The mid century modern (MCM) look continues to influence our interior design choices today. It references the styles that were fashionable in the postwar period and up to the 60s, when good quality mass produced furniture was available for the first time. Here’s a look at how to introduce some MCM touches to your home.

What is MCM style?

The aesthetic deliberately differed from the fussier decorative details of the past, to create a more minimalist look. Examples of furniture and design from the period are still in demand today, providing the perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary sleekness. 

The furniture may have been mass produced, but there was no compromise on quality and style. It was designed to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, which is why it remains so timeless and is still popular today. 

Modern materials

Melamine furniture (items made from engineered wood and coated in hard wearing plastic laminate) was widely available for the first time, making modern styles more accessible and affordable to the average consumer. The finishes can be coloured or can mimic the appearance of natural woodgrain, making it a very versatile material. 

MCM furniture items such as chairs, sofas, and sideboards typically have slim tapered legs that raise them off the ground, helping to create the illusion of more space and increasing the flow of light in a room. Elegant curves and clean lines characterise MCM furniture, making use of basic geometric shapes with few ornate details.

Bold accent colours

The colour schemes of the era tended towards neutrals such as beige and cream, just as they do today. However, pops of bolder colour and pattern were introduced with fabrics and soft furnishings. Vibrant shades that we might be wary of today in our homes were very much in vogue: tangerine, mustard, burnt orange and aquamarine. 

Use of contrasting textures and materials

It was an era when different materials such as plastic, metals, and glass were more widely available after the austerity of the postwar years, and this was reflected by more imaginative ways of incorporating them into home furnishings. For example, a glass topped coffee table with metal legs might replace a more traditional table constructed entirely from wood. 

Hard smooth surfaces would be contrasted with more tactile materials, such as basketweave and shagpile rugs. 

How to add MCM style to your home

There are many ways to add MCM style to your home without slavishly recreating a timewarp feel. Select a few items of furniture with key characteristics such as clean lines and tapered legs. Incorporate natural materials such as wood panelling on walls or exposed brickwork. 

Muted colour schemes can be contrasted with a bold feature wall. This might have geometric patterned wallpaper, some striking abstract artwork, or be painted in a strong colour such as mustard or turquoise. Alternatively, you could introduce pops of brighter colours with accessories such as cushions, throws, and lampshades.