Mid century modern in the living room modern. Fantasy style design. The post-war surge in new materials, especially plastic and plexiglass, inspired designers to experiment. Natural and artificial materials were freely combined with each other

The tender feelings of collectors and decorators for household items and art objects from the middle of the last century gave us another unique style - mid-century modern. What is this style, what are its distinctive features and origins, says interior designer Vera Korchagina.

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

Let's try to restore in detail the history of design the time at the intersection of cultural tectonic plates late 50s and early 60s of the last century. Second World War is over, people begin to think about stability and arrange their lives. Comics raised to the level of art by Andy Warhol, pop culture from rock and roll to Hollywood and the freedom of American thought dominate society, leaving a mark on both art and interiors, and leading designers and architects under the influence of this culture - they write a new cult stage in history.

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

This natural desire for brightness, life affirmation, ergonomics and comfort was cultivated into the vintage mid-century modern style. This name for a unique style was first proposed by Cara Greenberg.

Let's consider the manifestations of mid-century style in various cultural layers.

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

Architecture

The philosophy of open spaces was not an innovation in the middle of the last century, but the idea of ​​​​integrating part of the exterior into a residential interior was not only innovative, but also to some extent revolutionary. It was during this period that panoramic glazing and sliding glass partitions appeared in architecture, turning the terrace into an extension of the living room. This was a favorite technique of architects of the time, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, and remains popular to this day.

Interior

Designers and architects, inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and the idea of ​​creating an interior for the average family, tried to combine external space with internal space, creating optimal conditions for life…

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

The mid-century style, which is considered to be a follower of Art Nouveau in its philosophy, gravitates towards natural materials, high quality furniture and sufficient light achieved through large windows. Simplicity and practicality can be emphasized as the basis of the style. It is noteworthy that the style is characterized mainly by light walls, inherent Scandinavian interiors, and instead of excessive decorativeness - high-quality execution and accent geometric patterns.

Form

Objects lost their angularity and acquired softness, taking organic forms as a model - this became possible thanks to artificially created materials, such as plywood. And with all the restlessness of the time, the culture of everyday life influenced the concept of housing and furniture - thanks to American films, pop music and youth. Perhaps the sensuality of objects of that time is what captivates us in this time and to this day.

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

On the picture:

Light

Lamps play a special role in the mid-century style. Chandeliers, wall or floor - they are practically an art object, their shape reminiscent of aircraft plowing the expanses of space, looking quite futuristic. Finished in lacquer or brass, they harmoniously complement the rest of the interior.

Accents

And, of course, the dominant style in the interior is furniture. It is the emphasis on furniture that explains the locally white walls, because it is against the background of a light wall that the furniture is emphasized more favorably. The mid-century style is practically devoid of small details, giving preference to a minimal number of bright accents and admiring the harmonious unity of beauty natural materials with functional practicality.

• 1 of 1

On the picture:

So, let's summarize:

The tender feelings of collectors and decorators for objects of art and everyday life from the middle of the last century gave us another unique style - mid-century modern.

Its main components and indispensable attributes are Scandinavian simplicity in contrast with American brightness, lightness and expressiveness of forms with extraordinary purity of lines and the highest quality of workmanship.

Lamps - as independent objects of characteristic art - and open space. Even furniture, as an allegory for the heyday of the post-war economy, “gets back on its feet” in every sense. The tall legs of chairs, armchairs, display cases and chests of drawers are finished in brass and copper, creating an elegant accent, and furniture designed by the most famous designers of the time - Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, and the Eames couple Eames & Ray Eames) and many others - to this day are the most recognizable and copied icons of world design.

It is probably the purity, sensuality and expressiveness of the form in the very philosophy of the mid-century style that made it so viable, and that is why it so excites the emotions of decorators around the world, becoming the most important trend in interior design today.

Comment on FB Comment on VK

Bypassing all sorts of eclecticism and art deco options, modern design continued to unwind the spiral of history, turning to the style of the middle of the last century. As if from oblivion, sofas and consoles with thin legs, wallpaper with ironic prints and upholstered furniture with wooden armrests have once again appeared on the forefront of world design. This can be easily seen both in world design exhibitions and in the projects of leading interior designers. Mid-century is so popular that it is beginning to spill over into interior and furniture design, inspiring directors and fashion designers around the world. And this is no coincidence: now, in an era of economic crisis, people need not so much luxury as comfort, coziness and security - just like in the post-war years.

