Modern Country

I'll shamelessly admit it... I'm a Pinterest addict. I can't help myself. Whatever your love... you can find the best images of whatever you are looking for, and organize it for easy reference later. I've spent more hours than I would like to admit scouring pictures of interiors, and I can't help but notice that one style has been popping up more than ever lately. I dug a little deeper and was surprised that this style that had been catching my eye is called "Modern Country".

I will admit, I cringe when I hear the word country. I know many of you may love the laid back style, but for a modern loving gal like myself, it feels cluttered and messy. My childhood home was stylish at the time... frilly aqua and teal floral print curtains, mixed with burgundy leather couches and dried flower arrangements and little knick knacks that made dusting the worst job on the chore list. Seriously. Although the style was definitely not country, it had many of the same elements that I have come to detest. There was no way I would (or could) like something labelled "Modern Country".

So what is modern country? While searching for images, I stumbled upon a great blog that sums up Modern Country perfectly... A mix of natural wood, whites and creams. Fresh and modern mixed with some rustic elements. I can see the appeal... Just the right mix of modern and cozy. It's the perfect kind of interior to put your DIY projects into. It's not too precious or perfect... a "real" home for the modern-ish family. This is not the country style I love to hate.

This dining room was featured in Style at Home's Top 12 interiors of 2012 and fits the description. Light, bright and airy, natural wood tones with antique light fixtures to add charm. 

Another appealing aspect to a Modern Country interior is the ability to use furniture you already own. For example, a mini DIY project can instantly change the look of grandma's chairs you inherited. The plus side of Modern Country is that it's not supposed to be perfect, which means anybody can take it on! Once again, Pinterest can supply an endless amount of inspiration and links to tutorials. How about this picture which shows random chairs painted a single colour to unify them. Set in an all white room, the greenery outside shines and adds to the charm of the room. 

White Rustic Dining Room

I believe Pottery Barn may have a little something to do with Modern Country gaining some serious popularity. Another amazing blog I discovered shows you how to get Pottery Barn looks with Ikea finds, for a fraction of the cost. For example, the image below can easily be created by throwing a coat of white paint on an oak table that can be bought for next to nothing at any second hand store. Or maybe you already have one sitting in your kitchen just waiting for a makeover. Paired with these chairs from Ikea, and you have your very own Modern Country dining room. 

I love this idea for small entrances... White walls, a rough board, modern brackets and voila! Instant Modern Country on a dime. 

Whether you love or hate country (or thought you hated country), I hope this blogged inspired you to create a Modern Country look of your own! I know it inspired me. :)

Links:

http://practicalenrichment.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/all-time-favorite-design-theme-modern-country/

http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/1688-ikea-country-can-this-modern-marriage-last

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/dining-room/picture/white-rustic-dining-room?room_style=country

http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/top-12-interiors-of-2012/a/45930/8

Eeny meeny miny moe. Mid-Century it is!

Eeny meeny miny moe. Pick a style by the toe.

I didn't think I would have a hard time trying to choose design styles to "dissect" in my blog. As I mentioned in my last post, there are literally hundreds of design styles to chose from. I have my personal favourites of course, but part of the reason I chose to do this blog, was to learn about styles that I don't normally gravitate towards. After much deliberation, I have settled on "Mid-Century Modern" for my first post. It is my personal favourite... the style that inspires me the most (and makes me want to throw out every piece of furniture I own and start over)! Although I know quite a bit about this style, I am always excited to learn more. 

What is Mid-Century Modern design?

It is design from, well, the middle of the century. The 20th century to be exact. According to Wikipedia, it describes design from 1933-1965, but is typically used to describe design from the 1950's. It's style is "recognized world wide as a significant design movement". 

Mid-century modern design is known for spaces with many windows and open concept floor plans. Sounds like modern homes today, but in 1950, using posts and beams to eliminate bulky support walls had never been done before. 

So what makes mid-century modern different from modern?

Mid-century modern has a very distinct look that, once you know what you are looking for, is easily recognizable. Furniture and spaces from this era were designed for function. Many furniture pieces had angular legs and lacked detail. Spaces typically used wood in some form... wood ceilings, wood panelling, wood furniture, etc. The apparent simplicity of these pieces and spaces are what makes them beautiful. 

I particularly love the chairs in this photo. 

They are undoubtedly mid-century modern and were built to last.

An original Florence Knoll sofa ($9969 from Design Within Reach).

Reminds me of something I saw at IKEA last week... ;)

Who doesn't love floor-to-ceiling windows?

Mid-century in Movies

I am a mother of two small kids, and kids love to watch movies over and over... One of my son's favourite's from a few years ago was "The Incredibles". Have you ever paid attention to the interior of their family home? It is an absolutely perfect example of mid-century modern design. How had I never noticed?! I came across this tid-bit of information on midcenturymodernist.com. Here are a few of the pictures I nabbed from the site. The kitchen may not be so dreamy, but check out the exterior of the house. I happen to think it's pretty fantastic (even if it is an animation).

Blast from the past...

If you were born before 1985, you may recognize this house.

 If you guessed it was from "Ferris Buhler's Day Off" (1986), you would be correct!

Mid-century modern design is known for it's ample windows...

If a picture is worth a thousand words....

One of the greatest design teams of mid-century furniture is Charles and Ray Eames. You may not know who they are, but if you have ever flipped through a design magazine, I'm sure you will recognize their furniture. These are but a few of their many iconic pieces...

Last but not least, the office chair I've been coveting...

This little beauty will set you back about $2000 from Design Within Reach. 

If you are a fan of the band "Maroon 5" and their front man, Adam Levine, you will appreciate him even more after clicking on this video link. Adam's Hollywood Hills home was featured in the March 2012 issue of Architectural Digest. His home is an incredible example of mid-century design, including furniture pieces designed by Florence Knoll and George Nelson, two of the most influential designers of their time. 

That is one seriously gorgeous man coffee table!

One of the greatest things about Interior Design is that it's constantly changing and is always up for interpretation. One designer's vision for mid-century modern design may be quite different from another's. I hope my blog will inspire you, and help you discover your favourite style. 

On a side note... 

I am open for suggestions for upcoming posts. If there is a style that you love and want me to dig up information for, or maybe you've heard of a style and would like to know more, please leave a comment and I would be more than happy to check it out!


List of links used in this post:

http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/07/mid-century-modern-wabi-sabi.jpg

http://dwr.scene7.com/is/image/DWR/PD_12943_MAIN?$main$

http://inthralld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Rich-Mid-Century-Retro-Home-In-Los-Angeles-1.jpeg

http://midcenturymodernist.com/2009/culture/film-tv/the-incredibles-mid-century-ideal/

http://www.designattractor.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

http://jetsetmag.com/newsroom/give-your-home-the-mad-men-look-with-charles-eames-furniture/

http://www.rexkelly.com/images/products/lcw.jpg

http://www.conranshop.co.uk/conrancatalog/product/xlarge/global/images/main/600767.png

http://www.tippycustoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Eames-Low-Back-Ribbed-Office-Chair1-e1346094282312.png

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/2012/02/1439150270001