8 Ways to Evoke Mid-Century Modern Design in Your Home

Just because it’s 2022 doesn’t mean you can’t evoke mid-20th century design in your home. For the unfamiliar, mid-century modern elements are characterized by clean lines and soft curves, minimalism, mixed materials, and juxtaposing colors inspired by nature. Pinterest doesn’t lie: It’s really photogenic.

Even if you’ve just moved into a brand-new home, there are easy ways to channel the retro design aesthetic of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s in the modern age. One foolproof route is investing in a mid-century modern rug and incorporating furnishings that complement your design of choice. For inspiration, keep scrolling for a look at eight of our favorite ways of doing so.

1. Gone Green

This space perfectly epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic thanks to the sharp lines, wooden furniture, and earthy green hues seen throughout. The retro rug couldn’t be more on par with the interior style thanks to its mirrored-arch design set against an off-white background. Teamed with the white and beige bedding and dark green wall, the finished look is artfully cohesive.

2. Print Perfection

What’s not to love about this quirky mid-century modern-inspired dining room? It’s chock full of visually compelling prints, mixed textiles, and so many different colors — all of which make a strong case for interior experimentation. All of that, paired with the op art-inspired geometric rug, is the definition of retro glam.

3. Curated Color

Retro colors and bold patterns work to create this eclectic mid-century modern living room. It’s comprised of two statement pieces: a ribbed leather sofa with rounded arms and an angular, tiled coffee table. But the piece that ties it all together is the multicolor area rug featuring hues of yellow, orange, and green, complemented by coordinating decorative accents peppered throughout the space.

4. Sophisticated Shapes

Geometric and abstract shapes lay the framework for this light-filled kitchen with mid-century modern vibes. We love how the abstract designs seen in the warm orange and red rug are a visually compelling contrast to the rectangular kitchen island and tile backsplash.

5. Mid-Century Modern Maximalism

Mid-century modern rugs famously boast bold designs best described by the word “maximalist,” and this design is no exception. What’s more, the hoop coffee table, ribbed orange sofa, and mural wall make it next-level bold.

6. Curved Silhouettes

One of the most delightful characteristics of mid-century modern design is unexpected furniture shapes, as seen in this living room featuring a curved sofa and accent chairs. The abstract area rug is the perfect match, featuring fun shapes in hues of grey and cream with pops of red to match the furnishings.

7. Plant Paradise

Mid-century modern rugs don’t have to be overtly lively, as evidenced by this sage and cream design featuring geometric shapes and color-blocking. It pairs wonderfully with the greenery and artwork-filled shelving unit, which exemplifies mid-century modern design thanks to its fusion of indoor and outdoor elements.

8. Light and Bright

This dining room is an instant mood-booster thanks to its light and bright hues. We love how the light wood of the chairs matches the doors of the credenza, while the pops of color in the greenery and artwork liven up the space. The abstract pattern in the rug evokes a mid-century modern vibe while maintaining a minimalist approach thanks to its neutral color palette.