Form Follows Function in Mid-Century Design

Trends come and go, but the obsession with the mid-century modern phenomenon is a style that hasn’t faded. An architecture style and interior design fad that started in the US in the late 1940’s still yields excitement today and has consequently become a staple in design.

A style best described as an eye on the pristine natural landscape and thought toward the tech revolution. The guiding principles simple and functional is what fuels this minimalist movement. So our echoing attraction to living in a 1950’s inspired interior is no surprise when we desire easy upkeep, functionally and open space. The less is more philosophy has been adopted by all corners of commercial and urban markets.

Integrity in natural materials including brass, timber, steel, exposed brick and marble, create an organic structure. Accompanied by a rich colour palette such as turquoise, mustard, olive green, pastel pinks and blues serve to expose and compliment the functional space.

It’s the relationship of clean-cut lines and low sitting furniture blended with economic materials in a simplistic fashion that has created a timeless quality. The mid-century modern is an adaptable style and can be implemented in a variety of different spaces – grand or cozy, professional or urban – flexible in purpose.

Swiss architect Le Corbusier – designed around existing nature and worked to maximize light, German architect Ludvig Miew van der Rohe – famously known for encompassing outdoor surroundings and interconnecting rooms with free-flowing spaces and American architect Charles Ray – who worked on organic design in home furnishings; are just a few designers famous of their funky renditions and contribution to the minimalist movement. All of these inventors shared a common ideology of ‘efficiency’, and the integration of industrial materials, which is the bedrock of mid-century modern.

The minimalist mid-century modern design trend is elegant and humble. The simplistic theme is everlasting and adaptable. This 1950’s fad has successfully embodied a style that harvests timeless and fundamental style remedies. There is no foreseeable end to this thrifty obsession.