Mid-century Modern Style
Recently I assisted a client who had a longstanding preference for Mid-century Modern design. It was fun to properly and extensively introduce her to this timeless style during our furniture shopping day. I wanted to take the opportunity and share my interpretation of the style.
Hans Wegner Chair (Photo credit: Amazon)
George Nelson Lamps (Photo credit: Lampe Mesteren)
Isamu Noguchi Table (Photo credit: hive)
Eero Saarinen Table (Photo credit: knoll)
Paulistano Chair (Photo credit: made in design)
Eames Chair (Photo credit: DWR)
Historical Background
The Mid-century Modern describes interior, architecture, product and graphic design developments prominent in the U.S. beginning in the 1940’s until 1960’s. The World War II (1939-45) era turned out to be experimental with new materials and manufacturing techniques initially developed for militant functions. The return of thousands of soldiers from the battlefields to home and to the workforce boosted the economy and new constructions. Overlapped with the Baby Boomer generation from 1946 to 64, the style represented the attitudes of forward-looking and practicalities appreciated during the period. The designers and architects had a responsibility to increase the quality of lives of the masses and provide goods at reasonable prices. However, the style faded quickly during mid-1960’s given the slowdown of new constructions and new tastes in design. The new generation of the Baby Boomers together with advanced technologies and materials permitted larger housing and eventually the Mid-century Modern style was abandoned.
Architecture
Along with the experimental period, constructions were designed to explore the world in new ways with new materials. The return of soldiers drastically increased the demand for housing, which created a dearth of housing in some areas. Construction companies found a solution in prefabricated houses and tract housing, simple in design and fast in process. The style was symbolized by an open approach to communication between interior and exterior. For residential buildings, horizontal lines often with flat roof, open-space planning with less traditional walls, and large pieces of glass framed with steel, generated a healthy space with seamless transitions from inside to the outside. For commercial, it was characterized by simplicity and clean lines often stylized with angles and sweeps. It is also notable to mention the start of the Case Study House Program in 1945 arranged by John Entenza (1905-84), publisher of the influential California Arts & Architecture magazine. The program created prototypes for postwar housing that would become iconic.
Furniture
The Mid-century Modern style peaked in 1940’s and 1950’s embraced simplicity, efficiency and functionality rooted in the modern spirit of 1930’s. There is no single hall-mark to characterize furniture from this era. However, pieces should display one of the three influences: the biomorphic look, the machine look, and the handcrafted look.
The innovations from the heavy manufacturing industry such as molding plastics and aluminum, and spot-welding for joining wood to metal, rubber and plastic expanded the possibilities of furniture design. Fiberglass, cast aluminum, acrylics, polyester resins, and foam rubber were added as potential materials for designers to craft a new look. The biomorphic look, evoking images of biological organisms without representing any specific organisms, were achieved in 3D freely due to the availability of the aforementioned materials. Isamu Noguchi, Achille Castiglioni, and many others took advantage of the new material to generate the look.
The machine look is rooted in the 1930’s of celebrating the role of machine. Together with the advanced technologies, people no longer impugn the virtue of furniture made by machines. Many pieces designed by architects such as Wendell H. Lovett, William Katavolos, Ross Littell, fell into this category.
Even though the new materials and the mass-production manufacture techniques supported the first two, the handcrafted look was most accepted by the general public. The futuristic look of the first two were often interpreted as cold, clinical and lacking personal warmth. The Scandinavian counterparts played a major role to produce pieces with the look by using teak, beech and oak. The designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl are well known for their designs.
Finally, one important aspect of the furniture during this period was the characteristic of multipurpose. Combined with open space planning which removed many of the traditional solid walls, furniture was no longer limited to one purpose which in turn created a more uniform style in many different homes. Open space or glass walls enhanced the importance of rounded views of items including chairs. They were refined by the Mid-century Modern designers for the more sophisticated look and comfortable experience. Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Florence Knoll were some renowned designers of this style.
Colors
In the beginning of the period, neutral and comparatively drab colors were employed for the interior. However, designers eventually utilized bright and optimistic colors influenced by Latin America. In the 1950’s, new colors and the combinations were introduced from Scandinavia in addition to the technology of dying synthetic fibers into bright, clear, and often gaudy colors. These colors were applied to artwork or textiles, while the background remained monochromic or neutrals. (7 Paint Colors That Nail the Midcentury Modern Look)
Textiles
The period experienced a textile revolution and increased output of cotton goods during the economic expansion. Rayon was produced than ever before. Solid colors were preferred for upholstery to achieve the style of minimalism or cleanliness. However, abstract and geometric patterns in the combination of saturated colors and bright colors are iconic examples of the style. They were utilized to complement the clean look of the space and to add contrast as well.
The Mid-century Modern interior environment is a common theme in my approach which incorporates minimalism that coexists with nature. The use of exposed wood for partial ceilings, walls or flooring is often utilized. Expansive panes of glass as windows replace traditional walls and doors while inviting nature into an occupant's life. Though the style suggests eliminating non-essentials, personalized accents are welcomed and appreciated through the introduction of artistic housewares, textiles and wallpaper. Mid-Century Modern design provides timeless comfort that evolves within one's creativity and willingness to explore and combine.