Traditional Decor In A Midcentury Modern Home

Mid-century modern design is characterised by clean lines, geometric shapes, and bright colours. It emerged in the middle of the 20th century after World War Two as a reaction to the fussy and drab home décor of the pre-war era. The style is defined by simple, functional, wooden furniture with either curved or geometric shapes.

Mid-century modern design can be incorporated into a traditional house, but it should be done carefully to avoid making the space appear dated. One way to do this is by adding traditional elements to the mid-century modern mix. For example, a mid-century modern living room could feature a traditional fireplace. Additionally, mid-century modern furniture adapts well to small spaces, so it can be a good choice for a cosy traditional home.

Mid-century modern colour schemes

Orange and Brown

A vibrant yet earthy combination, orange and brown is a classic mid-century modern pairing. A bold orange wall can highlight dramatic features like a wood ceiling and glass windows, while brown tones down the vibrancy of the orange. This combination underscores the warm nature of each colour, making the space inviting.

Chartreuse and Grey

This cool, fresh duo instantly adds mid-century chic to your decor. A bright yellowish-green sofa forms a cheerful counterpart to a serene grey wall. When paired with architectural details such as an angled ceiling and glass windows, the style is unmistakably mid-century modern.

Teal, Brown and White

This sophisticated palette imparts a rich mid-century look, especially with the right furniture shapes. Teal throw pillows create a striking contrast with an ivory sofa, while an accent chair in a more vibrant teal adds further visual interest. Layering different shades of the same colour can add depth to the room.

Pink and Brown

Mid-century decor often uses various shades of pink, from pastel to deep pink, in playful patterns or textured fabrics. These shades combine well with neutral brown or wood tones. Pink throw pillows or vases of pink flowers can add pleasing accents to wooden or white mid-century furnishings.

Wood and White

Wood is a featured element in mid-century modern decor, reflecting the style's simple, earthy flavour. When combined with large glass windows, wood brings the outdoors inside, creating a harmonious, neutral palette of wood tones, brown, and white. When pairing wood and white, try to match woods with similar undertones to maintain a cohesive look.

Blue and Red

Blue and red add lighthearted mid-century colour to any space. Blue cabinetry and a red floor runner create a cheerful, retro kitchen.

Green and Beige

Deep green and calm beige is a fantastic combination for a retro-style home. The rich green hue adds drama, while the beige keeps the room feeling tranquil and stylishly inviting.

Blue and Green

Pops of blue add fun colour to the green of houseplants and a sofa, evoking the colours of the ocean and sky. This combination can create a calming, relaxing, and harmonious vibe in any space.

Wooden details

When incorporating mid-century modern wooden details into your home, consider the following:

• Mixing Materials: Mid-century modern design often combines different materials, such as a wood tabletop with chrome legs or a vinyl-upholstered chair with wooden legs. This creates a unique look and adds visual interest to a room.
• Wood Veneer: While solid wood was used for furniture legs and grips, wood veneer—a thin layer of aesthetic wood applied to a wood composite substrate—was commonly used for cabinetry and other dimensionally sensitive pieces. Veneer allowed for more design flexibility and helped prevent changes in shape over time.
• Wood Species: The choice of wood species can impact the overall look and feel of your space. Hardwoods, such as teak, rosewood, and oak, are known for their durability and rich colours, while softwoods like beech offer a unique rose-cream colour and flexibility that is ideal for customisation.
• Wood Finishes: Applying a natural oil finish to wood, particularly oak, can enhance its colour palette and bring out its natural beauty.
• Wood Grains: The grain of the wood can add texture and visual interest to a room. For example, teak has a straight, dark grain, while beech has a straight grain that is less pronounced.
• Wood Tone: The tone of the wood can impact the atmosphere of a space. Mid-century modern design often features warm, honey-toned woods that create a sense of hominess.
• Statement Walls: Consider using wooden panelling on a feature wall to create a striking, floor-to-ceiling statement. This adds warmth and draws attention to architectural details, such as angled ceilings.

Remember, when mixing mid-century modern wooden details with traditional decor, it's important to find a balance. Incorporate pieces of varying heights, shapes, and sizes, and consider mixing in contemporary or transitional elements to ensure your space feels modern and cohesive.

