ST201904

Search for studio

pottery (above right)

in charity shops and

boot sales; display

vintage finds and

houseplants on open

shelving, and look

out for teak and

chrome furniture

for an authentic

mid-century vibe

WAY S T O PL AY

WITH PATTERN

mid-centurystyle.Maybewithsomethingalittle

bitbonkersthrownin,too.

Whenyou’reputtingyourmid-centuryscheme

together,trynottomakeonlinemoodboardsyour

firstportofcall.Stepawayfromyourtablet,mix

yourself a cocktail and look to physical things for

inspiration. Flick through some vintage magazines.

Consider your favourite f leamarket finds. Assess

whatyoualreadyownandlove.What’sonyour

wishlist?Thinkaboutwhatthesoundtrackmight

be.Doyouwantyourlivingspacetofeelmore

loungecore, or space-age bachelor pad?

Creatingamid-century-inspiredschemeisall

aboutsourcingtherightelementsandputtingthem

together with confidence and subtlety. Stick too

rigidly to a specific period or theme and you run the

risk of living in a museum. Splash out on too many

design classics and your home could end up feeling

like a soulless furniture showroom. Even enthusiasts

like us sometimes are forced to exercise a bit of

restraint. Many’s the time we’ve started out, certain

of the look we’re trying to achieve, and then that

chair we were sure would be perfect tips everything

over the edge. Or the room’s crying out for an element

of wood, or plastic, or glass.

You need to keep a n open m ind a nd be f lexible w it h

your choices. Start with colour choices, then layer on

pattern, consider key material options and, finally,

add accent touches to bring your scheme together.

Above all else, make it personal. After all, this is

your take on mid-century modern style. Try our

approach a nd, we prom ise, it w ill br ing more nua nce

and texture to your interior scheme.

Taken f rom Mid-Century Modern Living: the Mini

Moderns Guide to Pattern and Style by Keith

Stephenson and Mark Hampshire (Kyle Books).

Mix it up Consider the cushion your

gateway to pattern. Rotate them every

now and then to keep things fresh.

Bedding beautiful A duvet cover or

throw is a great way to experiment with

pattern. The bedroom is a personal

space so you can afford to be daring.

Throwing shade A patterned lampshade

will add instant drama to your interior.

Cut a rug Rugs bring warmth and

comfort to your space and play an

important role in defining areas.

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