay through 2021 or perhaps, even after!
Mid-Century Modern design with its classic appeal and trendy features is perfect for Mumbai homes. Be it a 2/3/4 BHK flats or a private villa, the design can fit seamlessly in your home giving it the timeless, trendy, vintage, and joyous appearance that you have always wished for in your home.
Consult our experienced interior designers to help you choose the best pieces and elements to give your home the authentic mid-century modern charisma.