How do I combine my love of mid-century modern furniture and decor within a traditional setting? Is this even possible? –Jenna S. University CIty
It’s absolutely possible, says Michele Wright of Orange Pop Design in St. Louis. “Good design is timeless, and mixing styles only enhances your home’s personality,” she says. “Mid-century pieces can elevate a living room with their clean lines and add fun pops of color to a kitchen or a kid’s bedroom.”
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According to Wright, homeowners should consider three points when mixing mid-century furnishings into a more traditional room: scale, color, and wood finishes. “Wood was a major player in mid-century modern design, adding warmth to homes. Sticking with a similar stain color or type of wood can help unify a room. To give you an idea about scale, a large, deep cushioned sofa could easily dwarf a mid-century chair. Keeping the furniture size and wood finish consistent, regardless of style, will help to create a cohesive, yet unique look,” she says.
Wright loves a mid-century color palette. She says it’s where homeowners can experiment and have some fun. “Try introducing a bold color into the room, like a teal or a shade of orange, both of which were popular accent colors in the mid-century,” she says. Start by adding a few pops of color with your pillows, lamps, throws, curtains, etc. “Pieces that are easily swapped out or added as your mid-century collection grows.” Your choice of art is another way to blend mid-century and traditional style. Selecting artwork and accessories that accentuate the room’s color scheme adds visual interest and acts as a connector between the two styles. “Consider placing mid-century themed artwork in a more traditional shaped frame, or give a traditional frame a modern boost by painting it,” says Wright. “Most importantly, your home should reflect your own personal style. The best rooms tell a story about the people who live in them.”
