Darren Kennedy: Add a dash of mid-century Mad Men style with design classics and geometric patterns

Work that classic style into your home by adding vibrant elements and vintage pieces or remakes

"One of the most important aspects of mid-century modern design is simplicity, so use a minimalist approach when it comes to furniture, decor, and accessories." Saarinen-style marble round dining table (120cm), €1,645, cadesign.ie

Eames-style lounger and ottoman, €2,195, cadesign.ie

‘Beumont’ round brass mirror, €1,079, Eichholtz, Arnotts

‘Theodore’ armchair, £995, sohohome.com Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

'Rocket' occasional table, from £910, Roche Bobois, roche-bobois.com

"One of the most important aspects of mid-century modern design is simplicity, so use a minimalist approach when it comes to furniture, decor, and accessories." Saarinen-style marble round dining table (120cm), €1,645, cadesign.ie

Eames-style lounger and ottoman, €2,195, cadesign.ie

‘Beumont’ round brass mirror, €1,079, Eichholtz, Arnotts

‘Theodore’ armchair, £995, sohohome.com Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

'Rocket' occasional table, from £910, Roche Bobois, roche-bobois.com

Darren Kennedy

March 11 2023 04:00 PM

If you’ve ever been to Palm Springs, you’ll know that part of the desert city’s charm is the abundance of mid-century modern style which was popular in this part of California from the 1940s to the 1960s. Think Don Draper out of his suit on his trips out west. This design style has become timeless and is still relevant in interiors today.

The style is characterised by clean, simple lines, geometric shapes, and the use of natural materials like wood, stone and glass. Mid-century modern was influenced by the Bauhaus movement in Europe and was popularised in the US by architects and designers like Richard Neutra, and design duo Charles and Ray Eames (of the famous Eames chair).

Eames-style lounger and ottoman, €2,195, cadesign.ie

The good news? This style works in any climate and any home. One of the most important aspects of mid-century modern design is simplicity, so use a minimalist approach when it comes to furniture, decor, and accessories. Select pieces that are functional, uncluttered, and free of unnecessary embellishments.

‘Theodore’ armchair, £995, sohohome.com Note: Items from the UK may incur extra charges for Republic of Ireland customers

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass are all cornerstones of this look and play an important functional part, adding warmth to an otherwise minimalist backdrop. For example, a wood-panelled accent wall or a stone fireplace adds texture and a sense of homeliness.

'Rocket' occasional table, from £910, Roche Bobois, roche-bobois.com

I need very little excuse to embrace bold colours so something I personally love about this style is its use of vibrant colours. Use them as accents on walls, in pieces of furniture, upholstery or accessories to create a lively and fun atmosphere. Think mustard yellow, burnt orange, turquoise, and avocado green.

Geometric patterns and shapes are another hallmark of this style. Incorporate them through fabrics on pillows, throws, rugs, or wallpaper to add visual interest, and that all-important texture, to your space.

‘Beumont’ round brass mirror, €1,079, Eichholtz, Arnotts

Lighting is a crucial element in mid-century modern design and many of the classic lighting pieces that are still with us today originate in this era. Look for lighting fixtures that feature clean lines, unusual shapes, or materials like glass or brass. A pendant lamp with a sculptural design, or a floor lamp with a tripod base, can be a stunning centrepiece for a room.

I’m not suggesting that you recreate a full mid-century look, but instead incorporate a few elements to lift your space.