Midcentury modern: is it over and, if so, what's next?

7 years ago

Midcentury modern is a style often hard to pin down. Think moulded plastics, prominence of wood furniture in teak, walnut, rosewood and oak shades, mixed leather and wood decor, Eames' (among others) iconic lounge chairs, low coffee tables and statement lighting.

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When it emerged, it was seen as a style at the cutting edge of modernity, but did it see its heyday long ago? Is it time to let it take a backseat along other interior trends of the 20th century, and replace it with the 21st century's take on "modern"? Or was it so iconic, it will always find life in our interiors in some shape or form?

If you're firmly in the "over" camp - what do you predict is next?

Share your thoughts on midcentury modern style below!

Yes, it's definitely over

No, it's timeless

It may be "over" but always has a place in my heart!

Featured Answer

absolutkaffee

7 years ago

I can't believe you're even asking this. Beautiful design is timeless.

Comments (20)

Bev Robson
7 years ago
no, sorry, I grew up with this style and I hate it!
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Joanna Biddolph
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
It works where it works which means it's always going to have a purpose. Every style works in the right setting. (Though there is one exception for me - the Scandi look. I find that really dull.)
lizziedrips
7 years ago
It is timeless - but hate the cheap imitations.
Tidy Towers
7 years ago
I love my Ercol furniture.
marshall_thatsme
7 years ago
I was there the first time around and I didn't like it then .Farty!
Jo Adamou
7 years ago
I love certain pieces mixed in with other furniture.
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Neil Perry Photography
7 years ago
I'm a big fan of midcentury modern. I've noticed, though, on a few recent shoots I've done that some people are mixing it up a bit. I've seen people keep the decorative and statement pieces in a midcentury style, but going for more contemporary (possibly more comfortable!?) practical pieces, like sofas and dining chairs etc. - all the things that the individual has to physically interact with.
Roxane Romero
7 years ago
My husband's childhood room hasn't changed since he moved out decades ago. I have been joking that this dreary dated room is the height of fashion now. I guess the adjacent shower room with the avocado suite will be back in style soon too.
tishmax
7 years ago
Certainly, midcentury style has an elegance and hugely popular, but as tastes evolve other creative styles slip in. I believe Japanese "retro" with it's room plan flexibility, such as sliding panels and it's overall simplicity will emerge and blend into homes and interiors into the future.
louisethackray
7 years ago
Cool designs well made by craftsmen of the era will never be 'out'. It's the other average furniture that gives the whole style a bad name! Just think of 'Victorian brown furniture' yikes! I have an original 60's white ball chair, iconic and highly collectable and my kids love it!
Heidi Cullen
7 years ago
Grew up in the 70s and I hated the 'clean lines' and formica. Give me some individuality, boho gypsy decor anytime.
Sonia
7 years ago
Not my style. The sofas look so uncomfortable! I much prefer country style which I find cosy and comfortable. However, I do agree the Ercol furniture has a certain style.
Sandra Marshall
7 years ago
I love well made brown furniture, and I like the playfulness of mid century modern, but I hate heavily themed homes. Having said that, I hope an arts and crafts version of deco comes next, then I might be on be on trend for 5 minutes.
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Architectonicus
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
As with all schools of art and design, we can find good and bad examples. Good design is generally related to usability and relationship of the building to it's locality and climate, if the aesthetic of the building lifts the spirit, ages with grace and is able to reflect the character of its inhabitants - then I suggest you can start to talk about good design.

'Whats next'? I think with increasingly challenging sites, and the evidence that current modern society is not proving advantageous for mental health (there is a mental health epidemic in the UK, depression higher than ever and the leading cause of death for young men being suicide) I am working for a future where design focuses on what it can do to help people access the causes of wellbeing, lift the spirit and encourage positive relationship and community building. Architecture has been ego/profit-centric for too long, we need to invest in environments that help us live well, are able to reflect who we are and contribute to building healthy relationships, families and communities.
marshall_thatsme
7 years ago
Yes,I can see why living with 70's style furniture would make you feel suicidal.
absolutkaffee
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Uh, 70s style furniture and midcentury modern furniture are two totally different things. By most accounts, the midcentury period of design ended in 1965.
Ron Newcome
6 years ago
As a 5-15 year old kid MCM was a nightmare. You couldn't touch anything and I was always afraid of messing things up. Now, almost 70, I don't find it necessarily any more comfortable to actually live in now than I did then.
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Kia Designs
6 years ago
I think it's here to stay party because the proportions, being slightly smaller than what came afterwards, suit our smaller English homes
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
its funny because I think this style looks really dated anyway but then this is why I dont think it will be 'out', it wasnt new enough in the first place!

I think (and hope) that the overly cohesive look is out, so mid century modern as a whole look is out but not individual pieces which can add interest to lots of different styles.

Midcentury modern: is it over and, if so, what's next?

absolutkaffee

Comments (20)

Bev Robson

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