We don’t need to explain the mid-century modern interior design trend, which has been a fan favorite for the past decade. A style that’s been in the spotlight for years, mid-century modern is the most popular look among our customers. Read on for the full scoop on this iconic style and where it’s headed for 2020 and beyond!
What is Mid-Century Modern Interior Design?
Inspired by mid-twentieth-century design, Mid-Century Modern style combines elements like natural woods, bold colors, slightly whimsical furniture designs, organic shapes, and tapered legs. These interiors are comfortable and encourage lounging, relaxation, and conversation. This style also loves pattern, and often incorporates graphic patterns with geometric and organic designs (think diamonds, starbursts, and boomerangs).
What’s the Current State of Affairs With the MCM Trend?
As we enter a new decade we’re noticing a shift away from “Mad Men” mid-century design to something more organic and collected.
From a high-level trend perspective we’re seeing beloved mid-century elements such are beautiful woods and iconic pieces mixed into more eclectic or organic interiors as opposed to rooms that feel themed as “mid-century.” The softer approach to mid-century design allows iconic and special pieces to be the stars of a space. We’re also seeing bolder styles that introduce glam elements in dramatic and sophisticated ways.
Historically, when you look at the progression of trends in the 20th century, you see what looks like a cyclical change in our current culture. Postmodern design trends introduced organic shapes and whimsical feelings to interior design, while the 1970s and 1980s introduced drama and glam. Both of these styles have reemerged in our culture and trending with different groups. As we learn more about styles, we also see how they evolved over time!
What Will Mid-Century Modern Look Like in 2020?
We’ll still be seeing mid-century elements and iconic pieces, but they’ll be used as accents in the space, as opposed to the overall theme of the design.
We’re seeing a softer, earthier side of the mid-century look come out to play with bohemian, collected elements, and organic shapes and forms. It feels more eclectic, mixing in worldly patterns, pops of color, natural textures, and lots of plants.
We’re also seeing the use of iconic pieces beyond the Eames chair. The Cesca chair, Jeanneret chair, and even the Wishbone chair… Many of these were pieces that came from the Bauhaus in the 1920s, and were re-popularized in the mid-century and again in the 1980s. Minimalist at heart, these pieces give us mid-century and 1980s associations due to their ubiquity in design during those time periods.
Minimalist Maximalist design is also on the rise and this trend is exactly what it sounds like—a style that plays with the unlikely combo of a minimalist’s design principles and a maximalist’s love of patterns, colors, textures, and all things over-the-top. Look out for all of these trends in 2020!
Want to try on Mid-Century Modern style in your home?
Curious how you can bring some Mid-Century Modern interior design into your own home? On our Interior Design 101 page, you’ll learn how Modsy designers can help you bring your vision to life and narrow in on the exact brand of Mid-Century interior design that you’d like to try on!
Where is the extra long console in the 2nd picture from? Thanks!
Thanks for asking it’s from Crate and Barrell.
I am a TOTAL mid-century modern lover. I am so drawn to the clean, open space that mid-century style inspires. And while I’m a sucker for online shopping and seeing new styles of it, it’s hard to compete with some of the furniture that was created in the 50’s. My living room space is a mash-up of furniture from the 50’s and new pieces and after a good upholstery cleaning and cleaning up some scuffs in the wooden legs of the pieces, you wouldn’t be able to tell which is new and which is refurbished!