Though the Mid-Century Modern style house plans were at their zenith in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, that iconic style has remained exceedingly popular among its followers well into the 21st century and shows every sign of continuing.
What is Mid-Century Modern Style?
We will answer that question and so much more in our exciting tour through the mid-20th century that produced a design style still embraced to this day.
Notable Mid-Century Architects
Often called the father of American architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright trained and influenced many of our Mid-Century Modern architects. Though homes in this style can be found across America, the most impressive collection of mid-century modern homes can be seen in Palm Springs, California.
Some of the world’s most famous mid-century modern architects built homes, hotels, motels, and other projects in Palm Springs.
The city is an irresistible magnet for those who love the look. It’s all about the sleek, clean style where “less is more” as espoused by architect Mies van der Rohe. Built in the desert, these modern homes fit elegantly into their natural environment.
Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret), Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Koenig, Mies van der Rohe, Eileen Gray (best known for her furniture designs,) John Lautner, Greta Magnusson Grossman, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, and others contributed to Mid-Century architecture in the United States. Many of these names are familiar as furniture designers.
Charles Eames & Ray Eames
In addition to furniture, Charles Eames and Ray Eames also built homes in this “mid-century” period. The Eames House has remained their most iconic creation. From the tiny “House Bird” sculpture to innovative home designs and iconic furniture, the Eames duo took the modern design world by storm. They also wrote books and made films.
Other Revered Modern Designers
Here are a few of the many iconic modern designers of the period. We hope you’ll take no offense if we’ve neglected to mention your favorite: Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, Eileen Gray, Isamu Noguchi, Verner Panton, Jens Risom, and Alexander Girard.
Chairs.
You may have already noticed the abundance of designer names associated with Mid-Century chairs. Of all the furniture from the period, chairs seem to be the one element that captured the hearts of those who closely follow this style.
The Eames Lounge Chair and matching ottoman grace many of today’s offices, dens, and living rooms. The Swan Chair, created in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, is a vision in curvaceous form. Papa Bear is big and comfy and an iconic example of the period.
The Barcelona Chair is forever a modern fixture, even in today’s homes and offices. From the simple beauty of the Wishbone Chair to the exquisite design of the Panton S Chair, we love these iconic and wide-range of chair designs.
Lighting
Furniture and architecture weren’t the only mid-century modern style elements to get a make-over. Lighting designs took a page from the innovative materials and finishes of the period. The Arco Lamp by Achille Castiglioni is another icon of the period that was revolutionary in its day and continues to sell as a timeless classic some 60 years later.
Featured at the first Milan Salone design fair in 1962, the Arco Lamp was embraced by visitors from around the world for its near gravity-defying original design.
Visiting the show in 1962, the founder of NOVA of California, David Moskowitz, was astounded to discover how the Arco lamp was the culmination of an idea he had been working on for years! Once back in the States, Moskowitz set about perfecting his prototype for the U.S. market. Thus, the NOVA Arc Lamp was born.
Moskowitz’s version was admired for its sculptural form, minimalist aesthetic, maneuverability, space-saving benefits, and flexibility. The fixture was an instantaneous hit among the day’s interior designers and architects who began buying NOVA’s Arc Lamps.
Our still-popular Mushroom Arc Lamps debuted at the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1964 and have been in the NOVA line for nearly six decades since 1964.
How to Get Mid-Century Modern Style
Materials
Mid-century decor style can be described as having clean lines and little if any, ornamentation. Walnut and teak are often used along with plywood. Chrome, stainless steel, and powder-coated metals are also used in mid-century furniture.
Plastic became a favorite furniture material and was prized for its properties, not masquerading as wood. The period designers also had an affinity for using natural leathers, cotton, linens, and high-tech woven textiles and synthetics in their upholstered designs.
Colors
The Mid-Century Modern color palette also tended towards natural with pops of oranges, yellows, and greens; all colors found in nature. Bold hues are used along with black and white. Accessories in powder-coated finishes and colors, including metalwork and ceramic pieces, also highlight simple lines with little ornamentation.
Influence on Style Today
Mid-Century Homes are in high demand in today’s real estate market. Some of the most sought-after homes of the period have been meticulously renovated to maintain their original character. While giving a new life with sleek new furnishings or restoring with period interiors.
Eichler, Neutra homes in California are highly prized for their Mid-Century roots.
Original and reproduction furniture pieces seem to blend naturally into many of today’s homes, making for a beautiful eclectic look that fits our more relaxed lifestyles.
Designer Take-Aways
- The United States design scene benefited from the genius of both home-grown and immigrant designers and architects.
- Charles Eames and his wife Ray played a significant role in American modern home architecture and furniture design. They were leaders in the California modernism movement.
- The Mid-Century Modern movement gave us a multitude of beloved chair designs.
- The humble material plywood was used to create innovative bentwood chairs, lounges, and other iconic works.
- Mid-century modern-style homes were sleek with simple lines that were designed to fit perfectly into their natural landscapes, primarily in the Palm Springs area.
