Mid Century Modern de-coded! April 18 2016

Ever since my design college days, I've been a huge fan of Bauhaus and what is now referred to as the (American) Mid Century Modern aesthetics.

Reading west-centric (primarily USA based) design and decor blogs and magazines only lead to an ever growing fascination for this period.

'Mid-Century Modern' or MCM is a term often used to describe a design movement, encompassing architecture, furniture, decor, and graphic design in the US, roughly in the mid 20th century, that was essentially an American reflection of the Bauhaus movement in Europe, influenced by the works of designers and architects like Gropius, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Post the 2 major World Wars, in the 1950s much of the world was depleted financially and emotionally. But spirits were high. Good seemed to have triumphed over evil, and the opportunity to pave a new way of life presented itself. Shortage of money, shortage of materials, accelerated rebuilding requirements- the 3 practical reasons that lead to an innovative use of minimal resources and deployment of new materials such as plastic, plywood, metal composites, laminates and fiberglass. The designs that came about were simple and therefore timeless. Many scholars believe that there was an emotional rebellion to the ornamentation that was prevalent at the time.

Shaped by the Bauhaus, MCM style favored concrete, steel and glass, open plans, geometrically precise forms and integrating the outside with the interiors. Clean, sculptural lines exemplified the mid-century modern furniture and quirky geometric and curvilinear shapes were other hallmarks of the decor and prints of this era. Followers believed that technology and mass-production weren’t necessarily at odds with artistry, and championed a utopian vision that everyday urban life could be elevated through design.

More than half a century after its origin, Mid century modern (MCM), suddenly feels very relevant again. Its minimalist sensibility, a preference for the clean lines and pared down designs seem to be exactly what we need as we look to simplify our fast paced, multitasking, over informed, frantic, internet fueled lives.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the time spent researching this design period for our new collection 'Bidri X MCM'.....sharing a few pages from our inspiration board!

[Text compiled with inputs from Wiki and articles on MCM on the internet]

Also posted on our Facebook page on 18th April, 2016.