Project by architect Lee Mindel in New York.

The term mid-century itself was introduced into use in 1983 by American journalist Kara Greenberg in her book Mid-century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s. And, despite the fact that there was no single mid-century style, the term mid-century modernism united the work of designers and architects from the 1940s to the 1960s. The masters of that time were largely connected by a common humanistic philosophy and a desire to simplify and improve the lives of middle-class people. In fact, mid-century became the first style that responded to social demand and was formed in a situation of global change in the course of world design.

1. Wallpaper Vertigo, BoråsTapeter, O-Design studio. 2. Wallpaper Interlock, Bradbury & Bradbury.

The matured modernism of the 1950s–1960s began to focus on the real needs and perceptions of man and was very different from the modernism of the 1920s–1930s, which placed the idea at the forefront - be it functionalism or constructivism. The fusion of national and international in the work of brilliant Scandinavians led to the formation of so-called modernism "with human face", the main goal of which was comfortable and convenient conditions for human life.

House designed by architect Willis N. Mills in 1956.

Although united by common ideas, the mid-century manifested itself in different ways in architecture, interior and product design. This was due to the fact that, despite the work of such universal authors as Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen and others, the middle of the 20th century became an important stage separating these professions from each other.

House & Garden magazine cover, 1951.

Mid-century in architecture

One of the most important centers of architecture in the middle of the last century was Southern California, where many prominent architects and designers from the Old World emigrated, such as Richard Neutra and Greta Grossman. It was here that a professional community of mid-century modernists was formed under the auspices of the American magazine Arts & Architecture and its publisher John Entenza. Entenza proposed a new concept for affordable and easy-to-implement housing. He was supported by Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and many other leading architects. One of the results of their research was the Case Study House Program - a program for the construction of individual residential buildings, implemented largely at the expense of the architects themselves in 1945–1966. The houses built were presented as exemplary examples that could become the basis for standard housing developments for middle-class residents of Los Angeles and Southern California.

Marshmallow sofa, designed by George Nelson, 1956.

Industrial innovations developed during the Second World War were used as building materials. Metal carcass and panoramic glazing completely erased the boundaries between interior and exterior. Due to sliding partitions, terraces have become a logical continuation of living rooms, while themselves organically opening into personal plot. Open floor plans, disruptive closed systems box rooms were designed to instill openness in people. Species characteristics have become a very important parameter when choosing a site; sometimes a not very convenient configuration had to be corrected by the architect, as if framing the sunsets and sunrises on the southern coast.

One of best examples Case Study House No. 22 by Pierre Koenig became a similar “framework” architecture. Thanks to load-bearing 30 cm beams and 10 cm square columns, as well as good planning a full 270-degree panorama was preserved, which opened not only from the living room, but also from the master bedroom.

The Coconut armchair, designed by George Nelson, 1950, is now part of the exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum.

Mid-century in interior design

Global changes occurred in the 1950s in interior design. The general policy of reducing the cost of production has greatly changed the color and texture map of interiors, displacing expensive types of wood and non-ferrous metals. Non-functional decor was reduced to a minimum, while the interior items themselves greatly increased their decorative qualities, becoming focal points in the interior.

Designers came to the concept of open planning and began to develop new zoning methods, abandoning unnecessary partitions even in the interior of a city apartment. Shades of white and light colors were chosen for painting the walls with the same purpose - to expand the boundaries of the room.

Oculus chair, designed by Hans Wegner, 1960.

Increasing attention has been paid paper wallpaper, which provided for ease of installation and low price, but at the same time had high decorative qualities. It’s hard to imagine mid-century interiors without accent wallpaper, against which avant-garde plastic lamps and furniture made of bent plywood looked even more impressive. Designers and artists began to create designs for wallpaper, releasing entire collections of their own. The prints of that time are very bright and contrasting: they are either geometric patterns, plant motifs, or ironic stylizations created under the influence of pop art. The same motives are in the design of carpets and in the patterns of interior fabrics.

