13 Design Ideas for a Midcentury Modern Home (2024)

Midcentury modern design refers to an architectural style characterized by clean lines, large open interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and gently curved walls. It emerged in the late 1940s and saw great popularity for the next two decades, becoming one of the most influential architectural movements to date. The modern simplicity and uncluttered aesthetic made famous by names such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe continue to appeal to homeowners today. Draw inspiration from these midcentury modern homes and incorporate elements of this minimalist style to boost your own home’s design and curb appeal.

How Modernism Became an Iconic Decorating Style During the 1940s

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Warm Wood Finishes and Clean Lines

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A set of wooden doors adds warmth to this brick and glass exterior. The clean horizontal lines on the door mimic the painted white brick and are characteristic of midcentury modern home design. Large glass panels around the doors connect the interior with the outdoors, letting in plenty of natural light and breaking up the brick. Two minimalist cylindrical wall sconces flank the doors and modern planters add a pop of greenery to the concrete entry. Curved landscaping adds an organic shape and stark contrast to the clean-lined front doors.

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Bring the Outdoors In

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One characteristic of midcentury modern architecture is connecting the indoors with the outdoors, and a good way to achieve that is through large window panels. This ranch-style home has panoramic views of the backyard and pool, bringing elements of water and greenery inside. Rocks and desert plants outline the rectangular pool, and minimalist white pool loungers pop against the beige exterior that incorporates wood, glass, and concrete.

20 Midcentury Modern Decor Ideas for the Retro Flair You Want

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Midcentury A-Frame

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An A-frame is a triangular-shaped structure with steeply sloped sides; these structures have been a popular cabin choice for decades. Large window panels form a linear pattern on this brown-and-red A-frame cabin. A wall of windows lightens up the dark stain, connects the cabin with its surroundings, provides stunning views, and floods the home with natural light. An A-frame lets you feel like you’re in the great outdoors but from the comfort and coziness of your home.

What Is an A-Frame House?

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Midcentury Modern Architecture

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Curved glass-paneled walls and a flat roof make this stunning home the epitome of midcentury modern design. Sleek black pillars juxtapose the clear glass and white roof. The glass walls bring the tranquility of the backyard inside, while white paneling on the glass doors adds linear detail to balance out the curved structure. Concrete patio stones ground the light and airy home.

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Dark Midcentury Exterior

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Vertical paneling and tall, narrow windows give this home a quintessential midcentury look. A fresh coat of black paint instantly updates the facade, while dormers add height, linear detail, and natural light inside this ranch-style home. A concrete slab in the entry alcove adds an unexpected angle to the front of the home and balances out the dark paint color.

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Midcentury Split-Level Home

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Warm wood accents and horizontal lines add midcentury flair to this split-level home. A slatted wood garage door and front door pop against a bright white exterior. Wooden window boxes add a decorative accent without disrupting the minimalist look and tie in the greenery that surrounds the house. A simple handrail lines the steps to the front door, providing an unobstructed view of the door.

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Wood Finishes

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Wood in various tones and forms mixes with glass paneling and gray concrete to create this modern exterior. Wood paneling and slats add texture and dimension and highlight a flat roof. These straight lines contrast the organic shapes and colors in the front yard, including rustic pavers, round grass patches, and wispy bushes. A large front porch has an open view of the yard and a white slatted sliding door on the second level echoes the exterior.

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Midcentury Pool House

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A flat roof, mixed materials, and floor-to-ceiling window panels make for a stunning midcentury-style pool house. Glass walls allow for views of the in-ground pool and green landscape. Low pool loungers, a stylish umbrella, and an oversized planter add understated decorative touches that complement the streamlined structure.

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Midcentury Color Palette

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A brown and rusty orange color palette contrast the tall green trees around this midcentury modern home. The exterior features horizontal brick, concrete, tall window panels, and a slatted angled roof. The large open patio connects to an open-air entryway covered by the roof's overhang.

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Modern Color Palette

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A bright white midcentury modern exterior is the perfect backdrop for a lime green door. The neutral color palette also stands out against the surrounding greenery. Geometric lines and a sloped roof add height and a warm wood front porch ties in with a low-profile wire fence. The fence creates an open, airy feel and incorporates clean lines that stay true to this architectural style.

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Mixed Materials

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Add interest to your home’s exterior by mixing multiple materials. This front porch features a warm stone accent wall, wood steps and pillars, and a concrete facade. The stone wall adds an organic, nature-inspired feel and the stones’ horizontal arrangement maintains the clean lines emphasized by the flat roof. Wood and stone echo the natural elements in the front yard and provide a neutral backdrop for all the greenery surrounding the house.

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Clean Lines

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Create a seamless flow between the interior and exterior of your home with floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimal color palette. This rectangular in-ground pool feels like an extension of the outdoor seating area. Large gray pavers keep the midcentury-inspired outdoor space clean and bright and straight-cut hedges frame the space while providing privacy.

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Exterior Paint Ideas

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One of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to update your home’s exterior is to paint it. Gray vertical siding gives this ranch-style home a modern feel. A chartreuse front door and window frames nod to the luscious plants in front of the house. A curved red brick path adds warmth and a non-linear element to the midcentury modern home, boosting curb appeal and framing the plants.

