Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details

by Bradley Quinn

Interiors, Furniture, Design Details

The 1950's house was a scientific triumph, designed in a laboratory and tested on inhabitants of all ages before being built for the masses. Never had homes been so thoroughly contemporary, with antiques and period styles entirely banished.  Mid-Century Modern  explores the interior decor of this seminal decade, concentrating on all aspects of a home's decoration-walls, flooring, surfaces, lighting, and, of course, furniture.

Case studies examine beautiful present-day homes that exhibit mid-century style in an exemplary way, and suggest ideas for taking the 1950's look-complete with collector's pieces-and mixing and matching it with elements from other eras.

Genres: Design, Interior Design, Art, Nonfiction, Art Design, Architecture, Coffee Table Books

176 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 2006

Reviews

[Chris Contes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an outstanding research resource for me during the writing of my own fiction story (which was set in a mid-century environment). The photography is great and the wide variety in furnishings and fixtures was extremely useful for not only my own book, but for inspiration in my own interior decorating at home.

[Anita Ashland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference about mid-century modern furniture design. It gives some of the historical background in additional to all the photos. I know I will refer to this book often prior to making furniture purchases.

[Deana Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful details of the psychology of furniture and design.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really dives into the history of mid-century design. The photographs are not the highest quality, but that's to be expected in a vintage setting. Overall, it's a great book for those wanting to learn about mid-century modern interiors in-depth.

[Mandy Crumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful resource that clearly explains and illustrates mid-century modern history. Chapters on the different styles of mid century modern, interior decor, furniture, design details including tableware and ceramics. Photographs are included to compliment the text.

[Ed Howe]

A good primer for mid century home design and incorporation of Scandinavian furnishings into home interiors,etc.

[Arvind Vermani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book. Explains the context for the design and also it’s meaning. The photographs are used to punctuate and emphasise the text. So if you’re looking for a “look book” go elsewhere.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice book on mid-century modern style and design.

[LemontreeLime]

Great photos, but I did not find the text to be able to tell me much. For example, the chapter on ceramics of the 1950's focused on northern European styles...and then didn't really show any photos of what it was describing. At least show the piece on the page you mention it on, that's only fair.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a pretty basic narrative about mid-century design, but it hit all of the major points and has lovely photographs of some of my favorite pieces of furniture...

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous eye candy; skimmed the text.

[Lauren Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best part was the pictures - gave us some great decorating ideas for our 1950s home.