{"id":3971,"date":"2019-07-15T20:18:42","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T02:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/?p=3971"},"modified":"2019-07-25T17:03:10","modified_gmt":"2019-07-25T23:03:10","slug":"mid-century-interior-design-with-estate-sale-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/mid-century-interior-design-with-estate-sale-finds","title":{"rendered":"Mid Century Interior Design with Estate Sale Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"

So much of design aesthetic is timeless. While some things you find at an estate sale<\/a> will invoke nostalgia, others will look like they could\u2019ve been made yesterday. Wendy Hammond of CapeCodModern<\/a><\/span> says this contemporary quality is what makes mid century modern interior design particularly easy in almost any home. \u201cPieces designed sixty plus years ago still look modern and fresh today,\u201d she says. \u201cI live in a farmhouse built in 1850, filled with mid century modern furniture. It looks right at home.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wool
Mid century furniture and art from estate sales can easily be integrated into any home, regardless of the home’s initial design. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regardless of your reasons for being drawn to an estate sale find\u2014that ashtray reminds you of your grandfather or that clock would look perfect in your kitchen\u2014there are a number of ways to incorporate all of your favorite treasures into the existing design plan within your home. By adding estate sale<\/a> finds to your decor, you benefit from the constant joy of seeing (and perhaps even using) these items.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defining Qualities of the Mid Century Interior<\/span><\/h1>\n

Mid century modern design<\/a> is a popular aesthetic, one that can be found in abundance at estate sales. It falls in the category of vintage, but not quite antique. \u201cNot everything vintage was designed following the parameters of mid century modern design,\u201d says Beatriz Macias of MidModMomStore.<\/a><\/span>\u00a0\u201cBut all mid century modern design is vintage. Vintage covers more eras and styles.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Black
The sleek, clean lines in the 1956 sitting room are an example of mid century modern design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vintage is a much broader phrase that can apply to anything over 20 years old. \u201cMid century modern is a distinctive design style, while vintage can be just about anything,\u201d says Hammond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So how does one <\/span>define<\/span><\/i> mid century modern?<\/span><\/p>\n

Era<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cMid century is a very particular time in design,\u201d says Nicole Hobbs of HobbsModern<\/a>. \u201cSome say its broadly from 1933 to 1965, though some would argue the period is specifically limited to 1947 to 1957.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Newspaper
Some people mark the beginning of mid century design as the end of the WWI. Image courtesy of Roger Butterfield.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Josh Cemelich, CEO of ABTModern<\/a><\/span>, agrees with the broader span of years to define mid century design. \u201cIn my opinion this era was specific to the mid 30\u2019s- mid 60\u2019s but the specific years are often held in debate,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minimalist<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cMid century modern design is specific to the era following the First World War, when there was a movement in creating minimalist pieces that were less ornate than the preceding eras in design, while being architecturally compelling with specific attention to materials used, symmetry, and angles,\u201d says Cemelich. \u201cLess is more and the minimalism in MCM design creates an environment for peaceful living and the capacity to freely create and do work that feels inspired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"brass
This 1970s metal sculpture is classic mid century minimalist. Image courtesy of MidModMomStore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Functional<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mid century modern items are unusually practical as far as antiques go. The mid century modern movement leaned towards efficiency and away from embellishment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Brass
This 1930s Hayno Focken hand hammered brass bowl is an example of a beautiful, but also utilitarian, item – a marker of mid century design. Image courtesy of MidModMomStore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe motto \u2018form follows function\u2019 comes from the Bauhaus movement in Germany in the 40s,\u201d says Hobbs. \u201cThey believed that the elaborate decorations of the 19th century\u2014curlicues, pictures and elaborate carvings\u2014were out of date and spoke to another time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Accessible<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Macias adds that mid century \u201cis accessible and affordable. Another characteristic of a mid century modern interior is love for the hand made, such as rugs, art, ceramics, sculptures, photographs, crafts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Organic & Whimsical<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Lamp
This 1960s Finnish table lamp is equal parts whimsy and function\u2014a perfect mid century modern blend. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The practicality that marks mid century modern interiors isn\u2019t entirely serious or cold, though. \u201cThere was also a lot of use of bold pattern, geometrics and bright colors\u2014a sense of whimsy to a lot of designs,\u201d says Hammond. \u201cThere is also an element that reflects the organic qualities of nature,\u201d says Macias.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wood
This 1960s lamp features an organically-shaped base in wood, both material and pattern that are iconic to mid century design. Image courtesy of CapeCodMod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kristen Roach of MidCenturyModernLove <\/a><\/span>says that this \u201cbeautiful quirky collision between automation and fun\u201d is what drew her to the mid century modern design of post WWI. \u201cThe economy was great, families were thriving, and there was a sense of wonder and possibility,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was well-suited to a culture that needed things to make sense again, but could never go back to the way things were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Iconic Materials<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Wooden
A 1960s Dansk serving bowl in teak, a popular material for mid century modern designers. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some defining characteristics of mid century modern design are sleek clean lines, understatement and graphic use of black and white. \u201cThe designers used traditional materials like wood in new ways and new materials like plastic, perspex, metals and chrome,\u201d says Hobbs. Teak was a particularly popular material for furniture and bowls of this era.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Four
Teak dining chairs by Johannes Andersen for Andersens M\u00f8belfabrikd, 1969. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Four
\u201cThese chairs are incredibly comfortable, elegant and interesting from many angles,\u201d says Hobbs of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mid Century Interior Design Ideas<\/h1>\n

