For decades, Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design has been an influential style in home décor. Known for its minimalist look, it fits into a variety of home styles with ease.
From cabinetry to furniture, this style sure can make a statement! Whether you’re looking for an update to your existing space or planning a complete remodel, the Mid-Century Modern look is one you should consider. Let’s dive in!
Key Elements of MCM
Retro mid-century-style design is having a moment and for good reason. Its clean lines, simple forms, and use of natural materials make it timeless.
Key elements to consider when infusing your space with a retro MCM vibe include:
- Hardwoods: MCM design emphasizes beautiful wooden surfaces, making the wood, whether light or dark, the star of the space.
- Simplicity & Clean Lines: Avoid intricate millwork or complex furniture. Think minimalist but with the added warmth of wood tones and bold accent colors.
- Beautiful Finishes: Avoid rustic or traditional accents and choose straight lines with beautiful sleek finishes. Glass, metals, and vinyl are great choices.
- Choose Color: Don’t be afraid to be bold with color or finishes. Unlike modern styles that favor stark white as a backdrop, MCM embraces rich wood tones and bright colors. Pale blue, green, and yellow were popular color choices throughout the mid-century era.
- Function Over Form: Although the simplicity of mod furniture is undeniably beautiful, this design is all about functionality. Every piece has a purpose or function in the space.
Wood Types to Choose for the MCM Look
Oak and red oak are classic woods that have been used in mid-century furniture for decades. Their warm tones and prominent grain patterns make them perfect for this style.
But if you're looking for something a little lighter, ash is a great option. Its pale color offers a refreshing contrast to darker pieces in the room while still maintaining that mid-century aesthetic.
Teak and rosewood are also beautiful choices when it comes to mid-century design. These woods were popular during the same period as this style emerged, so they naturally complement each other.
Note: Clear finishes are the most popular as they let the natural beauty of the wood shine through.
Incorporating Mid-Century Modern Design Into Your Space
From custom built-ins and cabinetry to custom furniture, discover some ways to bring mod flair into your home!
Bathroom Cabinetry
One of the key features of MCM bathroom cabinets is their emphasis on functionality, with plenty of drawer space and shelving options.
They can also be designed to incorporate a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass, giving you plenty of options to match your design preferences.
Kitchen Cabinetry
MCM cabinets will offer your kitchen a sleek and sophisticated design that is both useful and elegant thanks to their clean lines and lack of extraneous details.
One of the best things about Mid-Century Modern cabinetry is its versatility.
Cabinets can be customized to fit any size or shape of kitchen, from small galley-style spaces to large open-concept layouts. The simplicity of this style also allows cabinetry to blend seamlessly with other design elements, such as stainless steel appliances or natural wood flooring.
And because it emphasizes functionality over ornamentation, mod cabinetry is also incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s warm and inviting too!
Dining Room Furniture
When it comes to home design, the dining room often serves as a centerpiece for family gatherings and dinner parties. By incorporating Mid-Century Modern style furniture into this space, you can create an inviting atmosphere that's both trendy and timeless.
With sleek lines, bold colors, and unique shapes, MCM dining room furniture is sure to impress your guests.
From credenzas to buffets, these pieces offer plenty of storage space while maintaining the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic that has made this retro style so popular.
And whether you're storing dishes or hiding away clutter, custom cabinetry can add both style and functionality to your dining room!
Built-Ins
Now, let’s talk about custom built-ins! These are a fantastic way to add both functional storage and a touch of Mid-Century Modern charm to any room in your home.
Whether it’s a bookshelf or entertainment center, having one of these pieces created specifically for your space ensures that it perfectly fits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Plus, you can hide away that clutter that does not fit into the MCM aesthetic. Nice!
Furniture
Furniture is a crucial aspect of home design that can make or break the look and feel of your space. If you're looking for furniture that strikes a balance between sleek and timeless, custom Mid-Century Modern style pieces are an excellent choice.
Of course, choosing the right furniture isn't just about aesthetics—it's also important to consider how well it will fit into your home design as a whole. And to fit the mod style, it must be functional.
That’s where our craftsmen come in! We can design beautiful tables, credenzas, side tables, and more to fit this retro style. Can you imagine a custom-built MCM office desk made just for you? *Swoon*
More Design Inspo > Keeping it Contemporary: Tips for Modern Kitchens
Go Mid-Century Modern
Our custom cabinetry and built-ins offer the perfect way to bring the beauty of Mid-Century Modern design into your home. Made from durable materials, stylish designs, and quality craftsmanship, your custom-made pieces are sure to create a stunning centerpiece that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a showstopper or something more subtle, The Cabinet Chic can design cabinetry to make your MCM dreams a reality. Get started by requesting a design consultation today!
