{"id":91204,"date":"2024-01-22T09:52:16","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T17:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=91204"},"modified":"2024-02-09T08:41:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T16:41:00","slug":"mid-century-design-and-decor-tips-from-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/mid-century-design-and-decor-tips-from-professionals\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Style Your Home From A Century That’s So Mid? Designers Weigh in on How to Design Your Home Mid-Century Modern"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thinking about styling your home in the iconic Mid-Century Modern fashion? Design and furniture experts weigh in to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless blend of timeless aesthetics and contemporary flair. From balancing neutrals with bright colors to orchestrating a collection of accents, this Redfin article explores the intricacies of creating a Mid-Century Modern haven. Get tips on incorporating this classic design into your space, whether you\u2019re in a small <\/span>New York apartment<\/span><\/a> or just moved into a larger open concept <\/span>house in LA<\/span><\/a>. We got you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Balance neutrals and bright colors\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen you decide to go with a Mid-Century Modern design in your home, you first want to think about colors,\u201d suggests Henry Jara, Owner of <\/span>Casara Modern<\/span><\/a>, a MCM style furniture building company in <\/span>Huntington Beach, CA<\/span><\/a>. \u201cYou can either go with neutral tones in your upholstery and bright accents, or more neutral in your decor with brightly upholstered furniture. MCM (Mid-Century Modern) designs accent well with a lot of other styles too. You don’t need to change everything at once. You can change just a few things to start with and slowly add more to your home over time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Focus on clean lines and simplicity<\/span><\/h2>\n

Out of <\/span>Los Angeles<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>The Hollywood Home’s<\/span><\/a> writer and real estate agent, Jacqueline Tager, recommends to \u201cFocus on clean lines, organic shapes, functionality and natural materials to create a warm welcoming aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to mix authentic vintage pieces with new reproductions. I have bought many Sputnik light fixtures right off of Amazon to prep my listings. Keep it simple, don’t be overcrowded. Stick to mostly neutral earth tone colors inspired by nature for larger pieces you have. Throw in pops of color with accessories and artwork. Don\u2019t forget to bring in plants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Consider space and budget<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mod City Madness<\/span><\/a>, a company that restores original 1960\u2019s furniture, suggests \u201cIncorporating mid-century modern style into your home involves careful consideration of space, budget, and the opportunity to make environmentally friendly choices. Whether you’re accentuating existing decor or establishing a foundational style, mixing vintage with contemporary furniture provides flexibility while embracing MCM design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding vintage pieces, whether at local estate sales, online marketplaces, or from specialized dealers, is an exciting journey. Seek items that resonate with you, transcending decoration to become functional art reflecting your personal style. However, exercise caution to avoid pitfalls like scams and damaged items. Thoroughly inspect each piece or rely on trusted sources, emphasizing the importance of genuine quality, condition, and rich history.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of <\/span>Mod City Madness<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Unify and harmonize your interior decor<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cBy choice or by circumstance, most homes have a jumble of decor styles,\u201d says <\/span>Neal Kielar, Owner & Creative Director at <\/span>MidModMen+friends<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> \u201cThere’s the intentionally eclectic few and then there are the many whose circumstances \u2013 merged households, carryovers from younger days, hand-me-downs from the family \u2013 result in a lack of focus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building your decor around the simplified lines of mid-century modern design can be a great unifier. Anchor your living room, for example, with mid-century pieces like a credenza, sofa or pair of chairs. In a bedroom it’s all about the case goods: dressers, chests and even the headboard. With mid-century style as a foundation, it’s possible to indulge in more diverse accents while keeping the room in harmony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Orchestrate a collection of accents<\/span><\/h2>\n

Neal continues, \u201cA good space has all the things you need to function day to day. A better space is layered and might pack a surprise or two. But the best space of all is one that truly reflects your distinctive personality. Use mid-century modern furniture and accents \u2013 the more authentic the better \u2013 to create a foundation that’s flexible enough to accommodate your more eclectic flourishes. For example, the clean lines of a Danish modern credenza or no-nonsense sofa sets an uncluttered stage so you can orchestrate a collection of accents that serve as high notes in the room. And that reflects your personal style.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

6. MCM starts at the curb<\/span><\/h2>\n

Robert Baker from <\/span>Modern Mailbox<\/span><\/a> suggests, \u201cOur advice for anyone looking to add some mid-century modern inspiration to their home is to keep it simple. Less is more, and incorporating key elements, such as a mid-century modern-inspired mailbox, will help elevate your modern <\/span>curb appeal<\/span><\/a> to the next level. A mailbox is a jewel or a finishing touch that homeowners shouldn’t overlook. Mailboxes are something we interact with on a daily basis and can be a simple and cost-effective solution to update. Mailboxes also dramatically improve a first impression of a home and add value by showcasing a well-thought-out design. Our modern mailboxes offer clean, modern lines, hidden hardware, and a classic mid-century modern design that will never go out of style.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Anchor your design from the start\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cBringing home mid-century modern style can be easy, but, as with any style, it can seem daunting,\u201d says Demi Tran from <\/span>Big Whale Consignment<\/span><\/a>. \u201cBegin by selecting key mid-century modern furniture pieces that will anchor your design. Items such as a classic sofa, lounge chair, or a statement coffee table can set the tone for the entire space. Consider investing in high-quality, authentic mid-century modern pieces or high-quality reproductions from reputable sources.<\/span><\/p>\n

