Add a Little Mid-Century Modern to Your Mix

Spanning roughly from 1930 to 1965, and peaking in the Fifties, Mid-Century Modern has become one of the world's most significant design movements and influencers. Further developed by giants like Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Mies van der Rohe, and pretty much all of Scandinavia, Mid-Century Modern grew to be an informal sleekness for the masses. In the inaugural era of mass-produced residential furniture, each piece reflected an open and simplified design matching the open post and beam architectural trends of the day.

So how to translate such a distinct design era into today? How to make Mid-Century Modern, well, modern? Success largely depends upon strict editing and proportion. When hunting for new furniture and accents for your space, keep a strict aesthetic in mind. It can be helpful to keep a collection of notes and photographs, so that when you're looking for a sleek Mid-Century Modern sideboard you don’t get swept away by the Edwardian bureau. Also remember that Mid-Century Modern respected the blank spaces in a room. And keep a Fifties chill about you: The style is about boldness—and fun.