Even if you fall in love with a functional item, it doesn\u2019t have<\/em> to be used functionally. Many items you find at estate sales<\/a> might be something that was formerly useful but has little function anymore\u2014such is the way of antiques.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Even modern homes can evoke a mid century feel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The aesthetic appeal of an item isn\u2019t reduced because you don\u2019t use it (though mid century modern designers might disagree!). Use functional items to decorate various rooms of the house. \u201cAn ice box and tongs, bread box, cutlery or containers for sugar and flour in bright mid century modern colors can add a great touch,\u201d says Hobbs. She also adds that glassware, like martini glasses or serving plates, can be decorative even if rarely used. Scandinavian or Danish toys<\/a> can also double as mid century decor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
This set of Scandinavian block toys from the 1960s would be make for lovely mid century decor. Image courtesy of MidModMomStore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Glass Collections<\/h2>\n

If you find yourself drawn to the colorful glass of days of old, a glass collection<\/a> can be a great way to decorate your home. \u201cA collection of mid century glass with its beautiful shapes and colors is a true winner,\u201d says Macias.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Blue
A 1960s turquoise blue glass vase. Image courtesy of Hobbs Modern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Two
Whirpool bottle by Don hepherd for his Glass America line. Image courtesy of MidModMomStore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Glasses
A collection of 1960s green glasses. Image courtesy of CapeCodMod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A 1960s blue glass candy dish. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enamelware<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cEnamelware in the kitchen is always a bright and colorful accent,\u201d says Macias. While excellent for decorating, these items might not always be food-safe. \u201cEnamelware pots\u2014such as the popular Lotus design by Grete Prytz Kittelsen for Cathrineholm, Norway\u2014are often found in less-than-perfect condition,\u201d says Hammond.\u00a0 “<\/span>They may not be safe for cooking, but still make great d\u00e9cor pieces. I have several on display in my home purely for decoration.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"White
A 1960s enamel cooking pot designed by Grete Prytz Kittelson for Cathrineholm, Norway. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Blue
A 1960s Cathrineholm Norway skillet in cobalt blue and white. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ashtrays\/Lighters<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWith the popularity of smoking in the 1950s\/1960s, it is no surprise that ashtrays were thoughtfully designed,\u201d says Hammond. \u201cMid century ashtrays make great d\u00e9cor pieces, even in a non-smoking house. They were made in all sorts of fun, atomic shapes. I love them for displaying air plants, spare change, jewelry and knick knacks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"grey
This nesting lighter and ashtray from the 1960s is something that even a non-smoker could use for mid century modern decor. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"White,
The ceramic, brass and wood combo on this 1950s lighter would look beautiful as decoration on a mantel or side table. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Blue
Turquoise and gold glazed leaf ashtray from the 1960s. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A 1960s boomerang ashtray with an amber crackle glaze. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Brown
A 1960s boomerang ashtray in classic retro colors: brown, orange and green. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lamps<\/h2>\n

Lamps can pull together any room and, as a functional item, can often be found in cool mid century designs. \u201cMid century lamps are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials,\u201d says Hammond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tall
A 1970s Stemlite Tulip Lamp. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"White
\u201cThis no-brand desk lamp that is everything MCM industrial design is all about: beauty, practicality, simplicity,\u201d says Macias of MidModMomStore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

