Mid-Century Modern

Do you often wonder what furniture styles properly describe your tastes? Unless you took a furniture history course in school you might not know what style particular furniture pieces are. Here is a quick guide to help you recognize the characteristics from certain time period pieces.

Art Deco is a popular furniture style, originating in the 1920’s. Once you know what to look for it is easy to spot this type of furniture styles. Look for bright red, blue, orange and teal finish colors. This style used bold geometric patterns with sharp angles and the use of zig zag patterns.

Modernist was prevalent during the 1930’s and 1940’s. This particular furniture style uses simple and clean lines as well as contrasting colors. This style also uses contrasting textures as well. Popular color choices of this time are black, white, red and orange.

Mid-Century Modern is made up of clean lines. Minimalist design was very popular back then. Surprising colors were used. Look for pastel colors as well as blues, greens and especially rust colors.

Minimalist was the style for the 1960’s. Furniture design was heavily influenced by Japanese styling. The focus on negative space became apparent. Popular colors for this time period was the primary colors, red, yellow and blue; as well as black and white.

The 1970’s was a time for self-expression. There was a combination of hi-tech and natural elements. Bold patterns were used with earth tones. Brick red, avocado green, pink and rust were all very popular colors.

The 1980’s was an age of over indulgence and comfort. The furniture was large and upholstery pieces were overstuffed. Floral patterns and prints were very popular with bold colors. Jewel tones and pastels were popular color choices. Burgundy, mauve and gold were also popular color choices.

The 1990’s was a time where previous furniture styles were kind of fused together. There was a mix of Art Deco, Minimalist and Modern elements in furniture. Greys and beiges became really popular as well as the use of hunter and mint green. Peach was a popular color that was often paired with grey and beige. Natural elements such as metal and glass were incorporated as accents.

Have fun with this new knowledge! What decade best describes your tastes?

Interior design is a way you can tailor your home to the aesthetics you love and need. Different themes have been created in interior design over time. A theme is an idea that encapsulates a work of art and creates a particular setting or ambiance. There are hundreds of themes we use today, which can give us great guidelines for creating a beautiful atmosphere. Interior design themes develop strategies to help you successfully balance any room.

Several of the most common themes today consist of Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Rustic, Shabby Chic, Bohemian, and Industrial. While thousands of styles are still available, these are traditional concepts that have lasted the test of time. With these guidelines, each style has décor that will work for it and décor that can clash with it. Let us explore each theme and what décor can best go in each design to help tailor your décor to your home!

Mid-Century Modern is not to be confused with Contemporary. Mid-Century Modern is a style that was used in many home designs during 1933-1965. This style offered an open layout, streamline furniture, and a light, airy color palette. When adding décor to these spaces, pay attention to the lines. Most furniture in Mid-Century Modern is very simple, prioritizing functionality. Minimalism is the core root of this style, so décor should be minimum but impactful. Look for unique, simple décor that can pop and make a statement, yet not rob the room of its simplicity.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian is the design theme you see with Ikea furniture. This style is a very simple color palette with white, beige, grey, and black being nearly as colorful as it gets. If you were to add color décor, keep it very muted with pastel colors. Scandinavian design always uses light-colored woods. This feature can work great with accent décor as well! Another important characteristic is comfort. Comfort can be achieved with cozy textiles like throw pillows or other variables of comfort.

Rustic

Rustic design is naturally influenced by natural stones, hardwoods, and other components of nature. Many of the furnishings take pride in the rough, more gnarled-size wood has to offer. This look can be a great tactic to use in your design. Galvanized metals, wood trinkets, forest-influenced décor, and candle lighting are all tremendous, authentic tricks to put into this styling.

Every design style has its own guidelines, which can help create the style. Knowing your style and some of its criteria to enhance it can help you master your design. Remember, interior design is expressive and only works if you love it. These strategies can help you master your own design and take it to the next level. Make sure to check out part two to explore even more common design styles and décor tactics.

A Furniture Style Guide for the 20th Century

What Décor Does Your Design Style Demand? | Part One