Some things never go out of style. Audrey Hepburn’s elegance; a classic martini; and, for our topic today, the mid-century modern design. Those uncluttered sleek lines and understated appearance are what have people loving this design style. One thing is for sure: the mid-century modern design is the epitome of timeless cool.
But there’s a challenge. How do you add a laid-back, Mad Men-inspired vibe to a luxury home? It may sound tricky, but it’s one of our favorite types of projects to take up for luxury Arizona homes!
Over the years, we’ve perfected how to mix the mid-century modern design and high-end interiors. Material selection, custom finishes, knowing where to invest in iconic pieces—every detail makes a difference. And in today’s post, that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about.
What is Mid-Century Modern Interior Design?
This design style emerged in the middle of the 1900s. It instantly became famous because it was championed by design greats, like Ray Eames and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. When it emerged, the MCM style was all about functional beauty and clean lines while connecting the space to nature.
The signature characters of the mid-century modern style are:
- Minimalistic aesthetic. Not too much ornamentation; just form meets function.
- Organic shapes. Furniture with soft curves and tapered legs.
- Natural materials. Like teak, walnut, leather and stone.
- Bold but defined colors. Earthy hues, mustard yellows, deep greens, and warm neutrals.
- Open and airy spaces. Think: floor-to-ceiling windows and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.
In our blog post, we’re aiming to elevate this style with luxury. Stick around to see how.
Elements of a Luxury Mid-Century Modern Interior
Statement Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture should be functional and decorative—but beyond that, it should be art. Certain pieces have become design icons. And owning one of these is like having a Picasso hanging in your living room.
Some designer furniture pieces we vouch for include:
- Eames lounge chair and ottoman—a leather-and-wood combo
- Noguchi coffee table—Sculptural and timeless
- Saarinen tulip table—effortlessly chic
- Platform beds—elegant and low to the ground
Mid-Century Modern Palette
Mid-century modern loves warm and earthy tones. But a luxury interior would demand a slightly elevated approach.
Classic mid-century colors are:
- Muted greens, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and warm brown
- Earthy neutrals like beige, taupe, and gray
You can then add on luxury enhancements with the following hues:
- Rich jewel tones (deep emerald, navy, or oxblood). Here are jewel tone palettes for a luxury home
- Monochromatic palettes with high-contrast elements (black and white, or deep charcoal with gold)
Ultra-Luxurious Materials
The MCM design uses authentic and high-quality materials. This is where you can add to the aesthetic with a luxe spin!
In the mid-century modern style, we typically use teak, walnut, plywood, and rattan. There’s also room for leather, linen, and wool. To make it luxurious, you can add on marble countertops, brass hardware, and crystal chandeliers.
Lighting
Lighting in mid-century modern interiors is bold. We see sculptural elements as well as a unique form of artistry. Some classic fixtures are:
- Sputnik chandeliers—with plenty of star-like metal arms
- Globe pendant lights—give a soft and diffused glow
- Arc floor lamp—a curved statement piece that helps add drama
For an ultra-chic vibe, use hand-blown glass fixtures. Or perhaps those with custom brass finishes.
Open Layouts
One really important part—and also our favorite—about mid-century modern design is a seamless indoor/outdoor space. This is where large floor-to-ceiling windows (with minimal draperies) can help. We’ll talk more about this in the next section.
An open-floor plan enhances the airiness of the interior. Using statement sliding doors can help guide the eye towards the outdoors, and lead you outside the fashionable way.
For a luxurious touch, you can add smart home technology. This year, technology is seamlessly integrated into homes, so you can’t tell it’s there—until you experience the convenience, of course.
How to Create a Luxury Mid-Century Modern Home
Art in Mid-Century Modern Style
The decor in the MCM style is intentional and well-curated. That is to say, each piece has a meaning. For the artwork, abstract paintings in neutral hues add the vibe. Geometric prints and sculptural wall hangings also do the trick.
When adding on accessories, use a mix of modern and vintage. Vintage ceramic vases; minimalist coffee table books; statement rugs—we’re seeing all contrasting elements.
Layering Textures
A well-designed MCM interior has one thing that others don’t have. And that is: textures. This is your chance to use luxury fabrics, so you can serve double the purpose. Think:
- Velvet and boucle for upholstery
- High-pile rugs to soften the space underfoot
- Leather and wool for tactile contrast
Outdoor Luxury with Mid-Century Vibes
MCM design is much about enhancing the indoor/outdoor connection. This means bringing the outdoors in (through natural elements). But, at the same time, it’s about creating a comfortable living area outdoors.
In luxury Arizona homes, we do this by adding sleek and low-profile lounge furniture on the patio. Fire pits—around which loved ones can gather—are also encouraged, especially for summer evenings. In addition to your garden, you can add minimalist planters to your patio.
Mid-Century Modern Room-by-Room Guide
MCM Kitchen
In an MCM kitchen, we see clean lines and door cabinets with simple pulls. A kitchen island is a contemporary favorite here as well as a vintage must-have. This is often paired with slim bar stools and a few colorful accessories.
MCM Bedroom
In the bedroom, again, we see clean lines and muted colors prevail. This makes designing relatively simple, and the end result is a gender-neutral look. For personality, you can use contrasting textures. For example, a mohair rug and cotton weave throw.
MCM Living Room
Living room layouts in the mid-century modern style encourage social engagement. That’s why you’ll never see a television be the focal point in the living space. Moreover, you can expect open-floor living and dining rooms. These, again, open up more avenues for social engagement.
MCM Dining Room
The dining room is the easiest to furnish in the mid-century modern style. Consider an artisanal dining table and velvet-upholstered chairs to create a beautifully cohesive space. A statement pendant light can help add a modern touch.
MCM Bathroom
The bathroom may not be the first area that comes to mind when designing your mid-century modern home, but the lavatory, in part because of its size, is ideal for practice. This is especially great if you want to test a bold color palette. You can add on mid-century decor in smaller details, like a side stool or pot planters.
What Not to Do in the Mid-Century Modern Style
- Do not overcrowd the space. In MCM, less is more.
- Do not use inexpensive replicas. Original designs—and quality materials—will go a long way in mid-century modern decor.
- Do not use too many bright colors. The design does give you the opportunity to add bold hues, but remember, the base should be largely neutral. We want a balanced look.
- Do not ignore the lighting. It sets the tone in mid-century modern interiors.
Let’s Design Your Home with the Mid-Century Modern Style
We love designing mid-century modern. If you need a hand with adding the style—along with luxury—to your Arizona home, let’s have a quick chat 🤍