Clean lines, splashy colors, and bold patterns are the hallmarks of mid-century modern design. This crisp, open look is inspired by the bright, abstract expressionism of the 1960s. It's no wonder that this stylized minimalism continues to reign 50 years later. Whether your decorating style is contemporary or classic, there's no easier way to update your home than with a few cues from the mad, mod '60s. If you're ready to amp up your home's style, here are some keys to capturing that fun, clean '60s look.
Colors Splashy oranges, juicy greens and searing blues are trademark '60s colors. The mid-century palette draws from nature, looking to the earth, sea and sky for brilliant hues. You don't need to go big to make an impact with these intense shades. Add a fresh accent with bright cushions and pillows, an array of vases or jars in different shades of the same color or choose to make a bold statement with a teal or chartreuse retro chair. You don't have to limit this trick to the interior of your house, either. Adding a dash of color can be just the thing to bring your tired patio to life.
Patterns Geometric patterns were everywhere in the '60s - adding a fresh, modern look to even the most boring space. You can capture some of that '60s aesthetic with a daring, geometric rug or ease into this fashionable look with smaller patterns on cushions and pillows, or even drapes. Stick to patterns that contrast a deep or bright color against a neutral. Select a burnished orange rug with a white pattern or creamy pillows with a spring green accent. The patterns are bold enough to speak for themselves, so you don't want to overwhelm the eye with a rash of bright colors on top of a striking pattern.
Textures From velvet chairs to shag rugs, mixing textures is key to capturing the hip style we all fell in love with on "Mad Men." It's also one of the cheapest and easiest ways to give your digs a facelift. All you need to do is introduce one or two interesting textures into a room to change the overall feeling. Mix a wooly, knitted throw with velvet or sackcloth pillows. Consider a burlap runner over a plain cotton tablecloth. Intermingle wooden furniture and accessories with iron, aluminum, or even retro fiberglass. The trick to mixing and matching textures is to follow your instincts. Contrast smooth and rough, soft and firm, and shiny and flat.
Shapes There's no mistaking a mid-century sofa or cabinet. The lines are clean and shapes are either squared-off and boxy or rounded and abstract. Form meets function in a whimsical yet classic way. Just one piece that embodies the pure design principles of '60s can make a big impression. Anchor a living room with a wonderful '60s sofa or start smaller with a funky accent table or retro chair. The beauty of mid-century design is that it blends seamlessly with so many other furniture collections. It's easy to give a room a cool, hip vibe without having to toss all the furniture you already own. Mid-century design is definitely making a comeback. Take hold of this fun, stylish way to give your home a lift. The jolt of an audacious azure side chair or the decadence of a lofty shag rug will have you (and your visitors) clamoring for a dry martini and some classic jazz.
Sources http://www.homedit.com/decorating-60s-style-ideas-inspiration/ http://www.houzz.com/60's http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/04/mad-men-decor-pinterest-accounts_n_3007032.html http://blog.retroplanet.com/1960s-decorating-style/ http://www.decoist.com/2014-01-21/retro-living-rooms-ideas/
