Decorative objects were always a part of the style and architecture of the 20th Century. However, they were nowhere near as big or as grand as they are today. They were far from being the perfect creations that we think of them to be. Yet, their existence can still be felt in mid century modern home decor ideas.
The decorative items of the mid-century were far from the masterpieces that they are today. Their creation was far from perfect. They were far from being the innovative creations that we take for granted. In fact, their creation is often regarded as a compromise between the perfectionism of the craftsmen and the functionality of the products that they were producing. Mid century designers often had to find ways to make everyday objects serve their purpose while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
Modern decoration style was born out of necessity. People had a need to find objects that would not fall apart under normal use. Decorative objects were part of the solution. At the same time, mid century designers took advantage of new materials and styles that were quickly emerging in industry.
For example, the use of glass in mid century decorating began in the early years of the century. Glass objects were highly prized for their ability to reflect light. However, their beauty was overshadowed by their weight and vulnerability to breakage. Metal objects became more popular as they were more durable, but they also required specific care for their upkeep and preservation. This led to an appreciation of wood as a material for decorative objects.
Decorative objects found their way into the mid-century decorative tradition in many ways. Beads, vases, pottery and other natural stones were popular. But, the biggest impact may have come from objects made from synthetic materials that mimicked or at least acted like authentic materials found in nature. Plastics came into play in the 1960’s as manufacturers attempted to create a similar look but using a more durable material that was less prone to damage.
Decorative objects from this era can be divided into three categories. The first category represented objects found in nature, such as shells, stone and metals. The second category represented items that were man made, such as plaster, fiberglass, acrylic and ceramics. Finally, mid century modern decorative styles gave way to the minimalist style that is still very popular today.
Minimalism is a style that emphasizes the use of simple geometric forms and textures. Using just a few colors, this style tries to make the most of what can be found and produce objects that still function in the modern world. The emphasis on the elimination of patterns and the use of colors and shapes helps to bring out the geometric qualities of the piece.
This mid century modern decorating style focuses on the elimination of ornamentation and the focus being placed on straight lines. Although this style makes use of a lot of different materials, most commonly found in the kitchen, it was not without its controversy. As more people became interested in the new modern style, people were able to display objects in the home that they felt represented the new modern look. Many people display mid century modern decorations in rooms that are decorated in a contemporary style. By doing so, the home decor does not appear cluttered, and there is an air of neatness to the room. Decorating in this fashion gives rooms a fresh and contemporary look.
Transitional decoration takes after the Transitional style from the mid twentieth century. In this design, objects are grouped together that do not have to have a common theme to be recognized as belonging to that style. For instance, you could decorate a room using Transitional style objects such as a sofa or a coffee table that has a crystal cover or that has a metal frame that is outlined in a zebra pattern.
Antique designs are common decorative items used in mid century modern homes. Items like a desk that has an old brass finish and legs that are carved are examples of this type of item. Another antique item that can be used in creating a Transitional style atmosphere in a home is a wall clock that has a cuckoo clock face with a bell attached. This type of clock is very common and can be used as a focal point in a room that evokes a feeling of vintage beauty.
Mid Century Modern decorative objects can be used to create many different themes for your decorating scheme. It’s important to make sure that the decorating style that you choose is one that will be easy to maintain. This means that you should avoid over use of shiny, glossy finishes. Rather, you should opt for finishes that have a rustic feel to them and use textures that are soft and gentle on the eyes. By keeping these tips in mind, you can decorate any room in your house properly using mid century modern style objects.