Blog>Expert Advice>Midcentury modern interior design: How to get it right in your home
Last updated: 12 February 2025
Midcentury modern interior design: How to get it right in your home
We share the three core principles of midcentury modern interior design, why this timeless aesthetic remains so popular, and how to incorporate this simple and functional style into a contemporary home.
Midcentury modern interior design remains one of the most enduring home decor trends. Known for its clean lines, functional elegance, and seamless flow, it's easy to see why this aesthetic is so alluring.
But how do you successfully bring midcentury modern design ideas into your home without it feeling outdated or forced?
Here, we share the three core principles that guide midcentury modern interior design and tips for getting this timeless style right in your home.
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Three core principles of midcentury modern design
Midcentury modern (MCM) design can work in several different settings - you don't have to live in a midcentury property to embrace a bit of nostalgia in your home.
Similarly, it's not necessary to dress your home head to toe in MCM - it's a versatile aesthetic that complements bohemian, Scandinavian, and industrial vibes, to name a few.
Follow these three core principles of midcentury modern design and you won't go far wrong when introducing this home aesthetic.
1. Clean lines and minimalist forms
MCM design is all about sleek, uncluttered lines. It focuses on well-constructed, functional pieces that speak for themselves. This, in part, is why midcentury furniture remains as coveted today as it was when it first launched.
What furniture works best for midcentury modern interiors?
Iconic pieces such as the Tulip table, teak sideboards, and Eames lounge chairs embody the clean, streamlined aesthetic of MCM design.
The midcentury floating staircase is another classic example of this sleek style in action. Structurally, it's almost sculptural, but its clean lines and open risers create an open and airy feel.
Incorporate minimalist forms in your home by:
Choosing furniture with streamlined silhouettes and tapered legs, such as the classic Tulip table or a Knoll Sofa
Avoiding excessive patterns, instead sticking to geometric shapes and natural materials
Opening up sightlines, i.e. remove bulky furniture or unnecessary partitions
2. Seamless flow and functional spaces
Another key aspect of midcentury modern interiors is how they prioritise open, flowing layouts that connect different areas of the home - indoors and out.
What are the best ways to create flow in an MCM-inspired home?
Sliding or pocket doors are a clever solution. Rather than traditional swinging doors that can interrupt the flow of a room, pocket and sliding doors are unobtrusive, helping to maintain a streamlined look.
Create flowing, functional spaces in your home by:
Using lighting and furniture to create zones within open spaces - especially if your home is open-plan
Incorporating large windows and glass doors to maximise natural light
Choosing low-profile furniture to avoid blocking sightlines, helping to make the space feel bigger
3. Built-in and purposeful design
One of the hallmarks of MCM home decor is its sense of cohesion. When done well, midcentury modern interiors look effortless, with built-in elements that feel like a part of the original house, rather than an addition.
How do you incorporate built-in design elements in a modern home?
Built-in, open shelving is a popular feature of midcentury modern living rooms and is easy to recreate in a contemporary space. Picture floor-to-ceiling, custom shelving displaying carefully curated ceramics, books, and records - a great way to add warmth and personality to a room.
Three ways to create cohesion in your midcentury-inspired home:
Opt for custom, built-in shelving rather than freestanding bookcases
Choose wall-mounted storage units for clean lines and reduced visual 'clutter'
Stick to natural materials, characteristic of MCM decor, such as teak, walnut, and oak
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Common challenges of home midcentury modern design
Many people worry that midcentury modern decor will feel too stark or impersonal if not done right. So how do you ensure a homely feel?
Make midcentury modern decor feel warm, not stark, by:
Incorporating texture using fabrics such as wool, linen, or leather
Using earthy tones alongside MCM's signature pops of mustard, teal, and burnt orange (don't forget a bit of greenery to 'lift' the space and a touch of black for contrast)
Layering lighting with a mixture of table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, and statement ceiling pendants
The additional challenge often faced is that, in a modern home, you're often designing from a blank canvas. Without the architectural features of a midcentury home, how can you incorporate MCM design without it looking 'overdone' or 'themed'?
Incorporate midcentury modern decor simply and authentically by:
Adding statement MCM furniture and lighting rather than making major architectural changes
Using pocket doors or partition screens to create flow without knocking down walls
Choosing sleek, simple hardware for cabinets and doors to subtly include MCM touches
Find local experts to help create your dream home decor
Midcentury modern decor is a timeless style that marries function and form to perfection, with a dose of nostalgia as the icing on the cake.
Remembering the core principles of MCM: clean lines, an open flow, and cohesive, built-in features will help you create this aesthetic in your home with confidence.
Whether you need an interior designer to help create a modern midcentury feel or a carpenter to create custom, built-in shelving or sliding doors, we can help
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