10 Vibrant Midcentury Modern Living Rooms
If you still think midcentury modern has to be Soviet-era stark, these colorful, playful and even cozy living rooms will open your eyes
Samantha Schoech
June 25, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design.... More
Let's just be honest. As lovely as it is with all that gently curving teak and those clean lines, midcentury modern can be a little, well, stark at times. At its best it is filled with color, art and playfulness. At its worst, it has a bleak Soviet vibe.
These midcentury beauties manage to do it just right — to maintain their true midcentury cred without sacrificing whimsy, personality and color. In some cases they are downright cozy, proving that midcentury does not have to adhere to a lockstep minimalism to be authentic.
These midcentury beauties manage to do it just right — to maintain their true midcentury cred without sacrificing whimsy, personality and color. In some cases they are downright cozy, proving that midcentury does not have to adhere to a lockstep minimalism to be authentic.
These furnishings have the clean, simple lines of good Danish modern, but the layered patterns and textures in the rugs, pillows and upholstery give it warmth.
The decor is pure midcentury blue blood, right down to the Saarinen Tulip Chair and the trio of Nelson lights. But because of the bright white paint and the marigold-yellow sofa, it is also cheery and welcoming.
This room is cool 1950s all the way. Can't you just picture a couple sipping martinis on that sofa?
Clean, simple and uncluttered. But with a mixture of textures and patterns from the rugs and lots and lots of natural light.
If the 1970s counted as midcentury, then this low-slung living room, built around the gorgeous Fireorb fireplace, would be on the mark.
The pedestal table, the spindle clock and the Jen Risom lounge chairs are all midcentury icons. But the room hasn't gone overboard with its theme. It feels contemporary.
Even without a lot of color, this impeccably put-together midcentury room has warmth. It's partly because the bones of this Spanish house look to be much, much older.
A Moebius side table sets the mid-century tone here. But the contemporary art, bright upholstery and accessories make the room bright and unique.
Some classic pieces — including a shag rug! — a minimalist approach, and a simple tricolor palette give this room a very calm, quiet feel.
It's bright, simple and open with all the right icons, but the ceiling is what really makes it. Nobody did wood and white like the designers of the midcentury.
Another cozy version of midcentury. Instead of sterile and serious, this room feels fun and lighthearted.
See more midcentury and modern decorating guides
See more midcentury and modern decorating guides
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I luv mid century modern w little twists. The articles on MCM give great design info one can take & run with their own creativity. I’ve redone my FR, LR, a lil sunroom w Corbsier style chairs, couldn’t get rid of the blue Thayer Coggin chairs so they’re now n a BR. Houzz articles /pics have helped guide me to my final choices...down to deciding leg colors of furniture!