Decorative Styles: Mid Century

 The Mid Century style is what we know as contemporary modernism, it has its roots in the Bauhaus and led to major changes in architecture, design and decoration internationally. Generating industrial production designs, functional, with clean lines and with new materials.

By Y. Sevillano


The Bauhaus was a school of architecture, design and art founded in 1919 that laid the foundations for a new aesthetic that spread to different disciplines, and that gave rise to important figures such as Mies van der Rohe, Hannes Meyer, Charles and Ray Eames, Le Corbusier or Kandinski, who went down in history for their iconic designs, architecture and art.


After World War II, the economic boom and new industrial technologies led to the spread of the Mid-Century style. The new use of materials such as steel, glass, leather or concrete, added to mass production, contributed to making the new designs accessible to most. Although today original vintage pieces from that time, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Like for example the famous Barcelona chair or the Eames chair.

Barcelona chairs, along with other designs by Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier
Eames Armchair, by Charles and Ray Eames

FUNCTIONALITY RULES

The founders of the Mid-Century style were focused on their products centered primarily on functionality, while maintaining aesthetics.

For this, they dispensed with ornamentation, in furniture and elements that allow a glimpse of its structure, made in many cases of industrial materials such as steel.

To achieve this, they were inspired by simple lines and curves and organic shapes, which has given this style "timelessness".

INDUSTRIAL INFLUENCE

The Mid-Century era marked the beginning of industrial furniture production, which democratized design products, making them reach the masses. Furniture began to be made with metals and mechanical assemblies.

To recreate the style, look for industrial pieces in iron, which you can combine with wooden furniture. The armchairs and sofas upholstered in leather also go very well with them.

WOOD

Natural wood finishes are a Mid-Century classic, both in furniture and in floor, wall and ceiling coverings.

You can use wood in attached furniture such as bookcases, room dividers… or in details such as window frames, false ceilings and beams.

SIMPLE SHAPES AND ORGANIC DESIGNS

Many mid-century designs are inspired by nature, hence the use of organic shapes and curves is common. The straight lines and simple shapes are also another characteristic, which emphasizes its functional essence.

You can resort to iconic pieces such as the Noguchi table, the Arco lamp or the Shell chair.

OPEN SPACES

The Bauhaus inaugurated a new era in architecture, where spaces are integrated with the environment, blurring the barriers between interior and exterior. They are wide, diaphanous spaces, designed to be lived.

Perhaps in our time living in a spacious home is somewhat more complicated, but through a renovation we can manage to unite common spaces (kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms)… integrating them and improving comfort and our quality of life.



By Y. Sevillano

Founder of the Tharo Design brand. Y. Sevillano studied architecture at university and is dedicated to interior design and the world of home decor.


 

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