How to Get the Mid-Century Modern Look

Welcome to our new ‘Get the Look’ series here on the Nest blog - where we’ll share some of our favourite design trends and expert tips to achieve the look yourself.

Of course, we’ll be sharing some of our favourite shoppable pieces to help you nail the trend as well!

First things, first….

What is Mid-Century Modern?

Mid-century modern design has risen in popularity over recent years and is now one of the most sought-after interior trends on the market. Combining clean lines with a contemporary twist, this look is perfect for the modern home.

Luckily, this trend is quite easy to achieve, whether you want a full home overhaul, or just a few nods to the trend…

1. Clean Lines & Geometric Shapes

Mid century furniture has a distinctive look that is easily identifiable today.

Straight lines and architectural elements are a key feature, partnered by smooth, curved shapes to create a sense of simplicity and elegance.

Furniture such as chairs often feature splayed legs and rounded corners and usually lacked any fancy details or ornamentation to emphasis the simplicity of the pieces.

Photo Credit: Soho Home

2. Mix of Materials

Mid-century modern interiors make use of a diverse range of materials to add texture and visual interest to a space.

Wood, in oak, teak and walnut finishes, is a popular choice for both furniture and flooring due to it’s deeper tones and warmth.

Metal accents such as chrome, brass and aluminium add contrast to the space, while natural stone surfaces is another popular material to add the feel of luxury.

These materials are often left in their natural or lightly finished state to showcase their inherent beauty.

SHOP THE LOOK:

3. Functional Design

Functional design is another cornerstone of mid-century modern interiors.

Furniture pieces are designed to be both visually appealing and serve a practical purpose.

Ergonomic considerations are often taken into account, resulting in furniture that is comfortable and user-friendly whilst still achieving an aesthetic look.

Photo Credit: Soho Home

4. Neutral & Bold Colours

While mid-century modern design is largely associated with a neutral colour palette, bold colour pops are another key feature of this design style, used to inject personality and vibrancy into a space.

Mustard yellow, rust orange, avocado green and traffic red are commonly used shades to achieve this bold look.

These bold colour pops should be used sparingly in pieces such as furniture upholstery, artwork and accessories to create focal points within the room.

5. Statement Lighting

Light plays a crucial role in mid-century modern interiors, both in terms of natural and artificial light.

Large windows and skylights are commonly used in mid-century modern architecture to maximise natural daylight and create a bright and airy atmosphere.

Living rooms usually boast artfully designed light features such as iconic pendant lamps, wall sconces and pendants to not only enhance the ambiance of the space, but also add to its sense of warmth and comfort.

Photo Credit: Soho Home


Get in touch with our interior design team today to see how we can help you achieve the space of your dreams!

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How to Style The ‘Warm Neutrals’ Trend

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Interior Design Trends for 2024