Mid-Century Modern

Describing a style that reigned from about 1933 to 1965, Mid-Century Modern built upon the foundation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s principles of organic architecture and the simple forms that characterized the International Style and Bauhaus movements.

But the mid-century modern style loosened the formality and rigidity that characterized prior shapes. Technological breakthroughs in wood, plastics and metal gave rise to laminates, latex foam, bent and molded plywood, and Fiberglas reinforced plastics. These innovations along with the increased mechanization of production methods catered to a consumer boom and enabled home decor objects to exhibit a powerful new expressiveness. Objects and furniture of the era embodied a sense of renewal and hope, and broadcast a new forward-looking perspective. Much of the work during this post depression and war period gave substance to concepts for future lifestyles in the atomic age. The designs revealed a playful and independent spirit and marked the democratization of design-the delivery of good-looking, well-made products to the masses. Ornate detail and plush upholstery were set aside in favor of thin metal legs that kept tabletops and seats sturdily aloft, small and stiff armrests, and molded amoeba-inspired shapes. Key designers, many of which were Scandinavian, included Alvar Aalto, Harry Bertoia, Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, Warren Platner, Harvey Probber, Jens Risom, Paul Rudolph, Eero Saarinen, Hans Wegner, Donald Wexler, Russel Wright and Eva Zeisel.

Written by Donna Sapolin.

Photo above featuring Mid-Century Modern style courtesy of designer Ernest de la Torre.

.VIEW EXAMPLES OF MID-CENTURY MODERN PRODUCTS ON DECORATI

Mid-Century Modern Style Products on Decorati
Wallpaper by Twenty2	Chair and Ottoman by Dakota Jackson	Table by Collage 20th Century Classics	Sofa by Vicente Wolf
Lamp by Shine Home	Sideboard by Newell Design Studio	Tables by Morlen Sinoway	Club Chair by Ted Boerner

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EXAMPLES OF ROOMS THAT INCORPORATE MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE:

Photo featuring Mid-Century Modern courtesy of designer Kathryn Waltzer.

Photo featuring Mid-Century Modern courtesy of designer Amy Lau.

Photo featuring Mid-Century Modern courtesy of Decorati Partner Arzu Rugs.

Photo featuring Mid-Century Modern courtesy of Decorati Partner Emma Gardner Designs.

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OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES:

Lotta Living-Mid Century Modern

New York Times- After Mid Century Modern, What’s Old Looks New

Philadelphia Magazine- Mad About Mid-Century Modern

Suite 101- Collecting Mid-Century Modern

Nation Master- Mid-Century Modern

Pure Contemporary- Mid Modern on Fox’s “24″

BLOGS:

Daily Pundit: Mid-Century Modern Interiors

Grassroots Modern- Mid-Century Modern

The Swelle Life- Mid-Century Modern

Modern Capital- DC’s Mid-Century Modern Resource

If It’s Hip, It’s Here: Mid-Century Masterpieces

BOOKS:

Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s by Cara Greenberg, Tim Street-Porter, September 1995

Collecting Modern by David Rago, John Sollo, November 2001

. Mid-Century Modern by Bradly Quinn, September 2004

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