Classic simplicity and unforced elegance - this is how the Mid-Century Modern style can be described. There is no place for interior boredom, but for original combinations of furniture, colors and materials. Today this style is making a comeback and filling more and more contemporary apartments. What is the reason for its timelessness?
As the name suggests, the peak of popularity of the Mid-Century Modern style oscillated around the middle of the last century with roots going back to the dominance of Bauhaus aesthetics. Post-war realities, the rapid growth of urban populations and the associated development of infrastructure demanded that architecture and design become as practical and accessible as possible to a wide audience. As Katarzyna Drabik explains:
Functionality in the service of man took real shape, replicating the pre-war ideas of breaking with the decorativeness of previous styles and proposing a focus on the utilitarian layer. From this came a vision of modernity that in many respects remains relevant today, because the beauty of this style lies in its simplicity.
Thus, on the one hand, Mid-Century Modern is very flexible and successfully blends seamlessly with other styles - minimalist or Scandinavian - while at the same time its distinct character defines the interior in a concrete and recognizable way.
In addition to timeless wood and noble materials such as chrome-plated steel or glass, it uses plywood, inexpensive plastic, Plexiglas and vinyl to achieve biomorphic forms
© Komandor press materials
Mid-Century Modern style
Mid-Century Modern style is distinguished by geometric shapes, organic curves and clean lines. Instead of ornaments, decorative elements in it include colors and natural wood grain. And although, due to the abandonment of decoration and the emphasis placed on ergonomics, it is necessarily slightly ascetic and condensed, it is impossible to call it minimalist. In addition to timeless wood and noble materials like chrome-plated steel or glass, it uses plywood, inexpensive plastic, Plexiglas and vinyl to achieve biomorphic forms.
Mid-Century Modern can be combined with strong color and clear textures, based on the play of contrasts. Typical for this style are earth tones - rust red, gray-green and dark brown - as well as turquoise, saturated orange, distinctive blue, canary yellow, light green and mustard. Artists creating in the spirit of Mid-Century Modern were keen on simple, geometric and very colorful patterns. They usually appear on wallpaper, but also on curtains, pillows and wall posters. However, they never appear in excess, but rather complement the interior, remaining within a certain framework, which is determined by the versatility of the furniture or the functionality of the space. Respect for the latter is yet another hallmark of the style. Typical interiors of that period are bounded by walls only where necessary, and individual zones are determined by furniture and other furnishings. Designing a living room open to the kitchen is considered to be part of the legacy of that period, which is a particularly common solution today.
Typical interiors from that period are limited by walls only where necessary, and individual zones are delimited by furniture and other furnishings.
© Komandor press materials
Mid Century Modern today
Functionality and simplicity - two qualities that perfectly characterize the Mid-Century Modern style, have their supporters in every era. The design of objects and furniture should arise precisely from their function, and although they do not have ornaments, their form in itself can be considered sculpture. Thus, finesse and nonchalance are left behind, giving way to refined elegance and simplicity. The makers of the time strongly emphasized the connection of objects with true craftsmanship and originality, relying on natural raw materials and simple shapes.