Seating<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to big, functional statement pieces, seating is king. From couches to chairs<\/a> to stools, all of these items can act as the central decorative item in a room, or act as an anchor to pull together a room’s aesthetic.<\/p>\n

\"Brown
A 1960s mid century modern ottoman. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cA mid century must-have is furniture that fits in a room, not takes it over,\u201d says Roach. \u201cA mid-century couch, perched on skinny legs, looks like a place to rest for a spell, but not too long. There\u2019s a flow of energy in that space underneath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wooden
A 1950s sculptural sofa by the Danish desgner Ib Kofod-Larsen, for Selig. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Back
\u201cThis couch is so pristine and in capsule vintage condition,\u201d says Hobbs of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Three
\u201cThese pretzel chairs are a great example of mid century modern design. Their shape is geometric and modern. They feel like a piece of art as well as functional furniture,” says Hobbs of HobbsModern<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Three
Pretzel chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft Inc in 1958. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Wooden
Mid Century Modern Mr. Chair for Plycraft by George Mulhauser, a significant American designer. Image courtesy of HobbsModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tips for Mid Century Modern Interior Design<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mix-and-match is both welcome and celebrated in the design world. No matter what era\u2014vintage, mid century, antique\u2014your beloved estate sale find comes from, you can make a home for it. \u201cMid century can be mixed with any other design styles,\u201d says Hobbs. \u201cOur rule is if you love it, put it with other things you love and it will work. Don\u2019t be scared to mix patterns, materials and design trends. Rules are so old-fashioned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When pulling together your estate sale finds into a cohesive room, Macias recommends the following: \u201cOne or two statement pieces of furniture, an open shelving system to display collections, several lamps, and of course art or posters of the era. Choose your everyday objects selectively and get dinnerware, silverware, glassware and vases that carry the theme and style of your home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wooden
This 1960s Drexel Declaration china hutch would be a perfect shelving system to display a collection of glass or enamelware. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hammond agrees that you need an appropriate piece of furniture<\/a> for display collections. \u201cA bar car is a must-have,\u201d she says. \u201cThey are great for displaying your collection of mid century modern barware.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\"\"
This 1960s teak bar cart would make a perfect place to display a mid century modern glass collection. Image courtesy of MightyVintage<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Incorporating your estate sale finds into your home is primarily a spacing game. Once you\u2019ve found a space for your item, you can pull the look together with finishing touches. \u201cFind the spot for it,\u201d says Macias. \u201cIf it’s furniture, bring it together with a pillow or a rug. If it’s odd and unique, make it the centerpiece of the room. Multiples are always better.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wire
Almost any wall art that you like can act as a statement piece for a mid century modern room. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your Estate Sale Finds, Your Style<\/h1>\n

Most designers will tell you that rule-breaking is welcome when it comes to incorporating estate sale<\/a> finds into interior design. \u201c<\/span>Luckily your style is singular, not made from a mold, and what you say goes,\u201d says Roach. \u201cIf you decorate with things you love, the age or era of the pieces will be secondary to your own aesthetic. You can\u2019t really do anything \u2018wrong.\u2019 You might stir up cocktails with a glass swizzle in a pinch-spout pitcher with palm-tree shaped ice from silicone trays and serve them in stemless wine glasses\u2014somehow it\u2019ll all make sense.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"gold
The starburst clock is another essential component of mid century design that can act as a statement piece. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You don\u2019t have to live in a mid century modern ranch to enjoy mid century modern style. \u201cStart small with a couple of pieces\u2014maybe a Danish Modern credenza to put your TV on, or a dresser in a guest room, or a few decorative pieces. Build from there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Start small. Even if this mid century swivel chair doesn’t perfectly match your carpet, you can make it work and grow your collection. Image courtesy of CapeCodModern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if you like items from different eras and design aesthetics, Macias advises decorators to simply buy what they like. \u201cIf you only surround yourself with things that \u2018talk\u2019 to you, soon there is a dialogue happening,\u201d she says. \u201cAlways think of the colors that you like best, try and stay within a palette. Break the rules once in a while and create contrast. Uniform interiors are boring!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

So much of design aesthetic is timeless. While some things you find at an estate sale will invoke nostalgia, others will look like they could\u2019ve been made yesterday. Wendy Hammond of CapeCodModern says this contemporary quality is what makes mid century modern interior design particularly easy in almost any home. \u201cPieces designed sixty plus years\u2026Read More<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":4045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3971"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3971"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3971\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4069,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3971\/revisions\/4069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/thegoods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}