Lighting

Statement Lighting Fixtures

Statement lighting is a hallmark of mid-century modern design. Look for chandeliers with a Sputnik design, which is characterised by multiple arms radiating from a central sphere, resembling the Soviet satellite of the same name. These can be found in a variety of sizes, from small, mini chandeliers often arranged in pairs or groups, to large, attention-grabbing fixtures that are perfect for commercial spaces like malls and hotel lobbies. Sputnik chandeliers are a versatile choice as they blend past and present designs, making them suitable for both traditional and modern settings.

Another option for a statement light fixture is a bubble chandelier. These can be made from glass or crystal and come in a variety of shapes, including spherical, tiered, or branching designs. They often feature metallic accents, such as brass or chrome, and can add a touch of glamour to your space.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are a great way to add a touch of mid-century modern style to your traditional space. Look for funky, playful designs such as saucer-shaped fixtures or wishbone-shaped lights. Pendant lights are perfect for dining rooms or eat-in kitchens, providing both illumination and a decorative focal point.

Wall Sconces and Lamps

Wall sconces and lamps can be a stylish way to incorporate mid-century modern design elements into your traditional space. Look for designs with clean lines and flared legs, which are characteristic of the style. You can also find wall sconces with adjustable arms, allowing you to direct light where you need it. Wall sconces are perfect for providing ambient lighting in bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways.

Table and Floor Lamps

Table and floor lamps can be a great way to add a touch of mid-century modern style to your traditional space. Look for designs with intense colours, organic silhouettes, seductive curves, and bold geometric shapes. Table lamps can be a great way to add a pop of colour, with shades in avocado green, mustard yellow, or clay. Floor lamps can also be a statement piece, with designs that incorporate multiple lights or adjustable arms.

Natural Light and Windows

Mid-century modern design often emphasises the use of natural light and windows. Large windows can help to open up your space and create a light and airy atmosphere. If you're incorporating traditional decor, consider using window treatments such as curtains or blinds in neutral colours like white, grey, or tan to soften the look and bring a sense of warmth to the room.

Mixing old and new

Start with a neutral base: Mid-century modern style often features a neutral colour palette, such as muted colours, pastels, and warm neutrals. By starting with a neutral base, you can easily mix in traditional pieces without making the space look too cluttered or busy.

Incorporate traditional furniture: Look for traditional furniture with simple, clean lines that complement the mid-century modern aesthetic. For example, a vintage credenza or a wooden sideboard can add a touch of tradition while still fitting within the sleek and functional style of mid-century modern.

Mix and match materials: Mid-century modern furniture often combines materials such as glass, wood, metal, and plastic. When mixing old and new, look for traditional pieces that incorporate similar materials to create a cohesive look. For example, a wooden table with chrome legs can blend beautifully with mid-century modern pieces.

Play with patterns and textures: Traditional rugs, throw pillows, and blankets can add visual interest and texture to a mid-century modern space. Look for traditional patterns and textures that complement the clean lines and geometric shapes of mid-century modern furniture.

Add traditional accents: Incorporate traditional accents such as vintage lamps, artwork, or accessories to add a touch of tradition to your mid-century modern space. For example, a traditional table lamp or a vintage vase can add a unique and personal touch to your space.

Create a focal point: Choose one or two traditional statement pieces, such as a vintage armchair or a rustic dining table, and make them the focal point of the room. This will help to balance the old and new elements in your space and create a sense of harmony.

Remember to edit: When mixing old and new, it's important to edit and curate your space carefully. Don't overload the room with too many pieces, and leave some negative space to allow each piece to shine. This will help to create a sense of balance and ensure that your space feels modern and intentional, rather than like a museum.

Mid-century modern art

Some of the famous mid-century modern artists include Andy Warhol, who created silkscreens of soup cans and celebrities, and Jackson Pollock, known for his huge neo-expressionist works using a drip and spray technique. At the same time, purely decorative art prints with "atomic patterns" were popular, along with ceramics inspired by Brutalist architecture.

The colour palette of mid-century modern art varies, with bright hues in the 1950s and earthy tones in the 1960s. However, neutrals, pastels, and muted colours are also commonly associated with this style.

In terms of furniture, mid-century modern is characterised by slender legs, straight lines, and plush curves. Iconic pieces include the Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, and the Antchair by Harry Bertoia. These designers and their creations are still revered today, with their furniture, architecture, and art objects fetching top prices at markets and auctions.

Frequently asked questions