Mid-Century Modern: The Epitome of Timeless Cool

After World War II the flourishing of creativity and prosperity that followed gave rise to a design movement that encapsulated all the energy, hope, and innovation of the times. Mid-century modern style remains popular today, a harmonious blend of form, function, and futuristic simplicity. 

The Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen available from Knoll shown to great effect in a Parisian Haussmann-style interior

The style emerged at a pivotal time of global change and technological development. This movement coincided with the growth in influence of Scandinavian design, and both styles (mid-century modern and Scandinavian) share common aesthetics and heroes. 

In Denmark designers such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen emerged, producing iconic furniture in beautiful rosewood and teak; many of these pieces are still in production today and look just as modern as ever.  

Hans Wegner chairs available to buy today from Carl Hansen

It’s hard to overstate the dramatic departure this style represented. Imagine working in one of the new tech-driven industries - you'd want a home that reflected the values of the era. Service in WWII delayed the start of architect Edward Killingsworth's career, but acclaim for the home he designed for his in-laws in Los Alamitos, Southern California (a major centre for the aircraft industry) soon brought him to international attention.  

A home designed by Edward Killingsworth, listed by @crosbydoe with photo by @timstreetporter

Originating at the same time in the same place, ’Googie architecture’ (not Google!) was part of the mid-century modern movement and was inspired by car culture, the atomic era, and space age: picture upswept roofs, curvilinear and geometric shapes, and extensive, expansive use of materials such as steel, glass, and neon.

Eero Saarinen's TWA Flight Center (now TWA Hotel @twahotel) photo by @hankgmedia

This was a prolific moment in American architecture. Indulge yourself - please! - with a scroll through the works of Killingsworth and John Lautner (whose architecture inspired Ironman’s home in the 2008 movie), read about Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Centre at JFK Airport, and enjoy the joyous rendering of the style’s futuristic forms and motifs as seen in 1960’s cartoon The Jetsons. 

MCM furniture sits just as comfortably in period interiors: Ercol's Stacking Chair seen in the home of @home__stead

In the United Kingdom the Festival of Britain in 1951 showcased new textiles designed for the atomic era, it was popular demand for these textiles that ultimately dictated a new style direction for British manufacturers, many of whom had initially resisted the trend. 

In 1952 UK furniture rationing ended, releasing pent-up demand just as the festival-effect ignited interest in modern furniture; the 1950s and 1960s were boom times for British furniture companies such as Ercol and G Plan.  

Key Defining Characteristics:

• Clean Lines & Geometric Shapes: Minimal fuss, maximum style, a style that eschews decorative embellishment.
• Integration with Nature: MCM architecture combines large windows with open spaces that invite nature in, emphasising natural light.
• Function over Form: Practicality is prized, with every element serving a purpose.
• Varied Materials: A mix of traditional and non-traditional materials, from wood to plastic to metal, many new shapes and styles became possible because of the introduction of new materials and new methods of production.
• Iconic Furniture: The best MCM pieces are now design classics, having stood the test of time both in terms of style and practical function.

Colour Usage:

• MCM colours tend to derive from a broad spectrum: from muted neutrals to bold, vibrant hues. Earthy tones often mix with brighter, optimistic colours reflecting the era's forward-looking spirit.

Calyx fabric designed by Lucienne Day, available from Classic Textiles

 Historical Contributors:

• Charles and Ray Eames: A dynamic duo known for their groundbreaking furniture designs, e.g. the Eames Lounge Chair.
• Eero Saarinen: Notable for the Tulip Chair and the iconic TWA Flight Centre.
• George Nelson: The mind behind the perennially popular Nelson Bubble Lamp.
• Robin and Lucienne Day: This London-based husband and wife designed furniture (he) and textiles (she) in complementary modern style, Google their Cheyne Row (London) home for a textbook example of MCM interior style. 
• Verner Panton: A Danish designer who was at the forefront of MCM design. His lighting designs, still in production today via www.verpan.com, look as fresh and ground-breaking as they did 70 years ago.
• Poul Cadovius: Designed his Royal Shelving System in 1948, this innovative furniture system was one of the first to be wall-mounted, increasing the sense of light and space in a room by lifting furniture up off the floor.  
• Dieter Rams: The German industrial designer responsible for the 606 Universal Shelving System for Vitsoë.

