1950s chic never goes out of style with low-slung lines and natural woods still influencing designs today.
While many interiors trend have a sell-by date, Mid-Century Modern style somehow never goes out of style.
There’s no denying Mid-Century modernism is everywhere, providing style inspiration for everything from the latest hotels, restaurants and bars to luxe new apartments. The design classic Eames chairs are everywhere and the cocktail cabinet essential of the two martini lunch is fast becoming a modern must-have.
So what’s behind our mid-century modern obsession?
There’s a reason Mid-Century design is still so popular, 70 years on. This design movement is characterised by its simple marriage of clean lines, gentle curves, and organic materials. The current take on the trend shows tapered wooden legs, square shaped seating and atomic-age lighting. The style’s simple silhouettes are a perfect match for compact, urban spaces, and look even better in modern, open plan homes. With a less-is-more philosophy, light material, slender frames and casual attitude that appeals to the trend-setters, hipsters and millennials, and nostalgia attracting those of us who grew up with the look, it’s a look the is super versatile. And, despite being so rooted in a specific time period, the look has evolved to stay current. Design trends come and go, but is Mid-Century modern style is here to stay. The proof is in the pudding. So maybe don’t throw away those martini glasses just yet, and give your home a touch of 1950s chic with these retro-inspired furniture and accessories.
STATEMENT CHAIR
We’d love to get our claws on this on St Germain lounge chair, with its blackened iron frame, and honeyed wood claws that cradle soft, linen-upholstered cushions. Très stylish. Like an organic modernist sculpture you can sit in.
Jonathan Adler St Germain lounge chair £2950
ACCENT TABLE
The tiered Jolie accent table with a walnut top and a bevelled, black-stained legs and brass feet is oh-so-alluring.
This is the Jolie Accent Table £2,290 from Arteriors
HAMMOCK CHAIR
With its chic hammock-style leather seat, the Ninna Armchair by Urban Avenue is no ordinary armchair. Designed by Carlo Contin for the Parisian furniture producer Adentro, this is an iconic piece that we believe to be an instant classic, a real showstopper.
Ninna armchair, £1659 from Urban Avenue
FLOOR LAMP
Beautiful soft matt-black and bonnet shaped shades contrasting against sharp lines, the Ashworth Floor Lamp by DAR Lighting oozes sophistication.
Ashworth 3 Light Floor Lamp Matt Black & Polished Chrome, £150 from DAR Lighting
RADIO
A radio, but not like you know it. Ruark’s R7 console-come-radio is a true statemenet piece. A midcentury Modern shape, a slim frame to rest things on, and with a built-in audio system? Genius.
Ruark’s R7 radio, £2300 from Ruark Audio
DINING CHAIR
Jonathan Adler’s Camille chair features a sculptural wood frame that cradles inviting flax linen, finished with antiqued brass nailheads for a French mid-century vibe. And, with a slim footprint it’s a savior in small spaces.
Jonathan Adler Camille chair £795
COFFEE TABLE
Sleek and inviting, the Scandinavian-inspired Lottie coffee table by Arteriors showcases beveled edges, antique brass ferrules, and a satin walnut finished veneer. We think they come even better as a pair.
Lottie Coffee Table £2,290 from Arteriors
DESK CHAIR
This sloping, soft grey velvet is pretty smooth for a desk chair – but who wants to sit on something hard? The Terence Desk Chair by Andrew Martin combines curves with comfort, making desk work inviting.
Terence Desk Chair, £395 from Andrew Martin
VANITY UNIT
Hold the phone, a vanity unit that’s tucked away inside an elegant Mid-Century-style cabinet? Yes please! The DeKauri freestanding bathroom vanity makes morning routines feel glamorous. Perfect for giving bedrooms (and guest rooms) that hotel-vibe.
The DeKauri credenza starts from £16,900 and can be purchased through RIVA 1920
MEDIA CONSOLE
Picture a Midcentury cabinet and we bet it’ll look something like the Kilpatrick Cabinet. Wood, brass, and square edges, it makes a gorgeous retro statement in an entryway, or as a media cabinet or console.
Kilpatrick Short Cabinet £12,429
SPUTNIK CEILING CHANDELIER
Give your home a burst of light with this rather glam brass sputnik ceiling lamp from Vinterior.
Flush Mount Mid Century Inspired Meteors Gold Brass Chandelier with 21 arms, £415 from Vinterior
Too gold? They have a similar Brass Starburst fixture that’s more muted in tone.
Large Mid Century Modern Inspired Brass Sputnik Chandelier Light Fixture, £625 from Vinterior
KITCHEN DESIGN
For a retro-inspired kitchen, Roundhouse Kitchens have Midcentury inspired cabinetry and finishes. Visit their website for details.
Kitchen design by Roundhouse Kitchens
MUSTARD VELVET
Jonathan Adler’s Godfrey Chair has a small profile, but a big presence. Armed with an elegant swoop , piped edges and buttons at the back, this armchair really cuts the mustard.
Jonathan Adler Mrs Godfrey chair in Mustard £1895
CONSOLE
Put tid bits away in this red wood, herringbone parquet style console cabinet with brass square-shaped legs and on-trend brass handles.
Benedict Console Cabinet, £959.99 from Wayfair
GREEN VELVET
Blending the Mid-Century modern trend with velvet and Forest Green, the velvet Calvin armchair from Atkin & Thyme perfect for a cosy reading corner in the living area or bedroom. With a matching button back and contrasting natural linen base, sleek wooden handles and a sweeping curve design, this chair is ticking all our boxes.
Calvin armchair in emerald green velvet and linen, £399
