Mid-century modern interior design is a style that emerged in the mid-1900s and has remained popular ever since. It is characterized by clean lines, functional use, organic shapes, and a little bit of a minimalist approach. The style has a fresh vibe with a retro feel and a seamless flow from the inside to the outside.

However, decorating with mid-century modern style can also be tricky and challenging. There are some common mistakes that people often make when trying to achieve this look, which can ruin the aesthetic and the functionality of the space. Here are 5 major mid-century modern interior design mistakes that you should avoid.

 

 

Homeowners may not notice 5 common mistakes when decorating their home:

 

 

Hestya creates a mid-century modern living space using only dark woods, resulting in a dull and outdated appearance

 

One of the common mistakes that people make when decorating with mid-century modern style is using only dark woods and muted neutrals. Although these colors are a big part of the mid-century modern palette, they are not the only ones. Equally important are colorful accents such as orange, mustard yellow, red, shades of green, etc.

 

Using only dark woods and muted neutrals can make your space look dull, boring, and outdated. To avoid this mistake, you should add some pops of color to your space with furniture, accessories, art, or plants. These colors will add some warmth, energy, and personality to your space.

 

 

Including pieces that are too small can create an imbalance in the mid-century modern living space

 

Another common mistake that people make when decorating with mid-century modern style is incorporating pieces that are too small. As being space-friendly is core to mid-century modern style, it’s not uncommon to find pieces designed on a smaller scale. However, these pieces are not suitable for every space.

 

Incorporating pieces that are too small can make your space look unbalanced, crowded, or empty. To avoid this mistake, you should make sure that the scale of the piece fits the scale of the room and the rest of the furniture. If you have a large space, a petite sofa or chair will look too small. If you have a small space, a large table or cabinet will look too big.

 

You should also consider the proportion and harmony of your furniture pieces. You can mix and match different sizes and shapes of furniture, but make sure they complement each other and create a cohesive look.

 

 

Another common mistake that people make when decorating with mid-century modern style is buying something just because it’s MCM. This can lead to impulse purchases that are not well considered or matched with your existing furnishings. Buying something just because it’s MCM can also make your space look too trendy or dated.

 

To avoid this mistake, you should take time to think about any new item and how it can be added to your space in a unique and useful way. You should also consider your personal style and preferences and not just follow the trends blindly. You should buy something because you love it and because it suits your space and needs

 

 

Achieve an eclectic aesthetic with Mid-century modern influences
 

Another common mistake that people make when decorating with mid-century modern style is not realizing how versatile MCM is. Some people think that MCM only works with certain styles or colors or materials. However, this is not true. MCM is a very flexible and adaptable style that can work with various styles, colors, and materials .

 

Not realizing how versatile MCM is can limit your creativity and options when decorating your space. To avoid this mistake, you should explore different ways to mix and match MCM with other styles, colors, and materials . You can create an eclectic, bohemian, industrial, or Scandinavian look with MCM elements. You can also use different types of wood, metal, plastic, or fabric with MCM furniture.

 

 

Create a well-balanced living room with mid-century modern style, incorporating vintage or retro pieces

 

Another common mistake that people make when decorating with mid-century modern style is forgetting to incorporate current pieces. Some people think that MCM only works with vintage or retro pieces from the same era. However, this is not true. MCM can work well with current pieces that have modern elements or features.

 

Forgetting to incorporate current pieces can make your space look too old-fashioned or out of touch. To avoid this mistake, you should balance your vintage or retro pieces with some current pieces that have sleek , simple , or geometric designs . You can also use current technology , appliances , or gadgets with MCM furniture.

 

 

For those seeking a stylish, functional, and cozy space, mid-century modern interior design is the perfect choice. By adhering to a few straightforward tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can effortlessly achieve this timeless style.

 

But if you want to elevate your home design to a new level, you should give Hestya a try. Hestya is an online platform that provides personalized style quizzes , custom designs, affordable products, and a 3D scanning app. With Hestya , you can find out your unique style preferences, get paired with professional designers who can make your ideal mid-century modern interior, buy high-quality furniture and accessories at fair prices, and preview how everything looks in your home before you purchase. Hestya makes home design enjoyable, simple, and accessible for everyone.

 

So don’t hesitate any longer? Take our free style quiz today and begin your journey to making your ideal mid-century modern interior with Hestya!