Royal Shelving System by Poul Cadovious, available from Dk3

Iconic Pieces:

• Eames Lounge Chair: An epitome of comfort and timeless design, and probably the most iconic MCM piece.
• Noguchi Coffee Table: A sculptural masterpiece combining wood and glass.
• Sunburst Clocks: A symbol of the era's optimistic outlook.
• Lucienne Day Calyx textile: an iconic and instantly recognisable pattern which debuted at the 1951 Festival of Britain.  
• 606 Universal Shelving System: designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe

Vitsoë's 606 Universal Shelving System designed by Dieter Rams - I dream that one day I'll have Vitsoë shelving at home

Materials:

• A blend of natural and synthetic: wood (especially teak, rosewood, elm, and walnut), metal, glass, vinyl, and moulded plastic. Many Wegner chairs are also produced (by Carl Hansen) in oak.
• Moulded plywood deserves a special mention: the technological development of moulding ply to create a strong substrate with spring had been around for 100 years or so (it was used by Michael Thonet in the construction of his iconic bistro chairs) when it was adopted into cutting-edge design by Marcel Breuer in 1930s, and used in concept designs by Charles and Ray Eames shortly thereafter. Charles and Ray Eames went on to develop an innovative moulded plywood series for US company Herman Miller; meanwhile in Europe, Arne Jacobsen's 'Ant' chair launched in 1952 - please God, I look as good at 72!

Verpan - still producing iconic Verner Panton lighting and furniture designs

Instagram Accounts:

• @socalmodern: Real estate agency specialising in MCM houses. 
• @midcenturymobler: Dive deep into a curated collection of MCM furniture.
• @theatomicranch: Celebrating mid-century houses and their unique designs.
• @verpancom: Continuing the legacy of Danish designer Verner Panton.
• @hermanmiller: Continuing the legacy of many other iconic MCM designers.
• @knoll: Continuing the legacy of many other iconic MCM designers.
• @galerienorth: Stockholm gallery specialising in vintage MCM furniture and objects.
• @fredrikkarlssoninteriors: Super-chic owner of Gallerie North.
• @hadleyhaven: An MCM house in Utah.
• @lautnerfoundation: Stunning architectural eye-candy designed by John Lautner.

DIY Tips for Achieving the Mid-Century Modern Look:

• Embrace Open Spaces: Allow for flow and movement in your living spaces.
• Incorporate Statement Pieces: A singular MCM chair or table can define a space.
• Mix & Match: Blend MCM pieces with contemporary items for a balanced look or, as seen in images above, use MCM pieces to update traditional Haussmannian, Victorian (and other) period interiors.  Iconic MCM designs sit beautifully in traditional interiors, and mix happily with both antiques and contemporary designs.
• Prioritise Natural Light: Large windows, skylights, or translucent window treatments.
• Go Minimal: MCM thrives on simplicity, so declutter and focus on standout pieces.
• Exposed wood and brick, and acute angles: Many MCM houses incorporate simple wood cladding, minimal wooden beams, simple brick surfaces (raw and painted) and rising ceilings, set at shallow angles. 
• Don't forget details: MCM glass (for example an Alvar Aalto vase) and ornaments (such as the Eames House Bird) help establish and style the MCM scene

The Eames House Bird available from Vitra

Colours to Pick:

•  Primary Palette: Mustard yellow, avocado green, tangerine, and deep brown (see Lucienne Day's fabrics for inspiration).
•  Accent Colours: Sky blue, pale pink, and charcoal gray.

Steeped in history and emerging during a time of unprecedented change, perpetually fresh mid-century modern style is a testament to the enduring allure of simplicity. Whether you're a vintage collector or if you just appreciate good design; whether you want to add gravitas and iconic chic to a contemporary home, or bring classic modernity to a period interior, MCM style is endlessly flexible and always appropriate.