What is mid-century modern style?

Mid-century modern (MCM) design has a way of feeling both familiar and fresh. It’s a style that mixes simple shapes with warm colours to create a home that looks good without feeling over the top.

What makes it so timeless is how easy it is to live with. Whether your home is big or small, new or old, mid-century modern is an aesthetic that just works. In this guide, we’ll share a few simple ways to bring the look into your own space so it feels natural.

Mid-century interior design 101

Mid-century interior design is about function over frills. The style became popular in the post-war period with the goal of designing homes that supported busy, everyday living. Mid-century modern is still loved because it makes spaces feel beautifully designed and lived in at the same time.

Here are some more popular features of a mid-century home:

• Simple and practical design
• Natural lighting
• Mix of old and new features
• Timber like walnut and teak
• Warm colours and neutrals
• Open layouts

Bringing mid-century interior style home

When people think about mid-century interior design, they usually picture living rooms. But what about the rest of the home? Here’s how to bring this fuss-free look into your kitchen, bathroom and even laundry.

Mid-century bathrooms

Designing a mid-century bathroom means decluttering. Cut down on bulk with simple, easy-to-use features and smart storage. A floating vanity for example, keeps things tidy and frees up floor space.

There’s also an opportunity to lean into a ‘curves vs straight lines’ theme that runs in mid-century modern design. In this bathroom, curved walls and a circle skylight contrast grid tiles and a fluted shower screen. On a smaller scale, you can do this by putting up an arch or round mirror.

Timber is also a favourite in MCM homes, so a teak mirror frame, vanity and accessories is a great way to add warmth and texture. And when it comes to tiles, you’ve got some flexibility. Choose neutral colours or a bold feature wall, whatever fits your vision.

Mid-century kitchens

A mid-century kitchen works best when it feels calm, open and practical. It’s all about keeping the layout simple and clutter to a minimum, so the space remains easy to use every day.

Start with a clean colour palette and add one or two accent shades to bring warmth without overpowering the room. Mid-century splashbacks, for example, were known for their slightly offbeat colours like lively greens, browns and mustard yellows.

Timber cabinets are a classic choice, adding depth and a lived-in feel that suits this style perfectly. Bonus points for teak or a medium -toned warm stain.

Open shelving is another great feature. It breaks up heavy cabinetry and offers a chance to display fun pieces. In the kitchen above, the sputnik star sculpture on the top shelf is a playful nod to mid-century design.

Mid century laundries

Laundries don’t need to feel like an afterthought. In mid-century homes, they were designed to be neat and efficient. The key is simple features that work hard without looking heavy.

Start with cabinetry that has a simple design and warm timber stain. Pair it with a timber benchtop for folding clothes and storing essentials. Open shelves can work here too, but keep them minimal, a couple of baskets or jars are plenty.

For splashbacks, small-format tiles or mosaics in earthy tones or soft pastels bring in that playful MCM feel. If you want to keep it even simpler, a painted wall in a muted shade can work just as well.

Mid-century tapware

Mid-century tapware should follow the same design principles as the rest of your home. Keep it simple, well-designed and functional, and choose a finish that works with the rest of your decor.

Chrome tapware has always been a big part of mid-century style. Previously you’d see it on furniture like chairs, tables and shelving, so using it on your tapware and accessories today gives a nod to that classic look. It’s practical too. Chrome’s easy to clean and goes with every colour.

Other tap colours can work if you like a bit of variety. Here's a look at your other options:

• Brushed Brass
• Antique Brass
• Warm brushed nickel
• Gunmetal
• Matte Black

Mid-century interior style with Yabby

We believe in quality you can rely on, simple design that doesn’t feel fussy and practical functionality that makes everyday life easier.

From mirrors to tapware, explore our wide collection to find the perfect pieces for your mid-century modern home.