mid century modern? home decorating help!

billiburrows

I need help decorating my new home. This is the listing pic so its not currently my furniture. i'm looking for new furniture. what do u think would look good? 

what else can i do to decorate the space? i think its mid century modern but am not sure. i love the windows and high ceilings but i don't know if i want to always feel like i'm in a mad men episode. how to modernize my 'modern' home? 

Thanks in advance for any help!

BlueBirdMB

Is it a mid century modern house?

billiburrows

no one has told me that is what it is called but certainly seems that way to me. what do you think?

BlueBirdMB

Somewhat, but not necessarily.  If the house wasn't built in the mid century, then it isn't technically mid century, but you can get the general feel regardless of the house.  Do you want to have a mid century styled room or not?

billiburrows

it was built 1956 so i think it is...

i want the living room to be eclectic. i think some mid century but not trying to feel like i am back in the 50's if you know what i mean. in my google searches its people trying to decorate mid century style. i'm kinda the opposite. the room speaks for itself as mid century modern and i'm trying to modernize it....?  

i was thinking maybe a big mid century modern star burst mirror above the fireplace...  maybe... 

we need to buy new furniture so just thinking what would look good in a room like that....

FutureMrsMerati

I love the idea of a star burst mirror on top of the fireplace! I think eclectic mixed with mid century would be a great feel for that house. Have you shopped at West Elm? They have a lot of furniture that lends itself to mid-century styling but is very versatile to go with any style. I would also check out Crate & Barrel. While I prefer West Elm, C&B furniture has nice, clean lines that are the genesis of mid century design. Target even has some furniture that is very reasonably priced but still stylish. If you're adventurous enough, I know a lot of people (bloggers and HGTV hosts included) have had luck with Craigslist/thrift store/vintage finds - either finding a couch with great bones and getting it reupholstered, or finding nice, mid-century wood furniture for the living space.

I follow a few blogs that are along that same idea. Emily Henderson has the same type of style - mid-century/eclectic - and has a living room that shares some of the same characteristics as yours - lots of light, open... Here are a few posts that might inspire you! 

http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/my-spring-target-picks/

http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/my-living-room-the-last-5-years/

http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/the-full-living-room-tour/

http://www.smittenstudioonline.com/home-progress-living-room-nook-refresh/

http://www.smittenstudioonline.com/home-progress-entry-tablereading-nook/

billiburrows

thanks for your help!

BlueBirdMB

I have a couple of midcentury- inspired pieces and some actual mid century pieces that are mixed in with modern pieces. 

Here's my house.

Bedroom: furniture is from 1950, but the colors are more modern and the mixture of fabrics make it feel more modern.  Mix and matching patterns wasn't a thing in mid century design.

Living room: The end tables are from the 1950's.  I think the sofa, which is new, has a midcentury shape and the outlining of the cording is also a little retro.  Again, the mixture of bold fabrics and the rest of the furniture is more modern.  

Dining room: The chairs and pendant are from West Elm- they do have great midcentury pieces- but the table is very contemporary, so it doesn't scream midcentury. 

I hope this helps!  I'm a terrible photographer, so if you have trouble seeing color or something, let me know.  I can also tell you where I specifically got pieces if you are interested.