Mid-Century Modern Design Aesthetic

Posted System 04/05/2020 0 Comment(s) 裝修專欄,
Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style

When it comes to renovation and interior design styles, after Millennial style and American small-town style, this time let’s talk about Mid-century modern style (MCM).

Where does today’s popular minimalist interior design come from? The answer is mid-century modernism. MCM style emerged in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. With housing demand surging after World War II, industrialised housing appeared, giving rise to the MCM style centred on “function first”. It laid the basic groundwork for minimalist interior design in the future.
 

Key points of MCM style

MCM style moves away from the ornate decorations of earlier Western interiors, adopting simple, smooth-lined, function-first interior design instead. This style is highly suitable for modern homes: it avoids making a home feel crowded with excessive decoration, while also offering timeless style elements that remain attractive and do not go out of fashion. So how can you create a style that combines both aesthetics and functionality?
 

Choosing MCM-style furniture

Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style
The best-known element of MCM style is undoubtedly its furniture, especially chairs designed by renowned designers. During this period, functional building materials were emerging, and designers put a great deal of thought into the furniture design process. Many classic furniture designs were born, each with a strong artistic character.

These pieces of furniture still do not look outdated in today’s homes; instead, they add a stylish touch. That is why furniture in this style can still be found in chain furniture stores such as IKEA.
 

Materials for MCM-style furniture

1. Teak

Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style
Teak furniture is one of the signature features of MCM style. Fine-textured and highly durable, teak can create a warm and bright atmosphere at home. At the same time, teak is resistant to decay, durable, has an excellent texture, and is easy to shape—qualities that match the function-first focus of MCM style.
 

2. Innovative materials

Apart from teak, MCM-style homes also feature many materials that were very new at the time. Driven by the impact of industrialisation, interior design was also inspired to evolve. For example, fibreglass and phenolic resin glass began to be used in furniture.

Another furniture feature is the mixing of different materials, such as wooden tabletops combined with metal rods, or plastic seats paired with wooden chair legs. This mix-and-match use of materials gives furniture a richer texture.
 

Design features of MCM-style furniture

1. Slim wooden legs

Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style
Furniture with slim wooden legs can easily bring MCM style to mind. MCM-style furniture removes unnecessary details and emphasises practicality, neatness, and beauty. To avoid making cabinet-style furniture too bulky, the legs were tapered. Other furniture, such as sofas and chairs, also began to take on the look of large pieces supported by slim wooden legs.
 

2. Colours

Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style
How are colours used in MCM-style furniture? Slim wooden legs in soft, warm wood tones are paired with bold colours, such as mustard yellow, pine green, vivid red, and jewel blue, which were popular at the time. These colours give furniture a timeless, enduringly stylish look that never feels old-fashioned.
Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style

3. Lines

MCM-style furniture design is based on clean lines and frequent use of geometric shapes. It also takes ergonomic design into account, offering notable comfort and convenience. This is why chair design is the most famous aspect of MCM style. Its simple, neat straight lines and curves can also make a space look more visually open.
 

Key points of MCM-style spaces

Open-plan spaces

Mid-century modernism: function-first and full of style
Spatial design in the 1950s underwent a revolutionary change: it realised the connection between indoors and the outside world. Large windows, sliding doors, sliding panels, and floor-to-ceiling windows were installed, using glass doors to enhance natural light and connect indoor and outdoor areas. Unnecessary walls were also removed to strengthen the sense of openness in the space.

Have questions about renovation? Go online now to find a renovation consultant and arrange a free site measurement and consultation.

(Image sources: THOMAS LOOF, housebeautiful, donpedrobrooklyn, decoraid, inspirationdesignbooks, Hdoan, Nest Modern)

Article provided by: Decoman

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