House in Los Angeles - designed by architect Pierre Koenig. At one time, this photo of Julius Shulman became a symbol American dream.

In addition to wallpaper and fabrics with plant motifs, interiors often placed emphasis on large houseplants. Palm trees and monsteras, ficuses and cacti in city apartments became that natural component without which mid-century designers simply could not imagine an interior.

Particular attention was paid to lighting scenarios. An alternative to standard chandeliers was a variety of new ceiling, wall and floor lamps, various combinations of which could completely transform the interior. Complex systems of light reflectors and diffusers turned the lamps into futuristic abstract sculptures characteristic of mid-century interiors.

Chest of drawers, Danish design, 1960s.

Mid-century in furniture and object design

But nowhere was progress felt more acutely than in furniture design. The enormous growth of industry and the emergence of new materials and technologies opened up completely new opportunities for designers and posed new challenges. All this could not but affect the shape of furniture and interior items. Fundamentally new things appeared: their form was determined primarily by function and material, and not by classical stereotypes. Human comfort and convenience were placed at the forefront. The rigid rectilinear forms of early modernism were replaced by soft and curvilinear volumes, close to organic. Most objects of that time are characterized by a certain lightness and grace. Scandinavian simplicity and organicity have come into fashion.

Many of the most significant works of object design of the 20th century were created in the mid-century.

1960s style interior in Rio de Janeiro, architect Laurent Croisandeau.

However, they were never associated with a specific time or style, remaining modern to this day. Therefore, the timeless masterpieces of Arne Jacobsen, Gio Ponti, Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Hans Wegner and others are still being produced and are successfully integrated into absolutely different interiors.

Polygon Clock, designed by George Nelson, Vitra.

The uniqueness of the style of the mid-20th century lies in the fact that the authors of those years often not only created works, but also developed technologies for their production. Making prototypes was close to an act of art. Thus, Arne Jacobsen, like a sculptor, sculpted a prototype of the Egg Chair from clay in his garage, Harry Bertoia experimented with spot welding, and Isamu Noguchi, inspired by Japanese lanterns, created his lamps from rice paper. The fruit of these searches and experiments has become not only unique design objects, but also the entire modern furniture industry.

Fragment of the interior of the Dimore Studio showroom.

Mid-century and collectible design

The creative component of design is what makes original works from the mid-20th century so attractive to collectors around the world. Many masterpieces are inseparable from the personality of the author. It is this characteristic that, as a rule, is decisive when choosing a particular item for collecting. Of particular value are the author's prototypes, one-off items or small series of items produced for a specific interior. Such objects, along with works of art, become the pearls of the collections of leading galleries and are put up for auction at the most important auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s.

Floor lamp Akari, design Isamu Noguchi, Vitra.

Author's works from the middle of the last century can become a focal point in a modern interior. But it is much more interesting to use in a project not a recognized masterpiece, but a rare piece of a little-known Danish or Finnish designer.

Nesso table lamp, designed by Giancarlo Mattioli, Artemide, 1967.

At the same time, designer furniture was only a small part of what was produced at that time - the main emphasis was on mass production. The ideas of famous designers were unified, simplified and adapted to the factory process, often losing their characteristic and unique appearance, but continuing to correspond to the style of the time. The main thing was ease of production and, as a result, accessibility to the middle class. Such background objects, which do not have an author and are produced in thousands of copies, simply cannot become iconic for modern interior and cost a lot. Moreover, not all items of that time could boast of high quality assembly and materials used. Mid-century modernism was an international style, and its aesthetic appeared in all countries, regardless of the level of development of the furniture industry there.

Designers (from left to right): George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, Jens Risom. Shooting for Playboy magazine, 1961.

Mid-century in the USSR

Formally, Soviet furniture of those years also belongs to the mid-century. But its rare specimens are worthy of a second life, of course, if there is no important family history associated with them. The very originality of the design of furniture produced in the USSR in the middle of the last century raises serious doubts. No matter how hostile the ideologies may be, in a situation of technological lag in the production of consumer goods, many pieces of furniture and household appliances of those years were created by copying or processing Western analogues. The American exhibition held in 1959 under Khrushchev in Sokolniki Park, where a model of a residential building filled with modern furniture and household appliances was presented, had a great influence. Among other things, the furniture of Eero Saarinen and the Eames couple, who also participated in the design of the exhibition pavilions, was exhibited.

