Mid-century modern, often referred to as MCM, is a term used to categorize architectural, interior design and products produced from 1933 to 1965. With simplistic Scandinavian and Brazilian lines combined and elements found in nature, it was embraced by major designers in mid-century America and continues to be a strong influence in home decor in 2016.
The U.S. war effort of the 1940s called for sacrifice on the part of the American public. Once it ended people began to spend money more freely and during the 1950s and 1960s a more relaxed attitude emerged. New home construction was on the rise, as tract housing filled the suburbs. New housing featured horizontal lines and open concept living, inspiring the Mid-Century Modern style of furniture in America. Function was as important as form with an emphasis placed on targeting the needs of the average American family.
Those of us in the resale furniture business have noticed a marked change in our customers since the mid-90s. The baby boomers, who supported sales for the past 20 years, have pretty much acquired their household furnishings. In their place are savvy younger buyers (28-40) with very defined tastes and a strong preference for furniture from the mid-20th century.
Recently I spoke with three 20-something couples who came to the Southport Antique Mall in search of furnishings for their homes. They had just started to purchase furniture and I found it interesting that of all the pieces they needed, they were most excited about shopping for “one of those really wild chairs from the 1950s.” From recent national sales reports, it appears that many feel that way.
The work of Charles and Ray Eames served as an inspiration to many of the leading designers of the 1950s and gave us the ultimate in MCM design with their famous Barcalounger and ottoman set designed for the Herman Miller Furniture Company in 1956. This work proves that the classics stand the test of time, as this set remains one of the top selling MCM purchases for those seeking understated elegance. (As a point if reference for those of you unfamiliar with this set, you may remember it from the living room the popular TV show “Frazier”)
When we think of bold 1950s colors and geometric designs, we think of George Nelson. An industrial designer and co-founder of American Modernism, Nelson is credited with the two milestones in home design; the family room and storage walls/built-ins. In furniture design he was a leader in futuristic forms, serving 1947-1972 as the Director of Designs for Herman Miller. Nelson’s Coconut Chair, shaped like a cut from a coconut shell and mounted on three thin chrome legs, is popular with decorators as its unique form makes it adaptable to a number of seating arrangements.
Arne Jacobsen referred to himself as an architect; in fact he shunned the label “designer.” Still, he is credited with one of the most commercially successful chair models in design history, the 3-legged Ant Chair. Millions of these bold colored, tubular steel and plywood chairs have been sold since they it hit the market in 1951. Jacobsen followed the Ant with two other distinctive 1950s designs with he Egg Chair and Swan Chair. Jacobsen’s classic designs will fill the need for “one of those really wild chairs from the 50s” with their geometric designs, clean lines and bright colors.
Superior quality chairs are available online direct from Herman Miller at www.hermanmiller.com, but note that they run in the $3,000-$6,000 range. For the same look at a fraction of the price check out www.moderninidesigns.com. Until next time …Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional estate liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
