Originating in the U.S. in the mid-1930s, mid-century modern design has stood the test of time for its elegant simplicity and timeless appeal. In fact, many of the furniture pieces you’ve likely scrolled past on the Internet have incorporated some of these elements into their design.
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Whether you work from home full-time or simply need a secondary workspace, a home office that meets your needs when it comes to both functionality and design is important to your overall productivity.
At Vermont Woods Studios, we’re long-time fans of the mid-century modern design aesthetic and think that its practical, calming nature works perfectly in any home office. But how do you design a mid-century modern home office? Here are 8 elements of the design style to consider:
1. Solid Wood Desk
Mid-century modern design is known for its use of natural materials to create a space that feels inviting. To us, nothing embodies this principle more than a solid wood desk. Crafted from sustainably sourced hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, or oak, solid wood desks are both functional and beautiful.
When choosing the right desk for your space, look for simple designs with clean lines and minimal ornamentation to stay true to the mid-century aesthetic. We recommend the minimalist design of the American Shaker Writing Desk or clean lines and opportunity for storage featured in the Burlington Shaker Executive Desk.
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2. Storage Systems
Storage systems are not only practical additions to any home office, but also embody the clutter-free style inherent in mid-century modern design. Whether it’s a solid wood bookshelf or filing cabinet, these units can be customized to the exact specifications of your space, making sure that they really fit your needs.
We particularly like the Heartwood Shaker 4-Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet for its natural wood tones and the simple Andover Modern Bookcase for its straight, clean lines.
3. Statement Lighting
When we think about home decor, many of us leave lighting to the last minute. However, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone of your home office– and on a practical level, sets you up for productivity.
In mid-century modern design, bold and unique lighting fixtures serve as focal points within the space. Statement pieces, in particular, not only provide the light needed for your work, but also add a touch of personality and flair to the space.
We recommend choosing both task lighting for your desk area and ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Metal Accents
Metals like brass, chrome, and steel are distinctive features of mid-century modern design–when used in moderation. These materials add elegance and sophistication to your home office. We recommend incorporating metal accents through furniture legs, lamp bases, and decorative objects.
5. Minimal Color Palette
Mid-century modern design often features a color palette that includes neutral and earthy tones, colors that create a calm and inviting atmosphere while also being perfect for a productive home office, we might add.
To incorporate these colors, consider painting your walls in a neutral shade and adding pops of color through accessories like cushions, rugs, and artwork.
6. Geometric patterns and prints
Geometric patterns add visual interest and can be incorporated in a variety of ways, including through rugs, curtains, wallpaper, or even artwork. We recommend choosing patterns that feature clean lines and symmetrical shapes to maintain the modern look of mid-century design.
7. Organic Shapes
Organic shapes and curves add a sense of movement and flow to the space, making it more dynamic and visually interesting. To add these types of shapes to your space, look for furniture pieces with rounded edges and curved forms, such as an oval coffee table will soften the overall look of your home office to create a more inviting environment.
8. Clean Lines
At the heart of mid-century modern design is a commitment to clean lines and minimalism. This approach focuses on simplicity and functionality, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. Choose furniture and decor that emphasize straight lines and geometric forms.
On a practical level, a minimalist home office promotes a clutter-free and efficient workspace– characteristics we can all appreciate! By keeping your office simple and streamlined, you can create a serene environment that fosters productivity and creativity.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your current home office setup, keeping the above principles of mid-century modern design are a great place to start. But before you get started, be sure to take a look at our collection of mid-century modern pieces.
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