
Mid-century modern is ideal for small spaces or for defining zones, shares Sharon Exley, MAAE, Architecture Is Fun Inc., Chicago.
Mid-century modern will always work. It works in the design mix in everything from public spaces to counseling offices, from children’s spaces to sacred spaces. Mid-century furniture, accessories and art are synonymous with good design.
From about 1933 to 1965, encompassing architecture, industrial, interior and graphic design, designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson created iconic furniture and lighting. The style grew of out early 20th century Modernism and took hold after World War II, enabled by new technologies, materials and mass production that made it available to the public.
Complete your spaces with art that shares mission, values or branded stories.
A recent article from Co.Design calls Mid-Century Modern (MCM) the pumpkin spice latte of interior design. While a tad pretentious, it gets at the heart of this discussion: so-called mid-century design is less a “style” than it is design itself. Beloved design at that.
MCM has staying power. It is function and form--pure forms, simple lines, ready to be mixed-up and mixed-in. MCM is classic.
MCM has staying power. It is function and form--pure forms, simple lines, ready to be mixed-up and mixed-in.
Here are our top 10 suggestions for adding mid-century modern into your next public (think church gathering space) design playlist:
1-Always In. People love it. They may not know the name of the designer, but they understand the furniture or décor is “designed.” Mid-century modern resonates for comfort, for familiarity, and for appearing timeless.
2-Still Feels Fresh. There is a simplicity, a tidiness in mid-century modern design that makes it appealing.

3-Sustainable Style. Architects and designers understand these pieces last, which make them very sustainable. Value original design, don’t buy knockoffs. Additional pluses for clients are substantial warranties. There are ecological benefits when specifying quality goods that last longer.
4-Waves of the Future. Mid-century design, especially kitchens, were intended to represent waves of the future. So use their streamlined nature and cutting edges to show off bright colors, fun surfacing and no-fuss materiality.
5-Art and Story. The mid-century era was chuck full of innovative and talented artists. Their works, many available today in resale, reprint or limited editions, reflect boldness. Complete your spaces with art that shares mission, values or branded stories. Art, from then or now can be evocative, familial, gutsy, or super-large--all of which complements this groundbreaking style.
6-Naturally Neutral. The mid-century palette is full of warm and earthy color, largely through high quality, durable, natural woods, which helps bring the outdoors in. Think walnut, cherry, oak, beech and rosewood. Add in linen, leather, wool, hemp, iron and rattan (it’s back in vogue). Punches of saturated color will add strength and presence to any MCM space.
7-Mad Men and More. Mid-century modern is synonymous with what some of us grew up with. It’s part of our childhoods and our culture. It’s very American. It’s comfortable, affordable and can mix and match well with other pieces, other styles. It’s really good for small spaces or defining zones.

8-Newness. Coffee shops are forever inventing new lattes. Architects and designers can make MCM new again. At major trade fairs this year, manufacturer Herman Miller showed off very cool rooms featuring their mid-century marvels. An Eames lounger stylishly clad in black and white punk rock checkerboard was just the start....
9-Function and Form. This is what defines mid-century modernism, making it possible for everyone to have what’s well designed at a multitude of price points. It is beautiful, innovative and long- lasting.
10-Designed for All. Mid-century modern was and is democratic.
It’s up to us to make mid-century modern new again.