A sideboard, an Eames chair, a Noguchi coffee table… Icons of Midcentury Modernism design.

Palm Springs has just concluded their very popular annual Modernism Week, a celebration of Midcentury Modernism (MCM) in the desert with house tours, presentations and parties. Few styles have had such an enduring mark on design, fashion, and architecture as MCM. But what exactly is MCM?

Emerging around 1945 in post-World War II America and technically ending circa 1975 (Masterclass), the key components of MCM were open floor plans, indoor-outdoor living, flat roofs, large windows, clean lines, split-level spaces, and functionality. Wood, glass, and steel were favored materials, and ergonomic shapes and bold accent colors dominated furniture and interior design.

The end of WWII ushered in a time of prosperity and optimism. With the rise in the suburban middle class, Americans began embracing a more casual lifestyle that emphasized family, comfort and nature. Design was seen as a vehicle for social change, intended to make life easier and more enjoyable for the masses. “More and more architects and designers sought to create spaces that were uncluttered, functional, and that emphasized a connection with nature” (nicolebozzani.com).

Open Plan Concept: Open floor plans allowed spaces to flow seamlessly into one another, encouraging entertainment and creating a sense of spaciousness.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth home; Photos courtesy of Nicole Bozzani

Richard Neutra home

Large Glass Windows: With newly insulated glass, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors were popular features in MCM, allowing in lots of natural light, creating an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living, and contributing to a sense of harmony with the natural landscape.

William Cody’s Abernathy House, Photo courtesy of Dezeen

Eames House, Photo courtesy of Satin and Slate Interiors

Connection to Nature: Architectural plans considered the natural environment such as orientation to the sun/shade, vistas, and which materials were best suited to the climate. Home designs were meant to compliment and blend into their natural surroundings. Colors were muted and often warm earth tones such as brown, sage and mustard.

*Schindler House. Photo courtesy of Satin and Slate Interiors*

Clean Lines and Minimalism: Stripping away the unnecessary and ornamental and getting to the essence of a design manifested itself in clean lines, and uncluttered spaces typical of MCM. Decorations were kept minimal, and colors muted, with accents of bold prints like geometric or abstract shapes, and pops of color. “When it comes to furniture, mid-century modern features clean lines with organic shapes shaped from wood or metal frames made from stainless steel or aluminum” (the furniturerooms). Unique shapes, and curved and rounded edges were pervasive in furnishings.

Knoll Womb Chair

Saarinen Tulip Table, Photos courtesy of Knoll

Noguchi Coffee Table, Photo courtesy of Noguchi Museum

Wood: Along with steel, glass and concrete, wood was a key material used in this style. Teak, Rosewood and Oak were favored and popular wood furniture included long low sideboards and wooden armchairs, such as the Wegner “Round” chair.

Photo courtesy of The Furniture Rooms

Wegner Round chair Photos courtesy of 1stdibs

Functionality: Form and function were key components to MCM. Simplicity was preferred. "The need and desire for functional, simplistic furniture and decor in our homes was a rebellion against the ornate traditions from decades before and a way for families to embrace a more modern, organic way of living," says designer Eleanor Trepte (thespruce). Ergonomic furniture was designed for comfort and ease, such as the Eames lounge chair and the Knoll Womb chair.

Eames Chair

Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

Barcelona Chair by Rohe & Reich

Although it began more than three-quarters of a century ago, Midcentury Modernism has not gone out of style and thrives today in architecture, furniture and interior design. As Jonathan Adler explains, “Optimism never goes out of style” (architecturaldigest).

Celebrating Midcentury Modernism