Designing a home in the mid-century modern style is a process that takes time and careful consideration. Take your time to curate and select pieces that resonate with you and contribute to the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Just the essentials<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cLooking at the homeowners and architects of the Mid-Century Modern homes in New Canaan in the 1950s and ’60s, the architecture came with an ethos,\u201d shares Nancy Geary from <\/span>New Canaan Museum and Historical Society<\/span><\/a>. \u201cPeople didn’t want clutter. They lived with the essentials of what they needed, using the landscapes they could see through their glass walls as art. Houses were designed with few closets, and often kitchens had open shelving, because owners didn’t need places to stash extra stuff. The clean lines that we associate with mid-century modern architecture and furniture reflected a simplicity and a serene aesthetic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Source MCM furniture and pieces wisely\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cMy best advice for buying MCM or any other antique or collectible design pieces would first be to take the time to do your homework,\u201d suggests <\/span>Judy Engel from <\/span>Modern on the Hudson<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThere are so many ways to source amazing pieces, from places like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to auctions and estate sales, to dealers, galleries, and shops. Don\u2019t assume one is a better deal than another. All types of pieces (good, bad, and fake) can be found in each of these venues. If you have the time to look at authentic pieces in galleries and auction houses in person, then do it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While you\u2019re there, talk to the experts. They are typically in this business because of a passion for the pieces. Finally, I always advise: if you are comparing a newer piece that you love to a vintage or antique piece (especially with a provenance or designer name associated) that you love equally, then go vintage. If you continue to buy like this, you will soon have a collection. These pieces often hold, and sometimes increase in value. Not to mention decreasing your own carbon footprint.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Modern on the Hudson<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10. Buy vintage for better quality<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Buy vintage and shop local,\u201d recommends <\/span>Jillian and Jeremy from <\/span>Cabin Modern<\/span><\/a>. \u201cNew products marketed as “mid-century style” often are of lesser quality, may have toxic environmental footprints, and may not last or accrue in value. Vintage items were made to last (that’s why they are still around), are better for the environment, and help support smaller independent businesses in your community. If these pieces are properly cared for they will accrue value and could become family heirlooms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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11. Grasping the fundamentals<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cFor those designing their home in the MCM style, start by grasping the fundamentals of clean lines, organic shapes, and the marriage of form and function,\u201d states <\/span>Stamford Modern<\/span><\/a>. \u201cExperiment with MCM color palettes, incorporating earthy tones and bold accents. Mix vintage finds with modern elements for a curated aesthetic, and invest in key iconic pieces like Eames chairs or Noguchi tables to anchor your design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Embrace minimalism and prioritize functionality while integrating organic elements for warmth. Remember that personalizing the space with MCM-inspired accessories, such as geometric patterns and vintage ceramics, can add a unique touch. Be cautious of overloading the space with MCM items\u2014opt for a balanced blend that resonates with your style.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Look for premium materials to elevate your space<\/span><\/h2>\n

Peter Triestman from <\/span>Olek Inc.<\/span><\/a> says, \u201cMid-century modern pieces, although unique in design, present a style that can easily be incorporated into most interior designs. When constructed of premium materials like Teak or Rosewood, they not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also deliver a natural wood appearance that adds warmth and authenticity to your space.”<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Hunt for pieces that speak to you\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cDitch the sterile showrooms and embrace the thrill of the hunt,\u201d says <\/span>Mid Mod Lounge<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWhile iconic designers like Eames and Nelson are coveted, remember, mid-century modern encompasses a vast array of styles and lesser-known talents. Keep an open mind and let the pieces themselves speak to you. You might stumble upon a stunning sculpted lamp or a funky geometric coffee table that injects personality into your space. Play with textures, colors, and patterns to create a unique and dynamic space that reflects your own personality.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Refurbish vintage finds<\/span><\/h2>\n

Design Conundrum<\/span><\/a> recommends, \u201cRefurbishing vintage furniture is a great way to achieve authenticity in mid-century modern decor. It’s not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. When refurbishing, pay attention to the original design elements like tapered legs and natural wood finishes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Play with iconic elements of MCM<\/span><\/h2>\n

Matt Bliss, Owner and\u00a0 Co-Designer of <\/span>Modern Christmas Trees<\/span><\/a> says, \u201cEmbracing mid-century modern design in your home is a journey into a style that balances simplicity, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. Here are some key insights and recommendations for those looking to dive into this iconic design era:<\/span><\/p>\n