The Midcentury Modern interior design has been popular for quite some time, and many more people are starting to enjoy its artistic charm.
But what makes Midcentury Modern so popular, and how do you create this specific look?
We spoke with interior designer and close friend, Leen Zabalawi of Leen Designs, for her expert opinion. Here’s what she had to say…
Midcentury/Modern Interiors with Leen Zabalawi
The Carpet Guys: So Leen, what exactly is Midcentury Modern interior design?
Leen: Midcentury Modern refers to a specific home design style that was most popular in the late forties to late fifties. Though many furniture designs of the late fifties were considered out of style by the mid-sixties, Cara Greenberg’s 1984 book “Midcentury Modern: Furniture of the 1950s” gave the kind of furniture a name and sparked a new interest in the style. The book was an immediate hit, selling more than 100,000 copies, and once “Midcentury Modern” entered the lexicon, the phrase was quickly adopted by both the design world and the mainstream.
Once seen as dated and old, Midcentury Modern furniture experienced a spike in demand, driving prices for out of production pieces up to unprecedented numbers. The TV show Mad Men helped create a growing interest in that time period and further created a draw for Midcentury Modern furniture. It often features a simple design with sharp, geometric shapes and clean sweeping lines.
The Carpet Guys: We have seen that this specific design utilizes solid hardwood flooring and other natural flooring materials. What flooring types do you think fit in this style of design?
Leen: Slate, Terrazzo, bluestone, and travertine are just some of the original flooring materials used in Midcentury Modern homes. Natural flooring materials are consistent with the ideal of mid-twentieth century building: an integration of the indoors and outdoors is paramount. Slate tiles exhibit a fine grain and come in a variety of colors. The most common of these colors is a variation of gray or a coppery sand tone. A monochromatic color scheme is best; otherwise, your floor will look too much like a cottage floor.
For the proper Midcentury Modern look, all types of hard surface flooring should have a matte finish. Very few finishes were shiny or glossy in the original design schemes for these homes.
The Carpet Guys: Is it a popular style of design nowadays?
Leen: Yes it is. One aspect of Midcentury Modern is that in that period we began to see people combining indoor and outdoor living with bigger windows, glass walls, sliding glass doors to make a connection with the outdoors. Today, with great performance fabrics, we can spend even more time outdoors.
Midcentury Modern, with its use of fiberglass and plastic and woods such as teak wood, oak, walnut, and rosewood, are ideal for outdoors or family rooms that connect to the outdoors.
The Carpet Guys: What are your recommendations for colors and décor?
Leen: The style features bright and vivid colors like yellow, red, blue, and green. Globe lights and groovy wallpaper also can be an element. Shag area rugs can add warmth and fit with the times. For accessories, throw pillows and wall art using asymmetrical, abstract patterns.
Midcentury Modern floor lamps and table lamps feature very straight, geometric lines or round, curved contour. The very contrasting shapes offer a very bold position for lighting in your room.
The Carpet Guys: Awesome! Thank you so much for chatting with us Leen.
Get Your Midcentury Modern on with the Pros!
If Midcentury Modern interior design has caught your attention, get your project handled correctly with the pros. Natural hardwood flooring is part of our specialty, and we guarantee you’ll find the perfect fit for your home.
Not a hardwood person, check out all of the high-quality vinyl tile products available to you. You’ll get tile look you want without all of the required maintenance.
If you’re in need of interior design help, there is no one better to go to than Leen. Her knowledge and expertise have satisfied many clients, and we are glad to have her as a part of our family.
Book your free in-home flooring estimate and get your project rolling. You’ll love the way your room looks, guaranteed.
*If you’d like to give Cara Greenberg’s book a read, you can check it out here.*
