Mid-Century Modern Interiors

Synopsis

Mid-Century Modern Interiors explores the history of interior design during arguably its most iconic and influential period. The 1930s to the 1960s in the United States was a key moment for interior design. It not only saw the emergence of some of interior design's most globally-important designers, it also saw the field of interior design emerge at last as a profession in its own right. Through a series of detailed case studies this book introduces the key practitioners of the period - world-renowned designers including Ray and Charles Eames, Richard Neutra, and George Nelson - and examines how they developed new approaches by applying systematic and rational principles to the creation of interior spaces. It takes us into the mind of the designer to show how they each used interior design to express their varied theoretical interests, and reveals how the principles they developed have become embodied in the way interior design is practiced today. This focus on unearthing the underlying ideas and concepts behind their designs rather than on the finished results creates a richer, more conceptual understanding of this pivotal period in modernist design history. With an extended introduction setting the case studies within the broader context of twentieth-century design and architectural history, this book provides both an introduction and an in-depth analysis for students and scholars of interior design, architecture and design history.

Summary

Chapter 1: A Foundation in Form

* Introduces the key principles of mid-century modern design, including simplicity, functionality, and the use of geometric shapes.
* Real example: The Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe, a minimalist masterpiece that embodies the essence of the modernist aesthetic.

Chapter 2: Color and Pattern

* Explores the vibrant use of color and bold patterns in mid-century modern interiors.
* Real example: The Alexander Girard for Herman Miller "Textile Design No. 1," a geometric textile featuring a playful array of colors and shapes.

Chapter 3: Furniture Design

* Discusses the innovative furniture designs of mid-century modernism, characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and the use of new materials.
* Real example: The Charles Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, an iconic design that combines comfort and style with its curved plywood shell and leather upholstery.

Chapter 4: Lighting

* Examines the use of lighting in mid-century modern interiors, with a focus on functionality, form, and the integration of natural light.
* Real example: The George Nelson Bubble Lamp, a sculptural pendant light that diffuses light evenly and creates a warm, ambient atmosphere.

Chapter 5: Decor and Accessories

* Explores the role of decor and accessories in completing a mid-century modern interior, including artwork, textiles, and objects with a modernist aesthetic.
* Real example: A collection of mid-century modern ceramics from designers such as Edith Heath and Otto Heino, showcasing the use of bold colors and geometric patterns.

Chapter 6: The Lived-in Space

* Discusses the importance of creating a functional and inviting living space, with a focus on comfort, personality, and the integration of nature.
* Real example: A mid-century modern living room designed by Jens Risom, featuring a cozy seating arrangement, warm wood accents, and large windows that bring in natural light.

Chapter 7: The Influence of Mid-Century Modern

* Explores the enduring legacy of mid-century modern design and its influence on contemporary interiors and culture.
* Real example: The revival of mid-century modern furniture pieces in modern homes, as seen in the popularity of retro-inspired sofas, chairs, and tables.