Soviet industrial exhibition in Sokolniki, furniture by Soviet designer Yuri Sluchevsky, 1959.

In 1962, the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Technical Aesthetics (VNIITE) was opened, whose task was to develop original design consumer goods. But, as a rule, the most interesting projects remained on paper or in the form of prototypes, and things that were simpler, cheaper and suitable for the capabilities of Soviet production went into production. So when it comes to Soviet design, the ideas and projects of that time are much more important than the items produced.

Farnsworth House, architect Ludwig mies van der Rohe, 1951. Above Wallpaper in mid-century modern style, Walnut Wallpaper.

Mid-century in modern design

In addition to re-issuing iconic items and restoring historical patterns of wallpaper and fabrics, today many brands such as Minotti, Arflex, Baxter and others are releasing completely new items in the mid-century style. Even though they have no analogues in the past, they were created from modern quality materials can become an excellent alternative to vintage items, easily fitting into mid-century interiors.

Prince armchair, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, Minotti, 2012.

Many modern designers are also inspired by the aesthetics of that time, for example, Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran from Dimore Studio, who work with style in a new way, making it bohemian and respectable. And today it is possible to create a modern interior that conveys the aesthetics of the 1950s. After all, the interior style is determined not even by things, but by how the designer combines them with each other.

Apartment in Paris, project by designer Sasha Ayot.

Mid-century modern literally means “mid-century modern”. This style arose in the period after the Second World War, when the functionality and style of Art Nouveau were still relevant, but people wanted to make their interiors psychologically warmer and more comfortable. Now this style is back in trend and this is not surprising: it is energizing, comfortable, has a strong personality and fits well with our modern expectations from the interior. Let's figure out what ideological things the mid-century modern style would not have become itself without.

Open plan and minimalism

Designers of the mid-20th century were inspired by the minimalism of Scandinavian and Brazilian interiors: less visual debris, more air and open space. The style is characterized by open layouts, in which one zone smoothly flows into another. Ideally, this feeling should be supported by large windows - from floor to ceiling - so that the interior extends beyond the boundaries of the house and does not have clear boundaries.

Minimalism in mid-century modern calls for less furniture and decor, but it is important that each item be special and worth attention.

Furniture that has become legendary

In the 50-60s of the last century there was a real furniture boom. Technological development has made it possible to make furniture, appliances and decorative items from artificial materials. For example, plastic has become widespread. Many new, more streamlined shapes have appeared. New items were also made from familiar materials, but the look at the design was still fresh and unusual.

Here are just a few of the pieces of furniture that are now considered design classics: the armchair, Verner Panton's plastic Panton chair and Eero Saarinen's Tulip Table.

Eames Lounge Chair,

Tulip Table

Not all furniture in the mid-century modern style has to be legendary, but, nevertheless, it is better to follow the canons. Side tables, chests of drawers, tables and even sofas and armchairs should be made of wood and stand on thin, widely spaced legs - single or double, in the form of hairpins.

Splashes of color

The basic range of the style looks very calm and creates an atmosphere of reliability and confidence - what people needed during that historical period. Natural colors rule in the interiors: white, gray, brown, dark green, beige, sand. They provide an excellent backdrop for bright decor and textiles with active patterns. For accents you can use warm shades: terracotta, orange, mustard, swamp green. Plum, burgundy, sky blue, gold, and avocado colors are appropriate for mid-century modern style.

In the 50-60s. Pop culture dominated, and it also manifested itself in interiors. Therefore, bright works in the style of Andy Warhol and pop art posters with comic book characters will be natural in mid-century modern.

Unusual lamps

In the mid-century modern style, lamps performed not only a functional role, but also a decorative one. There are more light sources: instead of one chandelier in the center of the ceiling, they began to use division into light zones using floor lamps and table lamps. The lamps themselves were amazing. Many of them, like furniture, are now classified as classics.

