Having purchased my first home in July, I’ve become consumed with decorating this 1956 rambler with time-appropriate materials. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you my once mild interest in mid-century design has exploded into complete addiction. Aside from local vintage shops, you can find me perusing estate sales and Craigslist, always on the hunt for another noteworthy “find.” (Currently, I’m searching for original switch plates for my bedrooms.) My friends knew that this addiction of mine was here to stay once I purchased a delightful 1950s original pink sectional sofa that is now proudly on display in my basement.
Mid-century modern design is popular, and according to many designers it will only become more popular in the next year. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, Wikipedia defines mid-century modern as an architectural, interior and product design form that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965.
Addicted like me, Minnesota locals Debra and Richard Hovel love this design period. In this recent article, they discuss their love of mid-century modern and show how committed they are to this era by attending the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week in California. It’s easy to appreciate the overall look of mid-century with its simple lines, clean appearance, and popping colors. Brandon Hoskins, a Palm Springs designer who attended the event, noted, “More people are realizing that the interior design is as important as the exterior. If you have a great home, and you don't have the right interior design it's not going to show off the architecture that makes that home great. People want the whole package.” The Hovels would agree.
The Star Tribune recently posted an article about the mid-century craze. Retro pieces are gaining popularity with both exterior and interior designers, and it makes a person re-look at that Formica dining set or the atomic patterned dinner plates from the '50s and '60s. It should be noted that the mid-century furniture/architecture revival is having an impact on the local economy here in Minneapolis as well. Furniture stores such as Spinario and Danish Teak Classics are quite popular and gaining ground in Minneapolis. Scandinavian design was very influential in the 1950s, so it’s no surprise that these stores as well as IKEA remain strong with their modern and clean-lined furniture and design.
This revival of all things retro sparks an enthusiasm for the period. No two people may have the same reason as to why they are drawn to this style, but the love of the style runs deep.
