Mid-Century Color Schemes
When considering the color palette for a Mid-Century Modern home, it’s essential to understand that the colors used during the era were not just bold and vibrant—they were thoughtfully chosen to reflect the optimistic spirit of the time, the connection to nature, and the technological advancements that were shaping society. This blend of innovation and natural harmony is what made Mid-Century color schemes so distinctive and timeless.
I often separate Mid-Century colors into two distinct color spaces: Classic and Mod.
The classic Mid-Century palette includes hues like teal, mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and various shades of brown. These colors were often inspired by nature, drawing from the earthy tones of the landscape and the vibrant hues of the flora. The era's design ethos emphasized a connection to the natural world, which is why these colors often complement each other so well.
The Mod Mid-Century palette is more of what we think of when we think of where Mid-Century evolved in the 60s in places like Palm Springs. Think the bright pinks, yellows, teals, and oranges. These colors also reflected that same optimism, but taken to an extreme level of saturation. These colors evoked feelings of celebration and futuristism, and were often cooler in tone and paired with cool whites to match. To me, this is really when Mid-Century became Modern, when the more organic materials of wood and stone were supplemented with modern materials aluminum and steel.
While most Mid-Century architecture can be taken in one direction or another depending on the owner’s specific taste, it’s important to pick either Classic or Mod so that you don’t go mixing colors and styles that don’t tend to compliment well.
In applying these colors to a modern home, it's crucial to strike a balance between paying homage to the past and ensuring the space feels current. One way to do this is by using these colors as accents rather than overwhelming the entire space. For instance, a teal sofa or a mustard yellow rug can introduce Mid-Century flair without overpowering the room. Pairing these bold colors with neutral tones like white, beige, or gray can help balance the space, ensuring that it feels both vibrant and livable.
Just remember, if you have a cool neutral, pick cooler Mod colors, and if you’d rather keep the space on the warmer side, keep the colors toned down in more of a Classic palette.
The use of these colors extends beyond just furniture and decor—it’s also about the architectural elements. For example, brickwork in Mid-Century homes was often left unpainted to showcase its natural texture and color. Painting over original brick can detract from the home’s character, so it’s often better to highlight these elements by choosing complementary colors that enhance their natural beauty. If you have exposed wood beams or paneling, instead of painting over it, consider working with the shades of brown to highlight this historic use of materials. The Classic palette works well with woods, but if the wood is unfinished or blonde, you can often go with the Mod palette!
Incorporating Mid-Century colors into a modern setting can also involve updating materials. For example, while you might choose the classic olive green or burnt orange, you could opt for modern fabrics or finishes that offer durability and ease of maintenance while still capturing the spirit of the era. Consider pairing modern textiles with vintage mid century furniture. Even dyed leather works really lovely with vintage wood, and you can do the leather in colors that reflect the type of Mid-Century palette you’re going for!
When renovating or restoring a Mid-Century home, it’s important to respect the original design principles, including the use of color. Rather than covering up or altering original features, find ways to enhance them. For example, if your home has original wood paneling or unpainted brick, choose colors that highlight these elements rather than compete with them. The goal is to create a space that feels cohesive, honoring the past while still feeling relevant today.