Following trends in interior design is a gamble. What is on trend can be off trend in just a year. Even the it color (turquoise for 2010) changes annually.
So, I wonder if iconic mid-century designers like Eames and Knoll knew their designs would outlast trends decades later. The time was Post War 1950′s when designers were optimistic about the future and looked for ways to establish harmony between natural and man made design elements. Furnishings tend to be well-built, have clean lines, and have smaller scale, perfect for apartments or small spaces.
I’ve paired spaces (below) that feature the same iconic furniture piece. The images labeled NOW are straight from the Design Within Reach website. The images labeled THEN are from Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement circa 1970. FYI, there are a total of eighteen volumes!
A couple of weeks ago my aunt invited the family over for dinner. I hadn’t been to her house since I was a kid and was surprised to see the decor was still pretty much the same. In the dining room (left), she updated the window coverings and added a few accessories. The tablecloth was there just for dinner. In her rec room (right) I was shocked to see this bar and the wallpaper. Believe me when I tell you all of her “classic” pieces are in excellent shape!
I asked her if I could return later to take more pics. These were the only two I could snag before everyone sat down to eat. My Aunt and I had a brief conversation about her downsizing to a smaller place which meant her getting rid of this furniture. I would be interesting in knowing the value of these and other “vintage” pieces found in her home.
Do you know anyone who decorates their home in Mid-Century Modern decor? I feel a sense of nostalgia when in homes of this style. What mood does it evoke for you?
May 27, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I like the chandelier!
Thanks again for the guest post on my blog today on Sex & the City!
May 27, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I'm a huge mid century nut. That for those old photos.
May 27, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I love the kids room fun
May 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Mies van der Rohe, Saarinen and Eames were truly brilliant designers! That whole "class" was in a league of their own. I don't think this furniture will EVER go out of style!
May 27, 2010 at 1:28 pm
It's amazing that these classic pieces are still so prominent in designing our homes today.
May 27, 2010 at 1:34 pm
It is interesting how some of the "then" images look incredibly current, particularly the kids' room. Crazy! What a fun post!!
Janell
May 27, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I LOVE that you cannot tell the difference in time between the photos! I just placed a midcentury sideboard in a job as a console under a flatscreen television. I'll have photos posted on my blog as soon as the window treatments get installed.
http://www.vintagescoutinteriors.blogspot.com
May 27, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Goes to show good design is timeless. The then photos look like they are from today…great post!!!
May 27, 2010 at 2:11 pm
alot of people dont really know what they have…someones grandmother is sitting on a goldmine of decor, and just doesnt know it.
May 27, 2010 at 2:22 pm
you know what? mid century decor does make you feel nostalgi, but like Tamstyles said, there is so much to be uncovered in you grandmas house…Great pieces that are sturdy and can transcend changing design seasons..
XOXO
Kiki
May 27, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Erika, my cousin Belle has amazing taste when it comes to mid-century/modern design. I would love to submit some photos of what she had done. She is not a designer or decorater but has done an awesome job. BTW, what did your Aunt do with the furniture she got rid of?
May 27, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@ Leah, Please I would love to see what Belle had done! My Aunt hasn't decided to move yet. Should I let you know when she does?
May 27, 2010 at 3:53 pm
It is amazing how our lives are one big circle.
May 27, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I love seeing the now and then! and her pieces are gorgeous.
May 27, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I love Mid Centry style it's so much fun – great selcection of pics
May 27, 2010 at 8:41 pm
I agree, Mid Cent style is brilliant. Great to see how things where then compared to now. Really enjoying my first few days reading your blog!
May 27, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Just stumbled across your blog, love it!
I can't believe those photos of your Aunt's home, the house look's amazing!
May 27, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Erika, I'm a huge fan of the mid-century design style. As a matter of fact my father worked on the famous Eichler Homes in Walnut Creek, Sunnyvale and Palo Alto. Of course this area is now called Silicon Valley. I used to go to the site with him every week-end versus playing with Barbie. It was these trips that made me realize my love for mid- century architecture. And the rest is history (blah blah blah).
Your NOW and THEN is super kool.
Take Care.
Char
May 27, 2010 at 10:49 pm
What I find so amazing is that you can't even tell in some of the comparisons which one is "now" and which one is "then". Truly timeless!
May 27, 2010 at 11:20 pm
omg that is so funny. all of those pics look relevant..
May 28, 2010 at 2:00 am
it's crazy how most of the "then" rooms look like something we'd see in a magazine today! i'm lovin' your auunt's stools, too–great post.
May 28, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Wow! My dad has an Eames lounge and ottoman and 2 Wassily chairs. Guess he was in style back in the day….times have changed! lol!
May 28, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Great post, I compare a lot of the then and now too with older books and magazines. Most of design is simply recycled. I know when Duncan Phyffe started he simply copied other artists before him, until he created his own style. I am excited to see WHO will be the Phyffe's, and Eames' during our era…
June 2, 2010 at 2:00 am
I love this. I think the best type of designs last and are classic like these images. I truly hope I can design my home in a way that when I look at it in the future it doesn't make me cringe (at least not all of it).