What Is Mid-Century Modern Style?
Mid-century Modern (MCM) is a design movement that emerged in the middle of the 20th century, between the two World Wars. It was hugely popular in decor, architecture, and graphic design. In contrast to the heavy, ornate styles of earlier eras, MCM is defined by cleaner lines, bolder colours, rounded shapes, and a touch of Scandinavian influence.
The Mid-century Modern movement is also defined by a desire to marry function with beauty. The goal isn't just aesthetically pleasing objects, but ones that are also useful and built to last. As a result, spaces are much more streamlined, and every object within them serves a clear purpose.
What Are the Essentials of MCM Decor?
1- Geometric Shapes
MCM is characterized by simple, clean lines, sometimes accented with basic geometric shapes. Harsh cuts and sharp right angles are a no-go. What Mid-century Modern style is really after is softness, balance, and flow.
2- Minimalism
While earlier eras were characterized by busy spaces and heavily ornamented furniture, MCM style leans instead into clean spaces, unadorned lines, and open-concept rooms.
3- Neutral Tones with a Pop of Vibrant Colour
Still guided by function and durability, Mid-century Modern spaces are mostly made up of neutral-coloured elements, often in warm tones. Brown, cream, beige, and white are all very popular. You'll also find wood tones throughout, especially teak or rosewood.
Layered over these neutral tones is a pop of vibrant colour, for example a yellow armchair or a teal accent wall. Favourite colours include mustard yellow, purple, red, teal, and burnt orange.
Is It Still Trendy Today?
Since Mid-century Modern is synonymous with function and durability, the answer is yes: MCM style is still going strong. A neutral, simple style built around quality never really goes out of fashion. In fact, it's no surprise to still find certain vintage furniture and objects at flea markets today. Since they were originally built with durability and quality in mind, they're still perfectly functional.
If you love MCM style, there's no need to replace all your furniture and decor accessories! You can add a few key statement pieces instead, for example a teak coffee table, a round mirror, or a vibrantly coloured rug for a touch of Mid-century Modern.
Our Mid-century Modern finds:
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brocante, courant, Déco, décoration, Décoration intérieure, design, mid-century, mid-century modern, tendance, vintage
