Mid-Century Modernism

Use accessories sparingly for a simplistic effect.

Start with a Clean Slate

Bare linoleum floors, flat painted walls in solid colors of the period and clean square lines in the walls and floors provide a neutral backdrop for mid-century modern furniture and accessories.

Choose Furnishings Wisely

Don't fill a room with a lot of wonderful pieces; instead, choose a few that you love and place them well in the space to best show off their features. It is accetable to mix and match pieces from different decades, as long as they feature similar shapes in their curves and angles.

Include Lighting as Art

World War II provided some of the best inspiration for the period's furniture and accessories. Along with furniture designers Charles and Ray Eames, designer George Nelson incorporated some unusual materials into his creations. He sprayed a material, once used on warships, onto a metal spherical frame which created a welcome contrast to the angles found in the walls, floors and furniture of the period.

As tempting as it may be to fill your modern home with these types of lamps, remember to keep it simple and not overlight the space. Instead, use them for soft illumination and as another artistic expression, just like pictures on a wall.

Designer's Secret

If you want to discover what fabrics would best accent your mid-century modern pieces, visit a vintage clothing store to learn more about the colors, patterns and textures of the period. Use these fabrics on window treatments, upholstery and accent pillows to help bring the past back to the future.