What's Your Stye: Mid-Century Modern Design is not Contemporary
What we now think of ‘contemporary’ style is actually an evolved version of mid-century modern design
If you favour geometric shapes, light coloured wood furniture with low streamlined profiles and narrow legs, chrome lights, metal and plastic finishes, lots of white and primary colours, your style is mid-century modern, not contemporary.
Mid-century modern design has its roots in mid-1940s and continued to grow till the ‘70s.
The difference between mid-century modern and contemporary style
“Mid-century modern style originated after World War II and was very authentic and totally original,” explains Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers.
“Mid-century modern style originated after World War II and was very authentic and totally original,” explains Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers.
“Many famous designers and designs of furniture hail from this era which has its roots in the Bauhaus movement in Germany, thus the clean lines. It was all new and epitomised the philosophy of ‘form following function’,” Jhol says.
He says, “Today, that design philosophy is no longer adhered to. Designs and trends have changed and the style has mutated into what is now commonly called ‘contemporary design’”.
“These days, the labels are often interchangeable as people believe that what is modern is contemporary. As true as that may be, there was a true ‘modern’ style that evolved after the war and that was called mid-century modern,” explains Jhol.
Get your hands on mid-century furniture
Since most of us live in apartments, the easiest way to achieve the mid-century modern look, is with furniture.
Since most of us live in apartments, the easiest way to achieve the mid-century modern look, is with furniture.
Weiland Arm Chair
Mid-century modern furniture is distinguished by clean lines and an understated look. Functionality, minimal decoration (usually embedded into the piece as part of the design), geometrically-balanced shapes, combination of natural and modern materials and use of new technology for fabrication, are all hallmarks of this style.
Vintage Coffee Table Laminex Top
Get the look:
If you’re really want to be authentic, invest in original pieces. There are a lot of original period pieces in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia that can be picked up at vintage furniture stores like Second Charm in Kallang Avenue, or Jakarta Vintage if you’re heading to Indonesia (you’ll find the prices to be well worth the shipping costs).
If you’re really want to be authentic, invest in original pieces. There are a lot of original period pieces in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia that can be picked up at vintage furniture stores like Second Charm in Kallang Avenue, or Jakarta Vintage if you’re heading to Indonesia (you’ll find the prices to be well worth the shipping costs).
Signature Series
You can also look for reproduction furniture, or new furniture that echoes the look of the mid-century modern style, like this low sideboard.
Luxe or laid-back
There are to be two broad versions of the mid-century modern style – the luxury, ‘Hollywood’ style which features darker colours and more shine and use of plastics; and the laid-back version inspired by the late 1940s which leans towards natural materials like wood.
There are to be two broad versions of the mid-century modern style – the luxury, ‘Hollywood’ style which features darker colours and more shine and use of plastics; and the laid-back version inspired by the late 1940s which leans towards natural materials like wood.
You’ll find a lot of similarities between the earlier phase of mid-century modern design and the minimalist version of the Scandinavian style.
Get the look:
If you prefer darker colours and more luxurious finishes, look for decor that is inspired by 1960s Hollywood. Colours like black, purple and silver will give you the right feel.
If you prefer darker colours and more luxurious finishes, look for decor that is inspired by 1960s Hollywood. Colours like black, purple and silver will give you the right feel.
Get the look:
Don’t forget to add a statement light for major impact in the luxury version of the look.
Don’t forget to add a statement light for major impact in the luxury version of the look.
Le Meubles LM-C-004 Sputnik Filament Chandelier Aged Steel
Shop the look:
This fabulous Sputnik Filament chandelier in aged steel would make the perfect centrepiece.
The Sputnik chandelier lights up a variety of spaces
This fabulous Sputnik Filament chandelier in aged steel would make the perfect centrepiece.
The Sputnik chandelier lights up a variety of spaces
Get the look:
For a more laid-back, natural feel to your Mid-century modern decor, stick to using lots of white with some bright primary colours and lots of streamlined blonde wood.
For a more laid-back, natural feel to your Mid-century modern decor, stick to using lots of white with some bright primary colours and lots of streamlined blonde wood.
To go for the laid-back version, stick to wood and other natural materials.
Geo Lounge Chair
Get the look:
I love the vaguely Asian feel of this Geo Lounge Chair and can picture it in a mid-century modern scheme.
I love the vaguely Asian feel of this Geo Lounge Chair and can picture it in a mid-century modern scheme.
TELL US
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What’s your style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
What’s Your Style: The New Scandinavian Style is More Than White
What’s Your Style: Coastal Style Goes Tropical in Singapore