Decorating
Bring Palm Springs Mid-Century Modernism Into Your Home
Identify elements of this style and apply them to your home with confidence for a vibrant and interesting interior
Mid-century modern design was influenced by innovation and space exploration in a time of post-war recovery. In the 1950s, Palm Springs became the chosen getaway destination of Hollywood’s rich and famous, and they could afford to commission some of the best architects of the time. As a result, Palm Springs was, and still is, a mecca for mid-century modernism. The desertscape of Palm Springs holds some similarities with the Australian landscape. As a relatively new nation, Australia was also going through a post-war boom and we saw a huge influx of mid-century architecture and interiors through our major cities, suburbs and all along the coastal regions of Australia. Today, elements of this period have stayed ever popular, proving to be functional, versatile and visually beautiful.
Open-plan living spaces were the norm, as were high floor-to-ceiling glass panelled windows or doors.
Materials that were innovative for the modern era were used, such as large glass panels, timber panelling, laminates, and stainless steel. This is also where shag carpets came from!
Mid-century modern homes were known for offering a seamless transition between inside and out. The front of houses were also not always facing the street; rather, they faced the back garden.
Decorative concrete blocks were a common feature, and stylistic characteristics of this period included pops and blocks of colour, clean uninterrupted lines and an emphasis on sculptural elements.
Decorative concrete blocks were a common feature, and stylistic characteristics of this period included pops and blocks of colour, clean uninterrupted lines and an emphasis on sculptural elements.
Use colour to mid-century modify your interiors
If mid-century modernism is the look you’re seeking to emulate, the first step is to inject some fun and life into your interiors. Use blocks of colour in wall finishes or in furniture choice –limiting bright colours can result in a bolder effect due to contrasting elements. This gives your interiors a beautiful, yet charactered vibrancy.
If mid-century modernism is the look you’re seeking to emulate, the first step is to inject some fun and life into your interiors. Use blocks of colour in wall finishes or in furniture choice –limiting bright colours can result in a bolder effect due to contrasting elements. This gives your interiors a beautiful, yet charactered vibrancy.
Using blocks of textured materials is also a great way to add interest.
Add future-proof furnishings
Collect or invest in some mid-century retro furniture. Credenzas are a fantastic way to bring this style into your home without overdoing it.
Collect or invest in some mid-century retro furniture. Credenzas are a fantastic way to bring this style into your home without overdoing it.
If you’re feeling confident in your design choices, you can always go for appropriated mid-century furniture design that models the period’s shape and style, but mixes up materials or colours. This polished brass credenza, for example, is an incredible showstopper and feature piece that definitely channels Palm Springs glamour.
There is such a large market for vintage or replica mid-century furniture. Go to your local antique stores and ask what they have. Always keep your eye out on the side of the road – many of the best mid-century finds are other people’s cast offs!
Top tip: Very on trend at the moment is the revival of Hans Wegner’s wishbone chairs. These are a Danish mid-century design, but are so contemporary and adaptable.
Go for feature timber
Maybe you already have some outdated timber panelling in your home? Before you go ripping it out, here are some on-trend ways to keep it relevant for today.
There are many options for the finish of the timber, but opt for a natural finish to allow your interiors to feel warm.
Maybe you already have some outdated timber panelling in your home? Before you go ripping it out, here are some on-trend ways to keep it relevant for today.
There are many options for the finish of the timber, but opt for a natural finish to allow your interiors to feel warm.
This design brings a contemporary twist to timber panelling. Its black finish has been broken up by the frameless window slot and the white, contrasting sleek counter. The directional pull of the statement black-and-white kitchen and curved ceiling takes you outside and brings the landscape in – a huge feature of mid-century modern design.
A very successful design that uses a smaller amount of timber panelling to give this kitchen individuality and a contemporary edge.
These slatted timber panels, made from recycled Australian hardwood, are a breathtaking way to give a space privacy without completely closing it off.
Don’t forget the cactus
Finally, for a fun reference to Palm Springs, add some cacti or succulents to your home. The great thing about a cactus is that it can live incredibly well indoors and is very easy to care for.
YOU TELL US
What do you love about mid-century modern design? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Finally, for a fun reference to Palm Springs, add some cacti or succulents to your home. The great thing about a cactus is that it can live incredibly well indoors and is very easy to care for.
YOU TELL US
What do you love about mid-century modern design? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Flat or angled rooflines made a mid-century statement.