Mid-Century Modern: 5 ideas on how to implement the retro style in your home

Mid-Century Modern is a timeless and elegant style. Influenced by the motto “form follows function,” mid-century furniture is often characterized by its practical designs and beautiful craftsmanship. Emerging as a new trend shortly after the Second World War and popular until the 1960s, the style thrives on rounded, organic shapes and a clear, simple design language. Some of the most famous furniture designers from this era include Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Arne Jacobsen. Their designs are not only considered timeless design classics, but also invite new interpretations and further developments.

Mid-Century Modern has found renewed fame today thanks to TV series like Mad Men, which feature designs from the era. The key to correctly implementing the living trend in your own home is the skilful mix of modernity and tradition. Here we give you 5 great ideas on how to style your home in Mid-Century Modern. If you want to save money, you canHome24 vouchersapply. In the “Shop the Look” section of the online shop you can be inspired and find great suggestions for future purchases.

1. Combine dark wooden furniture and light textiles

If you want to bring retro style into your home, look for furniture in dark wood tones such as walnut, oak, wenge or mahogany. Organic shapes such as rounded chair backs and conical furniture feet are typical. Furniture with hairpin legs also exudes a nostalgic fifties flair. The curvy, slim metal legs form a graceful contrast to wood and can also be combined well with colorful furniture. ASamtsofa in Senfgelb, navy blue, burgundy red or emerald green fit perfectly into the overall picture.

2.Enjoy intensive relaxation with a 50s armchair

What could be better than sitting down in a recliner and relaxing from the strenuous work routine? A lounge chair fits perfectly into any environment and still exudes the flair of past decades. With an additional stool to put your feet up it becomes even more comfortable. When choosing the perfect relaxing chair with retro charm for your living area, be inspired by the following design classics: Womb Chair by Aero Saarinen, Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, Eames Lounge Chair by Ray and Charles Eames.

3. Choose retro lights with their own design statement

The lighting of the Mid-Century Modern style appears sculptural but is also functional at the same time. Lamps from this period that have achieved cult status include the Bubble hanging lamps by George Nelson and the Arco floor lamp by the Castiglioni brothers. A multi-flame chandelier, still called Sputnik, can be a wonderful highlight in a reduced retro ambience.

4. Set up a retro home bar

In the 50s and 60s the bar cart was an essential piece of furniture! Really practical and versatile, it is now celebrating its comeback and taking back the living room. The serving trolley can be used not only as a minibar, but also as a small side table or as a storage space for everyday objects or decorative items!

If you don't have space for a serving trolley, you can choose this option: Place a stylish tray on a retro sideboard and arrange pretty martini glasses, cocktail napkins, etc. on it.

5. Use houseplants as chic retro home accessories

If you grew up in the '50s and '60s, maybe you remember some of the houseplants we all had at home? The rubber tree, Ficus Elastica, is at the top of the list here. The plant was so popular that Frank Sinatra sang about it in his single “High Hopes.” Other retro plants include the arched hemp (Sanseveria), the money tree (Crassula ovata), the monstera and any type of succulent or cactus. The style of the planters also had to be right. The absolute favorite indoors at the time were the planters on legs, like the famous American oneBullet Plants. The bullet casing-look planter stood securely on a metal tripod.

You already know which elements Mid-Century Modern thrives on. If you want to give your home a new shine with old charm, then you can't ignore this living trend!