The Nostalgia of Mid-Century Style

30 January 2023

With a home in the United States of America, the Mid-Century Style was born out of the modernist movement intensely influenced by the concepts of the Bauhaus school, the world’s first design school, founded by Walter Gropius in the 1940s. In a post-World War II era, hope and starting over were emerging themes, and this was reflected in the designs of the houses.

Decades after the emergence of the Mid-Century Style, we bring you its history and how it became a timeless style and a trend today. See how!

The Interiors Mind Podcast

Its roots

The revolutionary Second World War triggered the need for people to leave behind everything that had become gloomy, to face the new modern world with some tranquility and innovation. People wanted totally open houses, with more windows and more room for family living, and essentially, they wanted designs that were more versatile and efficient.

Advances in technology and science brought new materials, textures, and shapes, which were easily reflected in organic and geometric patterns and natural materials such as wood, metal, and leather. The main goal was for anything unnecessary to be omitted, which exactly clashes with the premise of the Scandinavian style that was easily paired in this Mid-Century Concept.

Cleans, organic silhouettes, combinations of materials that finish multifunctional designs are the essence of this lifestyle. Warm tones give body and soul to the environments to make them cozy. There is personality that dwells between the lines of the furniture’s delicate legs, as in the patterns that exude color and attitude.

: Mid-Century 70s Living Room

Back to the Present

Today, the Mid-Century Style returns in a time capsule in which it comprises simplicity with the abundance of past decades. It is a concept that bets on iconic pieces that make themselves felt in the space, focused and specific. Intentionality is an unavoidable guideline.

Tips for adapting your home to the Mid-Century Style

Build your space around more special design pieces: Select one or two pieces you appreciate, in the color, material and shape you desire, and tailor your space around that.

Play with color – One of the most striking features of this style, color represents the mid-century style a lot, especially oranges, reds, yellows and blues. They can be seen in rugs, pillows, or even in paintings. Always try to balance color with neutral tones to keep the space harmonious.

Let nature in – privilege the beauty of large windows that convey the beauty of the outside to the inside, and add some plants to your spaces. An excellent complement to give life to the environment.

Functionality is very important to the style – Form follows function – and in this sense the furniture should be simple, with high quality finishing materials, preferably with thinner and narrower legs and in natural wood. Upholstery is prioritized to provide essential safety and comfort.