Embracing Mid-Century Modern: A Nostalgic Home Makeover

What's your most vivid memory from your grandparents’ house, aside from the delicious food? Maybe it was the living room sofa or the wooden buffet with the embroidered cloth on it. As kids, you probably didn’t think much about their home’s decor or see it as fashionable. But with the resurgence of mid-century furniture and accessories, it turns out there was a clear stylistic statement there, even if accidental.

So, What Exactly Is Mid-Century Modern?

Mid-century modern design spans from the 1940s to the 1960s. While these years in Israel were tumultuous, involving the state's founding, wars, and austerity, the design world experienced a boom in technological advancements that created unique materials and a fresh design ethos. The style is vibrant and functional, combining clean lines with a mix of traditional and innovative materials like wood, iron, fiberglass, and plastic. Even if your grandparents weren’t interior designers, the pieces they owned likely reflected this prevalent style. The home crafted itself into a mid-century haven, a design much revered today.

What was that sofa at grandma's house like?

Want to Try It Out?

Craving the mid-century vibe in your home? Whether you want to transform a whole room or just incorporate some accents, you don’t need to go all in. Dabbling with an 'eclectic' style avoids turning your place into a full-on grandma's house. You can create that charming corner without committing to a full overhaul.

Just a corner works too

Select furniture with clean lines and geometric shapes. Focus on materials like wood, plastic, and metal. Thrift stores and second-hand sites are great for finding those signature pieces, and don’t forget authentic mid-century accessories like ceramics, posters, and prints.

If you spot a fitting sideboard on 'second-hand' sites, grab it. And don’t miss adding a vase for that complete look.

Use bold colors or mix neutrals with a standout hue. Play with textures like velvet, leather, wood, and metal.

Grandma might not have approved of such prints in the living room; she likely preferred her own handmade tapestry.

What About the Kids' Rooms?

Back then, kids' rooms were simple, with mainly functional furniture. Nowadays, you can mix styles for a designed yet modern look—a perfect blend of worlds.

This room has a typical wooden bed and a sideboard, while the rug adds a touch of boho-chic.

Definite style statement in the kids' room.

Can You Include the Bathroom?

Even if you go all mid-century in your house, consider holding back in the bathroom. Opt for a wooden cabinet that nods to that era and indulge in modern design, steering clear of flashing mint green tiles.

A cabinet as a nod to the '50s, everything else – pure class.

The Kitchen of Yesteryears

We saved the kitchen almost for last, because it's always been the heart of the home. Who would style it this way today? You can take home a few elements like the wooden table and chairs or be adventurous with cabinet colors.

Who still has this kind of fridge?

Every detail here, from the table and chair to the pitcher and curtain, reflects the style. Mix and match elements to achieve the desired look.

And finally, in the bedroom, you can create an exact look with loads of chic and style. The wooden bed headboard and matching sideboard, alongside wicker baskets and a lounge chair, establish a non-compromising 'mid-century modern' look that remains current and fashionable.

Grandma may not have had plants in her bedroom, but see how beautifully they integrate.

Grandma’s living room, updated for 2024.

How did your grandparents' home look? Do you remember the fridge and Formica table? Share your memories in the comments.