Sustainable living for the Modern Family.  A clearing out of clutter.  respect for the character of materials and an embracing of colour. Have you maybe talked about some of these ideas if you are thinking of decorating your house... or building a new one, lately?

The interesting part is that these themes, so popular today, come from another time, nearly 70 years ago.  This was the period from the 1920s to the 1960s when a new Design movement rose up, first in Germany and other parts of Europe, then in America after World War Two.  Have you maybe heard of Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen?  These two architects migrated to America from Europe and were pioneers of the movement that emphasized function and did away with the historical baggage of the past.

In an era of vast social and political changes, people were looking for an identity and value in the face of rapidly advancing technology.  New manufacturing processes gave Designers of Furniture and Architects the ability to create products for everyone, not just the rich and famous.  Furniture Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen and Warren Platner, created furniture for the new open, flowing living spaces.  Their designs have become investment pieces today.

While we may not all be able to afford an original from these iconic Design houses, it's not wise to fill our homes with cheap knock offs, just to 'get the mid century look' .  Here's some things to think about when embracing this Design Style for your home.

The space around the furniture is as important as the form of the furniture - furniture shapes and architectural elements become the hero pieces.

Combine varying shapes and colours of furniture, using natural timbers to tie them together.

Striking combinations of materials feature heavily - stone, wood, glass , concrete and marble.

The pared back neutral palette and elegant shapes of Scandinavian style work very well with this style.

Or you can go for a pop of colour, with vintage pieces adding interest and to make it real!

The world has moved on from a time when plastic and wool boucle fabric were first being discovered and the first atom bombs had just been dropped.  However the Design thinking that first emerged then is still growing and when we embrace this movement in decorating our homes we are adding to this legacy to improve the lives of our families today....Go for it!