Amazing patterns

In the middle of the last century, people stopped being afraid to experiment with prints: many bold solutions and combinations appeared. Patterns of geometric shapes and abstractions were especially popular, but patterns of unexpected and whimsical objects, such as lamps or people, were also common. Of course, you shouldn’t cover all the walls in the room with colored wallpaper with a geometric print, but they are ideal for one accent wall. Patterns can be on fabric, and even as abstract posters on the walls.

Photos: cutypaste.com, daniellenoce.com, homeadore.com, waldfriedenstate.com, coachdecostyle.com, thepich.com, pinterest.com

Interior decor is a great opportunity to create your dream home, embodying your ideas about aesthetics, ergonomics and comfort. By creating decor with our own hands, we put a piece of our own soul into our houses and apartments, making them original and individual. But in order for the resulting interior to look truly harmonious and stylish, inspiration is needed. You will find it on the pages of our website. When choosing the decor of a kitchen or apartment, we often strive to make it as functional as possible. on the selection of optimal interior solutions: the decor of the apartment must correspond to the spirit of its owner - only in this way can it bring the owner a feeling of peace and pleasure from relaxation; it is necessary to decorate the interior based on the architectural features of the room: you cannot use an abundance of dark elements or stucco in small rooms, as well as decorating impressive rooms with small objects in the Provence style; It is necessary to select materials, decorative items and interior items based on the developed style of the room and fully suit it, otherwise a feeling of dissonance and discomfort will be created. Creating apartment decor is not as easy as it seems. But by browsing through the selection of interior design ideas on our website, you are sure to find something to suit your taste! Creating interior decor with my own hands– it’s not only fashionable, but also very interesting! Take a look at the photo of the interior decor and you will understand what real beauty in hand-made style is. Hand-painted boxes, cabinets and tables, decorated using decoupage, original jewelry and accessories for the kitchen and apartment - everything that will help you update your interior without extra costs, making it bright and memorable! Photos of apartment decor collected on the pages of our website are a treasure trove. unusual ideas to decorate your home. Probably doesn't exist anymore variety of options transforming rooms than decor. It includes many ways to decorate the interior: painting walls and furniture; stone and forged elements; stained glass;

carved decor
; decorations made of macrame and hand embroidery; flower arrangements, bright colors and smooth forms are also the wishes of many. Mid-century modern furniture was created to embody them.
Peculiarities
This unusual style appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Therefore, everything in it is a reflection of the spirit of that time. So, mid-century modern furniture is:
models with thin elegant legs;
extremely simple and clear lines;
elongated shapes;
compactness and low height of interior elements (even tables and chairs are made a few centimeters lower than usual, so that there is more free space, both visually and actually).
In addition, all mid-century modern furniture is designed by designers in such a way that it is minimally noticeable, remaining a pleasant and functional background.
Color solutions
Mid-century modern also has preferred color solutions. Most often these are warm “earth” tones:
orange;
terracotta;
swamp;
brown;
mustard.

Bright accents are also present in such furniture. It is very important not to overdo it with their quantity. Moderation and precise dosage will allow bright accents slightly “invigorate” the interior design. In general, the room will look cozy, stylish and comfortable.
Range
The iModern online store offers furniture in the mid-century modern style at an attractive price. It is worth paying attention to the elegant sets upholstered furniture.

A luxurious sofa on thin legs with spectacular patterned upholstery and a pair of ergonomic armchairs will appeal to anyone who loves beauty and comfort. You can also choose a sofa that is sold “solo”. And armchairs complemented by ottomans are an amazingly relaxing solution.

What about a set of bedroom furniture that will delight you with comfort and pleasant appearance?

It is worth paying attention to dining groups (including for 2 persons).

Coffee tables and chests of drawers, bedside tables, chairs, poufs, banquettes - details that will make the room even more comfortable and ergonomic.

In addition to furniture, mid-century modern also includes extraordinary mirrors that are used not only for their intended purpose. These are also original decorative elements. They will not be superfluous in the living space.

How to buy?
It’s very easy to place an order in the iModern online store:
1. Once you have made your choice, you can simply add the products you like to your cart and complete your purchase.
2. If you have questions, you can always ask our specialists: by email, in the feedback form, or by ordering a call back. The manager will help you place your order.

If furniture is in stock, delivery from iModern is very fast.