13 Design Ideas for a Midcentury Modern Home (2024)

FAQs

What are some examples of mid-century modern designs? ›

Many famous architects created iconic midcentury furniture pieces that are still popular today including the Eames Lounge Chair, the Barcelona Chair, the Wassily Chair, the Egg Chair, the Noguchi Coffee Table, the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table, the Platner Armchair, the Bertoia Chair, the Jeanneret Chair and the Florence ...

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How to decorate a MCM house? ›

Midcentury modern decor ideas include the natural look of wood, especially teak. Hardwood floors and a wood-panel ceiling with prominent beams bring warmth and texture to this living room. The wood tones are repeated throughout the room on seating and accent furniture to tie the space together.

How do you describe mid-century modern design? ›

The MCM design aesthetic is modern in style and construction, aligned with the Modernist movement of the period. It is typically characterized by clean, simple lines and honest use of materials, and generally does not include decorative embellishments.

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What style of home is mid-century modern? ›

A midcentury modern might have partial walls, or cabinets of varying heights to create different depths in the space. Integration with nature. Rooms have multiple outdoor views, or multiple access points, encouraging an appreciation of healthy living.

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What does mid-century modern architecture look like? ›

When someone uses “mid-century” to describe a house, mid-century modern is what most often comes to mind. Elements of modern houses are picture and casem*nt windows, bold geometric shapes and large overhanging eaves. Roof lines are often low and often are interesting shapes.

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What does mid-century modern art look like? ›

Characteristic features of Mid Century Modern Design are clear lines, simple organic and geometric forms, and bold and simple designs. Strong plastic materials such as vinyl and plexiglas commingle with traditional materials such as solid wood and aluminum.

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What is mid century modern home decor? ›

Mid century design features soft curves, modern shapes with minimalist materials that evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time gone by. It typically includes furniture pieces like armchairs, sofas and dining tables made from wood or metal frames with upholstery in bold geometric prints or solid hues.

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What does a mid-century house look like? ›

Many midcentury modern homes are split-level, with short staircases connecting rooms throughout the house. Partial brick or glass walls, fireplaces centered in rooms, and cabinetry also add depth and variation in elevation in the homes' interiors.

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How do you blend modern and mid century modern? ›

Mid-century Modern vs Contemporary Design: How to Mix these...

Muted tones or vibrant colors (avoid the in-between)
Clean furniture lines.
A mix of both natural and manmade materials. ...
Geometric shapes or lines.
Mixing indoor and outdoor themes (for example, a chaise lounge in the living room)

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How to design mid-century modern interior? ›

“Mid-century modern design is rooted in minimalism, so adopt a less-is-more approach,” says Adrika. “Focus on incorporating furniture and architectural elements with clean, straight lines. Avoid ornate details and opt for simple, streamlined designs”.

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How to make furniture look mid-century modern? ›

Interior designer Kristen Reyes of Sey Interiors told Insider that swapping the legs on your chairs is an easy way to achieve a mid-century modern look. "Mid-century style is often defined by those iconic peg legs and hairpin legs," said Reyes. "Swap the existing legs on your chairs or tables for one of those styles."

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How do you mix mid-century modern with farmhouse? ›

Bold colors: While farmhouse interior design often uses a neutral color palette, adding pops of bold color inspired by midcentury modern design can create a more modern and playful look. Consider adding bold-colored throw pillows or a colorful rug.

What age is a mid-century home? ›

How Mid-Century Compares to Styles of the 1800s and 2000s

	Also Known As	Key Elements
1930-1970	Mid-Century	Warm colors, minimalist, function over form, tapered legs, Danish inspired, Bauhaus inspired
1970-2020	Contemporary	Neutral colors, soft lines + comfy textures, natural elements

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What is mid-century modern boho? ›

Mid-century boho design often incorporates lots of textural elements that help to cozy up a space. Working in multiple colors, textures, and patterns with throw pillows is a highly impactful way to achieve a boho look.

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What year is mid-century modern decor? ›

Mid-Century Design Colors

Tones of gray, brown, and white are needed to ground the design, contrast any colorful accents, and cultivate MCMs signature style. Bright, bold colors contrasted with light and dark woods are a common theme of mid-century modern designs.

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What is considered mid century design? ›

Mid century design features soft curves, modern shapes with minimalist materials that evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time gone by. It typically includes furniture pieces like armchairs, sofas and dining tables made from wood or metal frames with upholstery in bold geometric prints or solid hues.

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What are the types of mid-century modern art? ›

Sculptural silhouettes and a clean aesthetic define Mid-Century Modern art. While all art and design made in the mid-twentieth century are considered mid-century, it's the addition of influences such as minimalist, modernist, abstract, and atomic that add the modern aspect.

13 Design Ideas for a Midcentury Modern Home (2024)

Warm Wood Finishes and Clean Lines

Bring the Outdoors In

Midcentury A-Frame

Midcentury Modern Architecture

Dark Midcentury Exterior

Midcentury Split-Level Home

Wood Finishes

Midcentury Pool House

Midcentury Color Palette

Modern Color Palette

Mixed Materials

Clean Lines

Exterior Paint Ideas

FAQs

What are some examples of mid-century modern designs? ›

How to make furniture look mid-century modern? ›

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