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10 Vibrant Midcentury Modern Living Rooms
If you still think midcentury modern has to be Soviet-era stark, these colorful, playful and even cozy living rooms will open your eyes
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel... More »
Let's just be honest. As lovely as it is with all that gently curving teak and those clean lines, midcentury modern can be a little, well, stark at times. At its best it is filled with color, art and playfulness. At its worst, it has a bleak Soviet vibe.
These midcentury beauties manage to do it just right — to maintain their true midcentury cred without sacrificing whimsy, personality and color. In some cases they are downright cozy, proving that midcentury does not have to adhere to a lockstep minimalism to be authentic.
These midcentury beauties manage to do it just right — to maintain their true midcentury cred without sacrificing whimsy, personality and color. In some cases they are downright cozy, proving that midcentury does not have to adhere to a lockstep minimalism to be authentic.
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| These furnishings have the clean, simple lines of good Danish modern, but the layered patterns and textures in the rugs, pillows and upholstery give it warmth. |
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by Jan Skacelik
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| The decor is pure midcentury blue blood, right down to the Saarinen Tulip Chair and the trio of Nelson lights. But because of the bright white paint and the marigold-yellow sofa, it is also cheery and welcoming. |
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This room is cool 1950s all the way. Can't you just picture a couple sipping martinis on that sofa?
by Johnson Berman
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Clean, simple and uncluttered. But with a mixture of textures and patterns from the rugs and lots and lots of natural light.
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| If the 1970s counted as midcentury, then this low-slung living room, built around the gorgeous Fireorb fireplace, would be on the mark. |
by Ninainvorm
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The midcentury modern version of the cozy cottage, complete with patchwork rug.
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by SHKS Architects
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| The pedestal table, the spindle clock and the Jen Risom lounge chairs are all midcentury icons. But the room hasn't gone overboard with its theme. It feels contemporary. |
by Mikel Irastorza
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Even without a lot of color, this impeccably put-together midcentury room has warmth. It's partly because the bones of this Spanish house look to be much, much older.
A Moebius side table sets the mid-century tone here. But the contemporary art, bright upholstery and accessories make the room bright and unique.
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by Shirley Meisels
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| Some classic pieces — including a shag rug! — a minimalist approach, and a simple tricolor palette give this room a very calm, quiet feel. |
It's bright, simple and open with all the right icons, but the ceiling is what really makes it. Nobody did wood and white like the designers of the midcentury.
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by Ninainvorm
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| Another cozy version of midcentury. Instead of sterile and serious, this room feels fun and lighthearted. See more midcentury and modern decorating guides |
Ideabook updated on June 25, 2012.
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This is a great place to see individual pieces of this style. http://custm.co/hz/71
I totally agree with you! A midcentury living room does not need to be stark and minimal; it can have plenty of color while still adhering to the mid-century theme. Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color, as well as framed pictures on the wall. It makes the room unique and adds personality to the space!
Best,
Jill@DWR