The Mercury News

How to bring a mid-century modern vibe to your home

- By Cathy Hobbs Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or v

The beauty of mid-century modern design is the pieces are timeless, and they can be a staple that won’t go out of style. Tufted mid-century modern leather side chairs add a sense of refinement to this living space. (Design Recipes)

When you think of midcentury modern, what comes to mind? Architectu­re? Furniture?

Mid-century modern is often used to describe a period in design centered around the middle of the 20th century. Clean, hard lines, brass finishes and solid hardwoods dominated, as did classic furniture pieces that are making a comeback. The beauty of mid-century modern design is the pieces are timeless, and they can be a staple that won’t go out of style.

Looking for ways to incorporat­e mid-century modern decor? Here are some areas of the home and some furniture suggestion­s to infuse a midcentury modern feel and vibe. Dining Areas

Dining rooms are one of the main areas to easily incorporat­e aspects of mid-century modern decor.

Don’t know where to begin? Here are some basic elements.

• Oval-shaped dining

tables. Ovals are a classic shape in mid-century modern furniture, and they won’t go out of style.

• Lacquer finishes. Love it or hate it, lacquer is making a bold comeback, from kitchen cabinets to furniture. Whether you desire a glossy or more matte finish, lacquer is one way to infuse a midcentury modern vibe. • Classic mid-century modern dining chairs. There are so many different yet classic chair styles that help define the mid-century modern period. Don’t be afraid to mix and match by pairing mid-century modern chairs with furniture from another period. For example, mid-century modern dining chairs look great with both glass tables as well as antiques. Living Areas

Living areas and other main social areas such as family rooms are key places to incorporat­e mid-century modern decor in different ways.

• Shag rugs. Think soft and fluffy, solid colored and sleek. Shag rugs come in various thicknesse­s and shapes and can help anchor and define a space. • Walnut and solid hardwood furniture. Easily identifiab­le and often associated with mid-century modern period furniture, walnut and hardwoods in rich, deep tones can add a classic and refined feel to nearly any space. • Tufted leather side chairs. Tufted furniture, including pieces made out of leather, are often associated with the mid-century modern period. Butterscot­ch, olive, white and black are leather colors often found on midcentury furniture pieces.

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 ??  ?? A familiar dining table and chair serve as classic, yet modern pieces for this dining space. (Design Recipes)
A familiar dining table and chair serve as classic, yet modern pieces for this dining space. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? Clean lines help define a mid-century modern look. (Design Recipes)
Clean lines help define a mid-century modern look. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? An oval-shaped dining table helps anchor this modern dining space. (Design Recipes)
An oval-shaped dining table helps anchor this modern dining space. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? A classic mid-century modern tufted dining chair is the perfect pairing in this dining space. (Design Recipes)
A classic mid-century modern tufted dining chair is the perfect pairing in this dining space. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? Classic ghost chairs add a sense of light to this modern living space. (Design Recipes)
Classic ghost chairs add a sense of light to this modern living space. (Design Recipes)
 ??  ?? A patchwork-style side chair adds a colorful edge in this home office. (Design Recipes)
A patchwork-style side chair adds a colorful edge in this home office. (Design Recipes)

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