An Expert's Guide To Updating Midcentury Modern Living Rooms

A midcentury modern living room has remained a popular design choice for many long after it first appeared. The slim, clean lines and symmetry bring order to any room, and the color palette is neutral and inviting. The classic look never goes out of style; however, if you are looking to breathe new life into it, there are a few things you can do to keep it updated but true to the original timelessness of the design.

Contents

How to keep a midcentury modern living room feeling less orchestrated
How to refresh your mid-century modern living room
Do’s or don’ts to avoid a theme that’s too overdone

We asked the experts about how to keep things feeling fresh in a midcentury modern home while still holding true to the shapes, colors, textures, and lines that make the style unique. Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective, gave us some easy and fun ideas to keep it feeling fresh in 2022.

How to keep a midcentury modern living room feeling less orchestrated

If you’re a midcentury modern fan, you probably loved everything about the hit series Mad Men. While we happen to agree the show is incredible, styling your home exactly like it may be too much.

How to refresh your mid-century modern living room

For Franklin, it’s all about balance when it comes to staying true to the design and keeping things fresh. “You will want to strike the right balance between midcentury and modern trends when it comes to keeping midcentury modern pieces feeling fresh,” Franklin said. “Think of it this way: You want your home to feel modern, and not like a museum of the 1960s.”

Getting it right might take a bit of experimenting, Franklin said. “You can achieve this balance by playing around with different styles and textures, such as adding a glass-topped table with chrome legs on top of a textural rug, or next to a transitional couch,” she explained. You can also add in a retro color scheme like pops of primary red, blue, or yellow, which still pay homage to the time but with a newer twist.

An Expert's Guide To Updating Midcentury Modern Living Rooms | 21Oak (3)

Do’s or don’ts to avoid a theme that’s too overdone

It’s all about balance with any design or aesthetic, and midcentury modern design is no exception.

Less is more

“Don’t go overboard with adding midcentury modern pieces to your home. Again, this follows the rule of not making your home feel like a 1960s museum,” Franklin said. This could mean investing in a few pieces of wood furniture or choosing one primary color palette. Add in pieces like updated wallpaper or an area rug that will give the room a fresh feel.

Embrace neutral pieces

“If you find yourself feeling like you’ve overdone a theme,” Franklin said, “one thing to do is add in neutral and non-thematic pieces.” This could come in the form of a houseplant, wicker basket, or rattan light fixtures. This will go a long way to break up the feel and “keep it fresh.” Adding in more modern elements like concrete or gray wall paint can also add a new twist to a classic room. We also love the pops of color that can come from a well-placed hot pink chair or bright yellow throw pillow.

There are plenty of places to find mid-century modern living room decor and furniture, so do your homework and look online at furniture placement, colors, and patterns before you buy. Sites like Wayfair, Article, Overstock, and Houzz are great at showing various styles that work well together to create a cohesive but not overdone room.

Symmetry is also a foundational part of this design, so take time and arrange (then rearrange) furniture and rugs to create a symmetrical space that is easy to move around in but doesn’t feel too cold or uninviting. Your living room is a place you entertain and gather as a family, so you want it to feel warm and welcoming to anyone who enters. Taking a few of these suggestions will go a long way toward doing just that.

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An Expert's Guide To Updating Midcentury Modern Living Rooms | 21Oak (2024)

FAQs

How do I update mid-century modern exterior? ›

“If you must paint the exterior, do it in a midcentury monotone color with an accent color for the front door, something bright and strong, such as a rich yellow or turquoise,” said Benjamin. “Use some pottery that matches the accent color around the front door.

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What style mixes with mid-century modern? ›

Scandinavian + Mid-Century Modern

To harmonize it with the iconic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, focus on neutral color palettes, minimalist furniture, and clean lines. The Scandinavian-MCM blend creates a serene and clutter-free environment that exudes warmth and coziness, ideal for a welcoming living space.

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How to style a mid-century sofa? ›

Textiles that work with your sofa are important too. Go for geometric motif rugs in classic vintage-inspired colours. The same applies to cushion covers and throws for your sofa, too. Use these colours and shapes as accents to the overall vibe of the room, rather than as statement pieces.

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Is mid century modern still in style? ›

Midcentury modern is a design style that arrived in the mid-20th century. Defined by simple, functional, and wooden furniture, midcentury modern still remains a popular interior design choice today.

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Why do people like mid century modern so much? ›

Mid-century design combines natural materials with industrial manmade materials. So you can expect to see wood, metal, marble, and glass mixed with plastic, lucite, fiberglass, and vinyl. This combination of materials helps keep the retro style feeling contemporary even today.

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Can I mix mid century modern with farmhouse? ›

Farmhouse style can blend effortlessly with Mid Century Modern (MCM) design. Both embrace simplicity, as the farmhouse style celebrates the humble joys of life on the farm, while MCM designs reflect clean lines and simple geometric shapes.

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Can I mix mid century modern with traditional? ›

One intriguing design approach gaining popularity is the art of mixing and matching traditional and modern furniture. This fusion of different eras and aesthetics can create a captivating and unique interior that reflects your personal style.

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How do you make a piece of furniture look mid-century modern? ›

To affordably achieve a mid-century modern look, swap out furniture legs with hairpin or peg ones. Shop for reproductions of mid-century pieces at more affordable retailers like Ikea and Target. Use small accents like pillows, blankets, lights, and clocks to get the look.

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How much does it cost to build mid-century modern home? ›

A mid-century modern home costs $200 to $500 per square foot to build because you may need custom materials and features, like windows or roofs, that cost more per square foot. A true MCM home typically has around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, so your total project cost could range from $300,000 to $1,250,000.

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Do people still build mid-century modern homes? ›

Even some 60 years since its heyday, the style has endured and serves as the inspiration for many of today's most prominent trends. Instantly recognizable, homes built with midcentury modern designs continue to attract buyers who are looking for a contemporary layout with stylish finishes.

What does mid-century modern decor look like? ›

The trademarks of midcentury modern furniture include sleek, functional design. This includes soft curves, minimalist materials, and pops of personality with bold colors or geometric prints. Most midcentury modern furniture will also have wood or metal frames with upholstery.

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What is mid-century modern interior style? ›

Midcentury modern style (also referred to as midmod and MCM) flourished during the mid-20th century when newly affluent post-War families began expanding into America's suburbs. “Midcentury homes are characterized by minimal fuss and ornamentation, along with sleek lines juxtaposed by organic shapes.