Home LifestyleDecor Tips 7 Elements for Creating A Timeless Design:Mid-Century Modern Style

7 Elements for Creating A Timeless Design:Mid-Century Modern Style

by creativehomex

Mid-Century Modern Style a.k.a MCM style started back in the 50s to 60s, in the USA after the second World War. MCM style that emphasises on functionality and aesthetic value was a huge hit back in the USA.


Simplicity and functionality is the philosophy of the style. Mid-Century Modern style turns complexity into simplicity has smooth lines, emphasises on functionality, comfortability and aesthetic values. It’s a style that could withstand the test of time. The main element of the style is the furniture.

Famous designers like:

Charles and Ray Eames|Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman(1956)
Materials: Plywood, Leather

George Nelson|The Ball Clock (1949)
Materials: Metal, Solid Wood

Hans J. Wegner|The Wishbone Chair(1949)
Materials: Beech Wood, Paper Cord


were creatively active at that time and they have created many classic pieces of furniture. At that period of time,
their concept it to allow people to buy good quality furniture at a relatively reasonable and affordable price. Their creations can stand the test of time. They still look fashionable even up till now and never go out of style.


Mid-Century Modern style has 7 distinctive characteristics:

1、Clean Smooth Lines

Mid-Century Modern style eliminates all the luxury elements from traditional western styles and creates furniture with simplistic and clean lines. The simplicity leaves more blank space to a room and makes it looks tidy and neat. This is also to create an illusion of bigger room in a relatively small space. It is best for those who love simplistic style.


2、Varied Geometric Shapes

If you are observant enough, you’ll find furniture for Mid-Century Modern style for instance, coffee table and chair, are all in geometric design.  At times, as form follows function, shapes can be geometric or organic. They are usually rectangular, oval, circular, square, and their legs will usually be thin, wooden or metal ones. Soft furnishing like curtain, carpet and pillows that come with geometrical prints can also enhance the beauty of Mid-Century Modern style.


3、Extending The Scenery Into The House

To make the space brighter and more cheerful, Mid-Century Modern style opts for lots and lots of windows, sliding doors, French windows, using glass to allow penetration of natural light. This connects the indoor to the outdoor that allows light to shine freely through the windows. Unwanted walls will be taken down to create an open space and enhance the sense of space in a room.

Cr. Kansai Paint

4、Wooden Furniture

Due to the influence of Scandinavian style, Mid-Century Modern style frequently incorporate wooden furniture into the entire style makeup. Among all, teak wood furniture is the classic representation of Mid-Century Modern style. Quality and texture wise, teak wood furniture is the best for functionality. Not only teak, rosewood, walnut and oak furniture can also be used for different MCM styles.

Cr. Kansai Paint

 

5、Combination Of Various Materials

Designers of the Mid-Century Modern era were all daring when it comes to creativity. They were great at using materials of different textures to fulfil the aesthetic values. They will usually opt for natural wood pattern to go with leather, iron, plastic, glass and etc. Furniture of different materials will look more interesting and flexible. By using combination of materials, this enhances the overall texture of a space, and it is less boring compared to using only a single type of material.

Hans J. Wegner|Elbow Chair(1956)
Materials: Oak, Leather Thor 300

Charles and Ray Eames|Eames Plastic Chair(1950)
Materials: Polypropylene, Wood

Cr. Kansai Paint

Arne Jacobsen|Egg Chair(1958)
Materials: Leather/Fabric Cover, Steel Frame

6、Thin Furniture Legs Decrease Bulkiness

Mid-Century Modern style eliminates bulkiness and complexity from the equation and returns to the most basic form. It emphasises on simplicity and beauty. To create a sense of space, the legs of the furniture will usually be thin and they will usually be taper-ended. It creates an illusion of thin legs supporting big body.

Cr. Kansai Paint

7、Vibrant Opaque Colours

Besides the classic neutrals: black, white and grey, Mid-Century Modern style incorporated bright vibrant colours in the 50s, and earth tones in the 60s, this shows its flexibility when it comes to colour. It uses natural wood colour as the main tone, honey, teak and pair them with vibrant colours like, mustard yellow, sapphire blue, olive green, bright red, orange and etc. The colours would be the centre of attraction. And it will be the element of fashion and trend in a space without looking old fashioned.

Cr. Kansai Paint

The reason Mid-Century Modern style could stand the test of time is that it can fulfil the simplicity that young people prefer, as well as the vintage touch that older people would go for. It strikes a perfect balance between these two styles. At the same time, it incorporates practicality and aesthetic values. It is an unsurpassed classic style.


Watch the video:


Kansai Paint Malaysia  

A:4, Solok Waja 2, Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja, P.O.Box 159, 41710 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
T:(+603)3362 2388
E:info@kansaimalaysia.com
W:www.kansaimalaysia.com
FB:Kansai Paint Asia Pacific

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

2 × three =