How to Make Mid-Century Modern Design Your Own

When it comes to popular design trends, the words on everyone’s lips these days seem to be “mid-century modern.”

The look is experiencing a huge resurgence, and it’s easy to see why. Its clean lines and fusion of natural and manmade materials help make mid-century modern architecture, furniture and décor an intriguing combination of accessible and chic, and retro and futuristic.

Originating in the 1950s and 1960s, the mid-century modern movement emphasizes simplicity, functionality and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Think iconic furniture pieces like the Eames lounge chair and the Tulip table and chair collection by Eero Saarinen, or the California architecture of John Lautner and Richard Neutra.

Fortunately, it’s easy to incorporate mid-century modern design into just about any home. Here is a step-by-step guide.

1. Get inspired:

Turn your binge-watching into a virtual Pinterest board and get inspired by TV shows and movies that feature mid-century modern design.

“Mad Men” perfectly captures the sleek, minimalist furniture, rich wood tones and bold color schemes that are hallmarks of the design era.

“The Incredibles” may be an animated movie, but it’s filled with mid-century modern design references, from the architecture of the family’s home to the retro-futuristic vibe of the locales.

“A Single Man” is a visual feast for mid-century modern fans. The protagonist’s home, designed by the famed architect John Lautner, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture, furniture and decor.

“Palm Springs” features a bright, sun-soaked aesthetic full of minimalist lines and open spaces, making it a great reference for the outdoor-indoor connection that the era embraces.

2. Let color do the work

Color has a tremendous impact on a room’s feel. Mid-century modern design often features a mix of neutral tones with pops of bold color, such as mustard yellow, burnt orange and olive green. Consider repainting an accent wall in one of these retro colors or adding a bold rug to the mix.

3. Accessorize

One of the easiest ways to bring mid-century modern décor into your home is with accessories and art. Look for pieces like geometric-patterned throw pillows, retro-inspired vases or wooden picture frames with clean lines. In artwork, the style is characterized by abstract or geometric shapes and bold, solid colors.

Local thrift stores, online marketplaces and replica retailers are great places to shop.

4. Illuminate your space

Mid-century modern lighting is iconic. Whether it’s a Sputnik chandelier or a sleek, brass floor lamp, swapping out a few key light fixtures can dramatically transform a room. Look for fixtures with warm metallic finishes, sculptural shapes and exposed bulbs.

5. Hunt for iconic

Though original mid-century modern furniture from the 1950s and ’60s can be hard to find and expensive, many companies now produce high-quality replicas. Investing in just one iconic piece, such as a molded plastic chair, teak sideboard or a simple, low-slung sofa can elevate your space and form a cornerstone for future additions.