Decorating Midcentury Modern Style on a Budget

Seattleites (amongst many, many others) love midcentury modern design. There are midcentury modern homes scattered in neighborhoods all over the area and even new construction projects are borrowing the clean lines and open, airy interiors. When original midcentury modern homes come onto the market they are snatched up quickly and many clients add this architectural style to the top of their wish list. Its enduring popularity can be seen on TV and in the movies, in commercials and print ads, and without a doubt in nearly every furniture store and home decor website you visit. Just search for midcentury modern and the results will pour in.

So, you’re one of the many who love this look; the clean lines, the shapes, colors and materials speak to you. You want your surroundings to feel minimal and clean, to have that interesting yet timeless look and for the outdoors to pour into your space but you have a tight budget. And you know the classic furniture pieces aren’t cheap. What’s a midcentury modern lover to do?

Budget Decorating Doesn’t Happen Over Night

If you are on a small budget, this will take time. But this can be part of the fun, searching for the right pieces at the right prices. Break the design into categories: Furniture, accent pieces, rugs, paint colors, etc. Which rooms do you want to focus on? What pieces do you need for each room? Find images of rooms you love as inspiration and let the search begin!

Patience will be your friend. Again, you can make it fun; think of it as a treasure hunt. Check Etsy, eBay, Craigslist and other sites regularly. Some sites may have items that need some work, but the price is better…are you good at repairs or refinishing or would you like to learn how? That might open up your choices.

For smaller decorative items, check Target, Ikea, West Elm, CB2, Overstock, Room and Board - the list goes on and on. Your local nursery (Swanson’s Nursery is wonderful) will likely have a wonderful selection of indoor plant pots that will fit well into this aesthetic. Even Cost Plus World Market has shifted a fair amount of their products towards midcentury modern (hello budget!)

Shop Regularly at the Right Places

There are plenty of stores in the Seattle area that specialize in midcentury modern decor. Just Google midcentury modern and you’ll realize you’ve probably got a shop nearby. Pieces may be expensive, but you never know what you might find. Also visit thrift stores, garage sales, and Goodwill. Another super fun place to search through is the UW Surplus Store - you never know what you’ll find there!

Reproductions

There is no shame in buying reproductions of vintage mid-century modern pieces. Just do your research and read reviews as to the quality of the furniture. Buying a reproduction of your favorite midcentury modern piece will jumpstart your decorating and keep your budget in line.

Search for Accent Statement Pieces

Maybe it’s just one piece that makes the statement, say a chair or table that you’ve loved forever. The remaining pieces needn’t be strictly midcentury modern, but just follow along with the aesthetic of this style of decoration. Midcentury modern was all about clean lines, organic curves, and shapes and a range of different materials that are still popular today. You can finish the room with inexpensive lamps, tables, rugs and other items. Again, have you been to Target lately? They have tons of items that would fit that bill.

Keep in Simple

Uncluttered and sleek lines, functionality and natural light all are at the heart of midcentury modern. Functionality is important. Charles and Ray Eames designed their furniture with function being every bit as important as the form - and they mastered both. If you can, minimize window coverings (or just do away with) so the light shines in. Now grab your favorite beverage, curl up in a warm blanket and take in the colors, shapes and light you’ve created. You’ve earned it (and done it on a budget!!)