Today, in 2017, interior design is about being as contemporary as possible. Homeowners want the latest fashions in their properties along with the newest gadgets and gizmos. Apparently, being up with the times is a sign of prestige and luxury.
However, some people are fighting back and going back in time. These people are the mid-century modern men and women who want their homes to resemble the 1950s. After all, there isn’t a design which is as unique in today’s culture, and no one wants to live in a mass-produced property.
Still, you can’t click your fingers and expect your home to turn into an architectural dream. No, to transform a house, you have to roll up your sleeves and get to work. These are the five places to start.
Natural materials
Back in the day, modern materials such as engineered pressed wood didn’t exist. The same went for faux textiles like leather and fur. In the good old days, everything was natural and real. Now, because of the cost, it isn’t realistic to use organic materials throughout the house. However, you can pick and choose the ones which are cheaper and use them instead. Real wood is a perfect example. As opposed to laminate flooring, hardwood floors are warm and dramatic at the same time. Plus, wood is flexible because you can decorate with it around the house and not just on the ground. For instance, a wooden chest looks fantastic in the middle of the living room.
Restructuring
No one said creating a mid-century modern home was going to be easy! Unlike current properties, old houses had lots of open spaces. Today, homes are compartmentalised and boxed off for many different reasons. To achieve the perfect look, the walls will need to come down. By taking down partitions, it frees up more space around the whole of the property and complements the style. To do this, a team of contractors and architects may be necessary to ensure you don’t mess with the property’s structural integrity. As well as moving elements, you can add them for a great look. An obvious example is a fireplace with a stone wall. Not only is stone natural, but a log or coal burner was all the rage a couple of decades ago.
The bright lights
Of course, fixtures such as spotlights didn’t exist in the mid-century. Instead, properties had chandeliers and pendant lights to give off a mixture of primary and ambient light. For those who can’t afford retro fixtures, there is always a candle. Candles are coming back into fashion, but only from a mood-setting point of view. You, on the other hand, can use them as a main source of light and take a nostalgic trip back in time. Not only will it look the part, but it will save you a fortune in electricity. Don’t forget to let in light, too. Natural light is an excellent way to brighten up the house and put a focus on the most beautiful elements. All it takes is to open the curtains and remove any blockages.
Furnishings
Every room from the living room to the kitchen and bathroom has furniture. Sadly, lots of the stuff you find on the high street and online shops today are mass produced. As a result, they are too modern and won’t fit the style you are trying to develop. With that in mind, stay away from the likes of B&Q and DFS and shop at independent boutiques. Reclaimed furnishings are not only cheaper; they have character. Because they are second-hand, they have warmth which new furniture doesn’t. For those who want a wider variety, Drench is a terrific alternative to your bathroom needs. The thrifty people hit up eBay too because it has lots of unbelievable bargains. Failing that, you can check out flea markets and vintage shops.
Modernity
Although the name suggests different, the mid-century movement was obsessed with modernity. Well, it was in certain rooms in the house, such as the kitchen. After the war, people wanted to move forward which was helped by the advent of new technology in the ‘50s. So, everything in the kitchen was, hopefully, brand spanking new, from an oven to a microwave. Therefore, it is okay to let loose in the kitchen. The trick is to keep the lines as clean as possible and to avoid clutter with flat cabinets and stainless steel countertops.
If you are looking to take a trip back in time while staying relevant, mid-century modern is the design choice for you.